Meditations

“And they were bringing children to Him so that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said, ‘Let the children come to Me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And He took them in His arms and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)

It was customary for parents to bring their children to the rabbis for blessing, so, of course, it was not unusual to bring them to Jesus and He welcomed them all. “It’s only natural that in close proximity to a discussion of marriage, Mark includes this focus on the children. And for the second time in two chapters (9:36), we witness Jesus picking them up in His arms. It’s also likely that at this point in His life He might have needed to hold the children as much as they needed to be held and touched and blessed by the laying on of His wonderful hands. And what a blessing that must have been! Jesus did not perform baptisms, but in many of today’s churches there are heartwarming infant baptisms where a pastor dips his hand in the holy water and places it on the baby’s head as he pronounces a blessing over the child – it is just beautiful and these moments in Jesus’ arms must have been similarly awesome.” (Michael Card)

Yes, God wants us to be childlike, but not childish. “In their humble dependence on others, their acceptance of all, and their understanding of their position in life, children resemble our walk of faith. We enter God’s kingdom solely by faith, helpless, unable to save ourselves, totally dependent upon the mercy and grace of God. We enjoy His kingdom by having faith in His love for us and His willingness to supply us our daily needs. Where does a child instantly go when he or she is hurt? They take it to Mom or Dad. What an example for us to follow in our relationship with our heavenly Father!” (Tim Keller) Unlike many of today’s “modern” couples, Jesus and the Jewish culture in general viewed children as gifts rather than burdens, rich treasures from God and not a liability. Indeed, it made Jesus downright indignant to see them treated otherwise! (Psalm 127:3-5 and 128:3-6)

David