And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Allow the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Verily I say unto you, Whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.         Mark 10:13-16

The above verses began following Jesus’ teaching on divorce. Many people were gathered around listening to Him when this particular event took place. Please picture Jesus as best you can, His disciples, and what was probably a very large group of people and children. We don’t know who ‘they’ are, but we do know that a couple of them made the decision that their children needed to be touched by this Man…literally, but probably more so in a deeper way; as they had been touched. Can you just picture it? He was unlike anyone they had ever seen or heard. Therefore, they brought those they loved the most to the One they couldn’t do without.

Do you think they approached Jesus in silent awe, or boldly as if nothing could stop them? I don’t know the answer to that, but I think I know how Jesus received them. Can’t you see the sparkle in His eyes as He saw them come? I’d give anything to see His radiant smile as He opened His arms wide to embrace the lives He created. And what about the children? Without a doubt in my mind, they were drawn to Him like a fish is drawn to water. How could these little ones hesitate in the least to approach Pure Love? Their hearts had to know what their little minds couldn’t yet fully comprehend.

The disciples jumped in. If anyone knew Jesus, it should have been them…shouldn’t they have known He would love these little ones any time of the day or night? But in all fairness, they were probably doing their best to ‘protect’ Jesus from the constant need all around Him. Although their actions did not please Him, His response was one of gentleness and love. “Come to me children; come”..…He wants them.  Isn’t that beautiful? But let’s not overlook the fact that Jesus will not have anyone, for any reason keep the little ones from Him. So Jesus corrects His disciples, not only for their sakes, but for the benefit of the people and the children. He doesn’t want anyone to be ignorant of His heart. He tells all who were present (and all of us as well), just who the kingdom of heaven belongs to. It is for the very ones in front of Him and for any who are willing and eager to come. Children are open to new things, eager to learn, and willing to follow. All who enter His kingdom must be open—eager— and willing.

I can’t help but peek in on the disciples in my mind. Here stood John and Peter, Matthew and Luke…watching Him with the children, and listening to His powerful words. I can imagine tears streaming down their cheeks as once again they were allowed to see more of who their Master really was. How incredible to be in the midst of a God who never stopped giving, never stopped teaching, and never stopped loving. I’m sure each and every one of them learned a lesson that day that they never forgot. There could never be any question again where children stood in the sight of God.

For Today: There is so much to think about in these few verses. Friends, the more I get into the Word, the more I realize that we should never read the Word without seeing the Word alive. We can’t guess about things we don’t know, but I believe that God wants us to apply what we know about His character and the context of the situation and let it become real to us. If we don’t we may only read about Him rather than experience Him. What else can YOU think about in these verses?

Here is one last thought: Mom’s and Dad’s, we are to bring our children to Jesus just like ‘they’ did. It is our responsibility and joy to point them to Him, to where they are always welcome and always wanted. God has appointed us to show them who He is and tell them who He is….. As we do, and by His grace we are given the fantastic privilege of watching our own children realize that His touch is the one they need, and His arms are where they belong…….every single day of their lives.

      Have you brought your son or daughter to be touched by Jesus?