“The parents kept bringing their little children to Jesus so that he would lay his hands on them and bless them. But the disciples kept rebuking and scolding the people for doing it. When Jesus saw what was happening, he became indignant with his disciples and said to them, ‘Let all the little children come to me and never hinder them! Don’t you know that God’s kingdom realm exists for such as these? Listen to the truth I speak: ‘Whoever does not open their arms to receive God’s kingdom like a teachable child will never enter it.’ Then he embraced each child, and laying his hands on them, he lovingly blessed each one.” Mark 10:13-16 TPT
When children are born into this world, they are innocent and trusting. A gentle touch, a soft word, and with their basic needs met, they begin to trust and love those caring for them. Matters of the world around us are not important to their livelihood, as long as they can feel secure in their surroundings. Children tend to trust those who truly care for them, therefore, as adults, knowing that we have a God who loves us unconditionally, should cause us to seek him with childlike faith.
In this passage, Jesus is blessing the little children, while the disciples were criticizing him for doing so. Jesus immediately explained the importance of taking the time to care for and bless these little ones. In his explanation, he described the innocence of a child, that as they are cared for and loved, with their childlike faith and trust, they received his blessings, which is his desire for each of us. As adults, we have gone through life experiences, many of which have attempted to tear us away from God, but here, Jesus is explaining, that we are to except him with childlike faith, with his assurance, that it is ours for the asking.
Heavenly Father, help us to remember that we are loved, and that in our acceptance of all you have available for us, help us to receive with childlike faith, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret