Mark 10:13-16

¹³ People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

This story is shared in three of the four gospels (Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, and Luke 18:15-17). And it’s worth reading over and over.

In reading it we might have some questions:

• I wonder how the children felt as they were held by Jesus.
• I wonder what the children said to Jesus (and what Jesus whispered in their ears)?
• I wonder what it’s like – even as an adult – to receive the Kingdom of God “like a child”?

Prayer

God, let me sit in Your presence today with innocence, joy, and wonder as I accept Your parental love for me as one of Your children. Thank You for claiming me through my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.