“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for BOTHERING him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’ Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and BLESSED them.”
Mark 10:13-16
In this passage of Scripture, we see some parents who were trying to get their children to Jesus so He would bless them.
The disciples responded like they were some kind of bodyguard. They saw the children as a bother. In their mind, Jesus was too important to minister to children. The children simply weren’t worth His time.
But look how Jesus responds. He scolded the disciples and told them to bring the children to Him. He didn’t see them as a bother. He saw them as a blessing. He took time to bless the children.
Children’s ministry was important to Jesus. We see this time and time again, as Jesus took time to minister to children. He healed children. He prayed over children. He even brought children who were dead back to life.
It is interesting to note what Jesus said about children and salvation. He didn’t say that children must become like an adult to be saved. Rather, He said that adults must become like a child to be saved.
There is no “Jr. Holy Spirit.” Children come to Jesus just as adults do.
How does your church view children? As a bother? Are kids are told sit still and be quite? Are they “sssshhhhed” a lot?
Are they made to feel like second class citizens?
Or are children considered a blessing at your church? Are they valued? Are they invested in? Are they cared for and loved?
When you welcome children into your midst, you are ushering in God’s blessings upon your ministry. Children were a blessing to Jesus and the church that makes children’s ministry a top priority will see God’s blessings fall upon their church.
1. Read Mark 10:13-16 again. Meditate on these verses. What is God saying to you through these verses?
2. Spend some time talking with Jesus about what you just read.
3. What is one step you can take to make children a blessing at your church instead of a bother?
This is an excerpt from my new book - 52 Devotions for Children's Ministry Leaders. You can get your copy today at this link. It's great for team huddles, personal devotions, emails, staff meetings, etc.
