There are many adorable children who are part of our church family–some shy, others bold, others act like they’d rather not have you talk with them (that never stops me). One little girl in particular exudes joy, security and an assurance that she is loved. She boldly walks into the room with the folks who bring her. She stands with the cutest little grin on her face (like she knows I’m going to talk to her, and I am!) while I speak with them. When my eyes meet hers, they light up even more. She gives the BEST hugs and is not hesitant to tell me about what she brought with her, what prize she won in class. She knows she matters to me and I have a feeling she knows she matters to Jesus.
In Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV) we see Jesus’ heart for these precious little ones:
“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” (A bit of backstory: when Jesus was on earth it was very common that parents would bring their children to a rabbi for a blessing. It happened all the time. The multitudes knew Jesus as rabbi.)
When I picture this story, I see Jesus in a park-like setting (birds and butterflies abound, that is possibly the Disney effect). He is sitting on a large boulder, people all around, as He is teaching principles of His kingdom. The sun is shining, those birds are singing and children are running freely to Jesus with huge smiles on their faces. (Thank you Mrs. Wintz, flannelgraph Bible story figures and Sunday School.)
Rabbi Jesus uses this common occurrence to introduce new Kingdom principles:
- Jesus wants children to come to Him and not be hindered. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them.” (verse 14) As a community of believers we provide a learning environment for three age groups of children each week. We do it while we are in a building and will do it as we return to the park. Children are given the opportunity to learn to run to Jesus, to receive His blessing, to learn about Him and His Kingdom. Children are not tomorrow’s church waiting in the wings for their turn. They are as much a part of today’s church as you and me. You might be thinking, “Great. We are allowing the children to come to Jesus. We have classes for them after all. Good on us. Glad that’s all taken care of.”
Let’s not be so quick to pat ourselves on the back. Those classes need “Jesus with skin on” – teachers and helpers – enough for every class, every week, every month. Maybe Jesus is asking you to be His hands, feet and voice to these little ones. It isn’t hard…love never is. It doesn’t require a doctorate in theology…just a heart to discover together what Jesus and His Kingdom are all about. You’ll be provided with all you need. You can call the office this week or on Sunday talk with Marina Castro, Lorisa Robles or any leader and we will get you involved with extending the Kingdom to these precious gifts. Let’s not hinder the little ones any longer. One hour…to change the world.
- Approaching God’s Kingdom is represented by how a child approaches Jesus.
“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (verse 15)How do children come to Jesus? Freely, joyfully, unhindered, because their hearts are not yet entangled with other things. They don’t doubt when they sing, “Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” We adults could learn something from them!
Children simply come with an unfiltered trust and dependence on Jesus. They come with delight as they sense the heart of God towards them.
This, my friends, is how we all need to approach Jesus. In unfiltered trust and dependence, hearts untangled, freely (because he whom the Son sets free is free indeed), with great joy (because the God of all creation is standing with arms open wide). Ready to receive His blessing and to feel His divine power flow through us as He touches us.
The Kingdom is filled with those who delight in knowing that God delights in them.
The little girl I mentioned delights in knowing that those who bring her to church delight in her and that I delight to see her every time.
Let’s be childlike.
Let’s be present for our children in the classroom. We need to show them we’ve learned that as disciples we must stop hindering OURSELVES from coming to Jesus. Throwing off all the religious weight, all the untruth, the hurt, we can then joyfully kick off our sandals, run to Jesus and climb up on His lap (everyone fits!). We’ll see His smile and hear His voice as He says our names and speaks blessing and love over us! Then we can jump down and run to find others to invite to do the same.
Let’s be that community!
Father, help us to be a community of believers where children are free to come to learn with teachers that show the way to you. Help each of us throw off anything that hinders us from coming to you with full joy and expectancy. Give us the heart to grab the hands of others so they can run to you too. In Jesus’ name, amen.