Scripture

Jesus said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children.”

Observation

Some parents bring children to Jesus to have him bless them. The disciples scold them for bothering him. Jesus rebukes them and says they must let the children come for the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children. He then blesses the children.

A man comes running to Jesus and asks him what he must do to be saved. Jesus says to him, “You know the Commandments.” The man tools Jesus that he has obeyed the since he was young.

Jesus then tells the man he must sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor. Then he will have treasures in heaven and can come and follow Jesus. The man goes away disappointed.

Application

Jesus loves children and he welcomes them into the kingdom. This is a central fact that we must always remember. In the midst of doing God’s stuff, we can get so involved in the importance of what we are doing for the Lord that we dismiss the people we consider unimportant or irrelevant to the task at hand.

I have seen the celebrity pastors so full of their importance in God’s kingdom they have no time for adults, let alone children. It is a trap for all of us. We must take time for the children, the elderly, those with disabilities

Spending time with the least important people, especially children pops our bubble of self-importance and gives us both joy and humility.

Listen

Lord, what do you want to say to me about children?

Keith, every adult was once a child, but many seem to forget about this, They want children to fit into their adult sized plans.

I want you to honour and respect all my people. Develop a culture in church where everybody is level, especially children.