The disciples’ eyes

People were bringing children to Jesus to be touched by Him (lay hand and pray), but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. It’s not clear why the disciples reacted this way. Perhaps they thought that they shouldn’t bother Jesus any further, or maybe they believed that children wouldn’t understand Jesus’ teachings. This world tends to look down upon and devalue, the small, and the poor. The disciples, too, were likely judging things based on the standards of this world. From the perspective of the world, children appeared to be nothing more than hindrances to ministry.

Jesus’ eyes

(1) Jesus, observing the disciples’ behavior and became indignant. Let’s remember that indignation against injustice is a form of love. (2) Jesus invited the children to come to Him. Even now, Jesus invites the weak, the small, and the poor—those whom the world tends to look down upon and devalue. (3) Jesus highly valued the simple trust and their capacity to receive love. Children have spirituality that adults may lack. (4) The sole condition to enter the kingdom of heaven is childlike trust. The little ones know they lack strength, so their only way to live is to trust. God desires us to have such trust. There is an important lesson in today’s passage. Let’s continue speaking God’s word to children. Even if results don’t appear immediately, let’s be hopeful and continue speaking to them. At due time, it will bear significant fruit. Also, let’s repent and turn from life negotiating with God. We are not children of slavery but children of God. The indwelling Spirit gives us the cry, “Abba, Father.” Let’s pray through the Spirit and walk as children of light by the Spirit. The Lord Jesus is calling you now.