Jesus loved children
Daily Scripture
Mark 10:13-16
13 People were bringing children to Jesus so that he would bless them. But the disciples scolded them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he grew angry and said to them, “Allow the children to come to me. Don’t forbid them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children. 15 I assure you that whoever doesn’t welcome God’s kingdom like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he hugged the children and blessed them.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
When we read this sweet story, we may not realize that first-century culture did not value children very much. “Children, along with women, old men, and slaves, were viewed as physically weak burdens on society who had little value to the wider life of the community.” * When Jesus overruled his disciples and welcomed children, he spoke volumes to those bringing their children for a blessing. Jesus regularly uplifted the marginalized and corrected those who thought too highly of themselves.
- One of the greatest legacies you can leave for those you care about is not money or property, but simply steady, reliable love. When you were a child, did your parents or other adults lovingly bring you to Jesus for his blessing and guidance for life? If you are a parent, grandparent or have another connection with one or more children, how can you bring them to Jesus so that he can bless them with God’s love in addition to your love?
- Loving children takes more than cute photos and fuzzy emotions. “Children are more treasured these days, but caring for children often isn’t valued. Child-care workers are frequently poorly paid and the work is often considered a low-status profession. Parents who leave the workforce to care for children… lose income but sometimes even more: a sense of identity, a relationship network, and even a feeling of worth. What if we valued caring for children the way Jesus did?” **
Prayer
Lord God, sustain in me the childlike trust and wisdom to always value the eternal treasure you offer. And give me the adult wisdom to value the children you cherish and all those who care for and teach them. Amen.
GPS Insights
Katy Nall
Katy Nall serves as the Program Director of Missions for Resurrection West. She is a mom of two and loves to be outside in the sunshine, especially if it involves mountains or ocean. She loves hiking, reading, learning, and connecting.
As you probably know, last week at Resurrection was one of our favorite weeks of summer—Vacation Bible Camp! This week is a highlight of the summer for kids and volunteers alike—kids get to have a blast making friends, exploring their faith, and having all kinds of fun! This year I was a volunteer leader for a group of 4th Graders (The Red Rockers) at Resurrection West and we had an absolutely fantastic week!
One of my 4th graders was 10 years old physically, but he was about 45 in his soul. Every day our group shared an ice breaker as we arrived and Quincy’s answers never failed to surprise me. Favorite musical artist? Beethoven. Favorite animal? Dodo bird (extinct). Perfect day? Reading by the fire. When the other kids were wild and running around, Quincy was thoughtful and quiet. He answered every Bible story question correctly and may be the only 10-year-old I’ve met who can point out Israel on a map.
Just as Quincy countered cultural norms by loving Beethoven and Dodo birds, Jesus countered the cultural norms of his time by embracing and blessing children. We too are called to honor and support and teach our kids—even the ones that aren’t ours! Whether through volunteering in Kid’s Ministry, going on a serve trip with students, or simply being present in the lives of young ones, each of us can play a role in bringing children to Jesus.
One way we do this is by supporting children’s education! This Wednesday evening (July 24) our Leawood location is hosting a screening of the documentary “The Right to Read” which highlights the absolutely vital role of attaining literacy by 3rd grade for children. They will present an opportunity for adults to volunteer in our partner schools just 30 mins a week—something you can do on a lunch break or between afternoon appointments. That is just one way to make a difference in the life of a child—and the possibilities are endless! By doing so, we not only live out our Christian faith but also ensure that the legacy we leave is one of steady, reliable love—love that reflects the heart of Christ!
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* From https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1-300/jesus-loved-children-11629553.html.
** Karen Chakoian, study note on “Childcare” in The CEB Women’s Bible. Nashville: Common English Bible, 2016, p. 1241.
