The Sweet Embrace of Jesus.

Mark 10:13–16 NRSV

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Introduction: BBC Interview gone wrong. Kids can be fantastically unpredictable. How does Jesus include them in His mission?

Barriers Keeping Children from Jesus

In Jesus’ Day.

Mark Blessing the Children (10:13–16)

In the ancient world, children had no status. They were easily ignored and barred access because no one would take the trouble to complain and fight for them. These children, who must be brought to Jesus by others, have nothing to commend an audience with him and cannot defend themselves against bullies. Jesus holds them up again as an example. Their littleness contrasts sharply with the overbearing disciples, who want to assert their power and influence. The disciples need to learn not only to minister to the little ones but also to adopt the attitude of littleness. The little ones are easily pushed aside because they are weak, but God works most powerfully in weakness. When one is appropriately little, like a child, or poor in spirit (Matt 5:3), one is more open to receiving the reign of God. Children are also more open to receiving gifts than adults. Adults want to earn what they get, as the next scene with the rich man reveals.

https://research.lifeway.com/2019/01/15/most-teenagers-drop-out-of-church-as-young-adults/#:~:text=Two%2Dthirds%20(66%20percent),from%20Nashville%2Dbased%20Lifeway%20Research.

Reasons:

Simply moved to college and stop attending - 34%

Church members seemed judgmental/hypocritical - 32%

Didn’t feel connected to anyone in my church 29%

Disagreed with Church’s stances on poltical/social issues. 25%

Work responsibilities prevented it. 24%

Research from Sticky Faith. What keeps children’s Faith Stick beyond college.

Inter-generational Worship

Each Child Identifying 7 adults that they consider friends beyond graduation.

https://skitguys.com/videos/im-not-volunteering-kids-ministry-excuses

Rather than putting up barriers....

Jesus Embraces Children.

The idea of taking them in his arms really has the sense of hugging them. To take into the crooks of one's arms.

Children are not the future of the Church, they are the Church: The word for belong in "For to such belongs" is simply the to be word. So a simple translation would be "For to such is the kingdom of God."

Trumpet Story at Church

Growing Young:

Prioritize Young People and families everywhere.

Does not mean dis-respect older people, or dis-honor them - But when we older folks prioritize young people a reverb happens - relationships are built, young people begin to love being with you and giving back out of respect.

Take Jesus’ Message Seriously

Here in the text the goal is to bring the children to Jesus

Fuel a Warm Community

Jesus as our model embraces (hugs) the children and Blesses them.

For Jesus it is vitally important that we share the Gospel with young people. One way to read verse 15. . "whowever might not accept the Kingdom of God like a young child might not ever enter into it."

So what can we do?

Removing Barriers and Inviting Children into Jesus’ Embrace.

Aphiemi - Meaning Jesus told the disciples to authoritatively give the parents permission to come to him.

- Children—especially babies—can be demanding at times. They don’t know to follow cultural rules or how to engage properly with polite society. However, as believers, we know that children are a gift, and we should be gracious when our lives are interrupted by them—especially within the context of the church.

Mutual Mentoring: We all have a responsibility to spur one another on to good deeds and to allow iron to sharpen iron. Everyone is older or more mature than someone else. Teens can mentor middle school or elementary students. For adults, remind your congregation that there isn’t a time in our lives when we’ve paid our dues and can opt out of investing in the next generation. The wisdom that a mature person in faith and/or age and experience can offer the younger person is immeasurable. Everyone benefits when, instead of disparaging one another over generational differences, we concentrate on gospel-focused discipleship.

1. Instead of going away to serve on mission, there are lots of ways to be missional in your own community, especially when it comes to children and families.

Vision Tool for Children - Talk Through it.

Worship - Intergenerational - Be intentional about not just building relationships with your generation.

Children’s Ministry - Serving there so that kids do connect the dots at age relatable ways around the Gospel.

Missional Communities - Growing Young “Being a Good Neighbor.”

Building Intergenerational relationships

Bill asking Naomi about her carrier plans.

Laughter when playing games across generations.

Modelling Mission together.

Conclusion: Are we ready to embrace children and youth as Jesus did?