“It pleases Jesus when we help others to Jesus.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 12, 2024
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Mark 10:13-15
Jesus is greatly displeased when children are hindered from coming to Him—not just displeased, but greatly displeased! Why? Children’s hearts have yet to be hardened against God’s Word; they are tender and teachable to the truth. They are also vulnerable to evil, bad people who take advantage of a child’s pure and trusting heart. Jesus is a child’s defender, protector, and provider. The disciples thought they were protecting Jesus, who didn’t need protection…they needed to protect the children by inviting them to come to their Savior and Protector—Jesus Christ. Jesus went on to explain that children reflect the Kingdom of God. How? Let’s consider…
The humility of the children coming to Jesus contrasts with the pride of the disciples keeping the children away from Jesus. The disciples were enamored by status and competed for roles they thought carried more authority with the Lord. Yet, what impressed Jesus was quiet service, not loud, pretentious claims of loyalty that slither away with any signs of suffering to come. The unassuming, loving children sought only a tender touch and a comforting embrace from their gentle Jesus. The disciples wanted to do for Jesus, but the children just wanted to be with Jesus.
Jesus is pleased when we invite children to Him for church, bible study, and being known.
I must ask myself: Am I greatly displeasing God by keeping someone from coming to Jesus? Do my words of compassion invite others to Christ, or do my harsh words hinder them from looking to Jesus for compassion and forgiveness? Do my comforting hugs draw my family toward faith in my heavenly Father, or does my hard, stoic face make them afraid of a distant, busy God? Am I serving Jesus with attractive love and humility, or is my work for the Lord to stroke my ego and eventually edges people away from the Lord? Thankfully, when my faith grows more childlike with honesty and purity, others become more curious about Christ, and Jesus is pleased.
Are you a proud, judgmental disciple who in your heart looks down on those away from God? Or, are you a humble Jesus follower who serves in the background, helping others come to Jesus?
Consider ways to help your children and grandchildren draw closer to an attractive Jesus. I brainstormed with my friend Bill recently the idea of inviting our grandchildren into Scripture memory. We plan to use index cards to write the Bible verse and reference on one side and the topic on the other side of the card. And, maybe we reward them with cash or a fun activity for hiding God’s Word in their hearts. When our girls were growing up, we read a chapter in Proverbs based on the day of the month and discussed it around the table at mealtime. When we had little ones, they enjoyed acting out the Bible stories with our oldest, Rebekah, as the in-house producer and director! You are pleasing to Jesus when you make it easy and attractive for others, especially children, to be curious about Jesus. Pray about creative ways, make it fun, get out of the way, and watch the Holy Spirit work. Learn from children as you help them to God, for such is His Kingdom!
“Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it’” (Luke 18:16-17).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, use me to make it easy for others to be curious about Jesus and want to learn of Him through Christ’s love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Consider helping children you know memorize Scripture.
Related Reading
Proverbs 22:6; Psalm 127:3-5; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 13:16
Worship Resource
Michael W. Smith: Above All
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