Interesting that after 3 years of traveling with Jesus that it would be the disciples themselves who would try to prevent the children of the village from approaching Jesus. Sometimes its difficult for us to shift gears, He had just finished teaching them more about love, marriage, divorce and forgiveness. Though Jesus is still intent on reaching Jerusalem he’s not about to pass up an opportunity to pass reach out to the children and impart a blessing to each one.
Audio: Coming Soon
Section 123 | Example of Little Children in Relation to the Kingdom
Perea
[one_third last=”no”]Matthew 19:13-15
13 Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
15 He laid his hands on them, and departed from there.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]Mark 10:13-16
13 They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them,1 but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation,2 and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.3 15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child,4 he will in no way enter into it.”
16 He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]Luke 18:15-17
15 They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. 17 Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”[/one_third]
Group Dialog:
- The Jewish tradition of blessing children on the Sabbath probably
- What blessing We can’t physically present our children to Jesus, so we how can present Jesus to our children?
- What age can discipleship begin?
- Why do you think the disciples not catch the error of their error of their priorities, motivation and actions when trying to prevent the children from coming to Jesus? – Have you ever found yourself in such a predicament? What did you do when you realized you were out of step with the Spirit?
- What should be the role and responsibility of spiritual leaders?
- What can you learn from the instances in which Jesus rebuked his disciples?
- What is it to come to Jesus as a little child?
- How might Jesus’ blessing of these children further the multiplication of disciples?
Learning Objectives: keeping in step with the spirit, passing the mantle, blessings, discipleship of children and all people,
Notes:
- The touch was for a blessing of a rabbi “that [the child] might grow up famous in the Law, faithful in marriage, and abundant in good works” (Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges) CR: Gen 48:9-20; 1Sam 1:24. While most parents think of their children as special, given all the miracles and mercy that Jesus had shone the people throughout Israel, its no wonder that parents came to Jesus with hopes that he would bless them, imparting some gift, passing the mantel and simply being in his presence. Most parents seek to give good things to their children (Mt 7:7-11, Sect 54h) – opportunities in sports, music and a loving home and family, but the greatest blessing and empowering experience we can give them is an encounter the risen Christ, faith in His Word, and Life through the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
- This is one of five instances that Jesus rebuked his disciples. 1) He rebuked Simon Peter: “Get behind Me, Satan!” Sec. 83; 2) James and John, when they offered to call down fire from Heaven onto the Samaritans who had refused to welcome Jesus Sec. 95; 3) this instance; 4) in the Garden Simon when Peter cut off Malchus’ ear Sec 153; and 5) the evening of the day of Jesus’ resurrection when He had to return to the disciples because they had not gone to meet Him in Galilee. Sec. 178
- CR The Kingdom, its principles, teachings and the responsibility of duties by its members are such that little children can cherish and carry them out (Mt 18:3; Mt 11:25; 2Tim 3:15; Isa 40:11) yet challenging for adults who must transform their mindset and behavioral patterns (1Pt 2:1-2; 1Cor 14:20).
- To receive the Kingdom like a child is to believe the Gospel and to utterly and completely surrender and endear oneself to Christ simplicity and faith, humility and love. Those who would seek proofs, attempt to earn their way, or first attempt to understand the most difficult aspects will labor long and in vain. Its comes by faith (Rom 10:17), a child-like faith which is sufficient to receive God’s grace, and open one’s heart in love and adoration of God as you sojourn as a disciple.
