Tuesday, March 21, 2022
Listen to the Word
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. (Mark 10:13-14)
Our Scripture describes a scene in which Jesus is being mobbed by little children. I envision them climbing on him like a jungle gym. The disciples are offended and want to protect Jesus from the indignity of hanging out with preschoolers. Their logic seems to be that the Messiah has adults to teach, demons to defeat, diseases to heal, and other tasks they consider much more important than hanging out with a bunch of snotty kids.
Jesus is offended, too. But he’s not offended by the kids climbing on him. He’s offended by his disciples trying to run them away. He speaks profound words inviting kids to come to him – those who were with him that day and every kid on the planet since them. He even urges us sophisticated adults to be more like those kids. Jesus welcomes children!
Live the Word
What is a childlike trait that you have left behind that Jesus might want you to pick back up? Ask him to help you grow in childlikeness.