Christmas leads us to Children

Scripture:

Mark 10:13   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.

Observation:

Interestingly, Jesus’ comments on divorce are immediately followed by these regarding children. Many have suggested that there was a direct connection being made by Jesus because he knew that it was the little children who would be hurt by divorce. Jesus wrapped these children in his arms, elevating their status before the whole community, and loved them. 

The picture of the day would have been poignant. Sixty percent of children did not survive to the age of sixteen and the parents would have been anxious to have their child blessed by the teacher. We can imagine mothers coming with their little ones, asking for Jesus’ touch, but it wasn’t just mothers, it’s believed that fathers brought children too, and then, that older children brought their younger siblings. This is a vision of our active participation in the kingdom of God — every member courageously bringing another to Jesus. 

The discipleship of Jesus’ followers continues as he reminds them that they are not to seek positions of status, nor power, but to be as these little children. 

Application:

This is Christmas eve and today and tomorrow we will celebrate the arrival of the Messiah as a baby. Over and over again we are reminded throughout the gospels of the value and importance of children. God the Father needed to be able to entrust his son into the care of a welcoming family. This is a reflection of what is to happen within the family of God. Jesus illustrated this again and again while he was here on earth. He broke down the societal barriers and openly welcomed little children into his midst. Because of his actions, the early church embraced the need to be responsible for, and to care for children. This has been a part of the ethos of Christianity for centuries. As a result the church has had orphanages, adoption services, and today child sponsorship and communities of faith becoming centers for foster care. 

We welcomed a new baby into our family this week. He was finally born twelve days after his due-date. Never does time move more slowly than when you’re waiting for a baby to come! As we’ve been waiting, day after day, for the arrival of this little boy, I’ve thought much about the people of God anticipating the arrival of the Messiah. Day after day, year after year, God’s people were hopeful and waiting, wondering with every sign whether the time had come. Just as we knew that the baby would eventually arrive, so did the people of God. There would be a Messiah! The surprise was the way in which he arrived — as a baby. 

Jesus often comes to us in ways that are a surprise and that’s why he used children as an illustration. He had arrived as a small child and in him was the hope of the entire kingdom of God. Now, we are called to look upon children and see within them the great potential within God’s kingdom. We are to love and care for them, providing a place for them in this world. It’s not enough to just speak up against a policy, but we must engage in providing a way for children to come to Christ. The early Christians followed Jesus’ lead and intentionally went out to find and minister to children. If we are to follow the example of Christ in this Christmas season, then he will lead us to embrace ministry to children. 

A few months ago I was in Zimbabwe where I had the opportunity to teach our pastors on holiness. For two days as I taught, a whole group of children sat in the back of the room. Many of them were involved in the Caravan program and helped to provide special music for the time we had together. The final act of the two days was to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. Pastors came forward to lead us in this special time but I noticed something happening in the back of the room. I asked our leader what what was going on and he told me that the little children were being held back and told that they could not participate in communion. I asked him why, and he said it was because they had been told by someone that children weren’t allowed but that he had always thought they should be welcomed to the table. All I could think of was this passage of scripture and so I told him to allow them to come. The older children brought the younger children and they lined up to take part. We had run out of the little cups and elements so I just began to break bread and dip it in the cup for them. It was in that moment that the Lord broke through in our meeting. I’m not sure that any of the pastors will remember the words I spoke but they will remember the beauty of the innocent children, lining up to partake in the grace of God in their lives. 

It’s Christmas eve, and we should be lining up as little children, ready to partake in all that the Father has provided for us. We bring our little ones with us on that journey, and invite all the other little ones that we can to join with us. We become protectors of the children, doing more than society ever would, blessing them and keeping them safe. 

Prayer:

Lord, let us love children well, and follow them into your kingdom. Amen.