THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 10:13-16
“He took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:16)
This picture of Jesus appeals to me, welcoming the children.
Too often in my experience of church, children are meant to be seen, not heard.
We force them to be quiet it church so we can concentrate.
Or we give them a children’s moment, then shoo them off to children’s church.
I recall a visiting mom sitting in the very back with her crying child.
A friend sitting next to her was horrified by all the darks looks she got.
The message was clear, your child belongs in the babysit, not here.
This strikes me as the same as the disciples rebuking these parents.
When I imagine God’s family room, I imagine kids being there too.
Running, laughing, playing, making noise and being seen and heard.
They will be part of the moment, and not sent away by adults to the playroom.
The kids and adults will all feel welcome, and blessed, and enjoy each other.
This sounds a lot like ‘messy church’ (see what that is here).
Would you be more like Jesus, or like the disciples, with the kids around?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive us for shooing the kids away. Help us to see how kids are an important part of life in your kingdom! We need them and they need us!
I too need to be like a little child and come to Jesus with the trust and innocence that a young child has. All too often i come with my baggage.
And children are part of the family which needs to be inclusive = to be seen and to be heard. Jesus is also their friend. What better time than this to have Him as a role model, imitating Him. As an earthly father, my prayer is that my children follow His Way and what better way is there than bring them to Jesus, my Friend and theirs. At all ages we are part of His family – inclusive.
Come to the Savior now,
he gently calls to you;
in true repentance bow,
let him your heart renew.
Christ came that you may know
salvation, peace, and love,
true joy on earth below,
a home in heaven above.