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Mark - Who is Christ?
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to MARK
PART 5 - Christ Reveals His Death and His Life to His Disciples (Mark 8:27 - 10:45)

10. Jesus Blessed the Children (Mark 10:13-16)


MARK 10:13-16
13 They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” 16 He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Christ builds the kingdom of God. He does not gather it in the first place from philosophers, theologians, and scribes in the first place, but his kingdom is also open to simple, ignorant, and little ones. This kingdom is not limited to adult men and hardworking mothers, but is prepared for all men equally if they respond to the love of God. It is also not limited to the head, the mind, and reason, but also includes the hearts and sentiments with the will.

Some mothers tried to bring their children to Christ that he might bless them with his touch, affecting their future, and securing their success. They probably felt that their children had faults, diseases, and inherited sins, and therefore they wished to have the Savior’s pure Spirit dwell in them.

The disciples, for their part, thought that Jesus dealt only with adults who understood his divine calling, his sublime teachings, and his deep thoughts. Therefore, they prevented the mothers from coming near to Christ lest the cries of the children might not disturb the quiet meditation.

Jesus was displeased with this attitude. He showed his anger clearly, stating that the kingdom of God is also accepted by the heart and not only by the mind. Every child naturally loves his parents. He does not know the reason himself, but trusts them at all times, because he senses their care and attention. He does not worry himself, for he puts himself in his parents’ hands. This is the meaning of faith: to trust God, our heavenly Father, and respond to him at all times, feeling secure in our hearts, and thanking him joyfully.

Dear friends, who are in charge of children, teach the little ones the love and power of Christ. Do not speak to them using difficult words, which they do not understand, and do not retain in their memory. Show the kindness of the Son of God to them, as you read in the gospel. Sing them songs of praise, and play with them to educate them, as Christ took them in his arms and blessed them, for joy is the clear witness of Jesus’ Spirit, and divine love is still the key to the heart. The little ones will soon recognize these two properties: joy and love, even if their minds are still immature.

PRAYER: O heavenly Father, we worship you, because your beloved Son lived in our world, as a child secure in your care, and answered your love with continuous trust. Forgive our troubled heart, and open our minds to the joy of your love, that we may establish your children, believe in your salvation, be changed, serve the little ones in wise ways, and become a good example to them. Amen.

QUESTION:

  1. What is Jesus’ position towards little children?

A verse to memorize:
“Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
Assuredly, I say to you,
whoever does not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child will by no means enter it.”

(Mark 10:14)

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