Let the Little Children Come

Scripture – Mark 10:13-16: ¹³People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴When 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. ¹⁵I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Reflection: The other day in a Bible study, we got to talking about children. We observed they are voiceless and powerless in a culture run by adults. Usually they’re not taken seriously. They’re certainly not included in any big decisions. We easily overlook them.

Yet Jesus makes it a point to welcome them and receive them. He reminds me that each child is a person created and loved by God. Each child has great value because of that.

Our North American culture does tend to de-value children. We try to pay as little as possible for schools. We skimp on health care. We ignore the negative affects of poverty on our children. Even in the church, we don’t really listen to them. Then we wonder why they don’t pay attention to us when they become teenagers.

Lord, remind me to see and value all people today. Each one is someone of great worth. I’m sorry for not paying attention. Open my heart as I encounter children today.