The Gospel of Mark: Jesus blesses the children

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. ~ Mark 10:13-16


It's important to note that this passage comes after the discussion about status: who is the greatest? Jesus has already shown that the greatest becomes like a servant. You know, first shall be last.

He brought a child into the midst then and again he is allowing the children to come near. The status of the first century child was a low as you could get. They could literally be sold by their parents into servitude. A child had no status.

Still the disciples aren't getting it. Still they are concerned with how the world sees status.

But for Jesus - for the kingdom of God - once more, those who want to be first, must be willing to be last.

Those who want to be great, must serve.

Adults must be willing to have the status of children.

For those who aspire to importance or grandiosity or power, these words will take a long time to sink in. With the disciples.

And with us. 

 

Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen


Engagement Question:


Can you think of someone who has or had power that lived out Jesus' claims about the Kingdom? Someone who served rather than sought to be "great?"

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