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Children and Parents: We Need Each Other To come to Jesus and to grow in our faith in Jesus

The same story about little children and Jesus is written in three of the Gospels: Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17. Each passage is very similar, but my favorite is in Mark.

Mark 10:13-16

"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."

I especially wanted to look at three of the actions noted in each of these passages:

  1. The children being brought to Jesus
  2. Jesus gathering them in to himself and blessing them
  3. The parents and others seeing and hearing what is going on here

First of all, isn't it wonderful that these parents were obedient and brought their children to God/to Jesus to ask Him to bless them? As caring parents we want the best for our young children—to be provided for here on earth, and in heaven. How can we bring our children to God? Well, we can share God's Word in the Bible with them during family devotions and bring them to church and Sunday school. Sometimes, with children with special needs that might mean finding a church that already includes children with disabilities, or helping your church to begin doing so.

Jesus sets his disciples straight. He gives them His priorities. And He shows them how to welcome and include ALL who come to Him.

It seemed to surprise the disciples that Jesus wanted to take time to be with the children. That might surprise us too as we get caught up in the "important" functions of the church and our busy lives. But we, as adults, need to be seeking God's priorities. I believe Jesus teaches about His priorities when He states, "...the kingdom of God belongs to such as these [children]. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

This passage clearly shows that parents and other adults "need" children to help lead them to a meaningful and saving faith in Jesus, the Savior. Children can show them how to simply come, trusting Jesus to meet their every need.

Dear Lord, Please, help us to put aside our priorities and to watch for yours. Sometimes we might find them in surprising places, such as our children, in their trust and faith. Thank you for using each of us, regardless of our ability to help others see Jesus. Please, bless us as you have blessed the children—not because we deserve it, but because you love us. In Your Son Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

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