Fifth Sunday Family Service – Kids and youth participated in worship, announcements, scripture reading, offering and prayer as families gathered together in the Sanctuary.
In Mark 10:13-16, it says: People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When 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. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.
These verses teach principles of Gods love for all of us. In one of our worship songs, we sang of God the Father. We are all children in Gods family, no matter our age.
Jesus lived and died so that people could come to belief and have eternal life. That is Jesus’ mission. The disciples were standing between Jesus and His mission to children. We are reminded that we need to have a special regard for children in our home and in our church. Consider: Are we helping or hindering Jesus’ mission?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1945) said, “It is from God that parents receive their children and it is to God that they should lead them.”
The kingdom of God belongs to children. Our church needs to pray for, teach and give our best to reach kids. We should deploy our best people to children’s ministry. Consider serving in this important ministry!
We were reminded that in Jesus’ time, there were no disposable diapers, wipes, or sanitizers. Babies are messy and noisy, but Jesus tolerated and welcomed them all because he loved and valued them. Jesus loves us all just as we are. He holds us, consoles us and hears our cry.
Like a Child….He blesses.
Matthew 7:11 “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?”
What does blessing look like? It is not necessarily wealth or health, a good school or sports skill. Jesus wanted to provide an enduring life – faith when we have need and when life is hard. May the blessing of Jesus carry us in a dark world,
walking with us in life through eternity.
Like a Child…In Potential
“The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
It belongs to the small, the weak, the least. In God’s eyes, we belong – kids and adults – because He sees potential. For example, an ordinary apple can have potential and purpose. It may take peeling, chopping or juicing, but it can become a pie or apple juice or something special. Jesus sees potential even when we feel ordinary. If we invite Jesus, He makes us all we can be!
Like a Child…In Trust
Children are trusting. Most people make the decision to follow God as a child. Even if you come to God as an adult, you do so by having a childlike trust.
Proverbs 3:5 “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” A life of faith first requires trust.
Like a Child…Poor
Children are poor. They are completely dependent. They have no job or retirement plan. Poverty is the starting place to heaven. We truly have nothing to offer to God except ourselves. In the story of the rich young ruler, he thought he had everything – riches materially, position and authority, but he couldn’t come to Jesus without becoming “poor”.
Like a Child...Young
Children are young. They are energetic. They grow and adapt. They can master languages and instruments easily. They like to be active. God is also “young” and energetic. To enter the kingdom of heaven, we need to approach with the energy of a child. We may not be physically strong as our body fades, but we can be young and vigorous in spirit. Come as a child.
Written by Debby Jarrell