He Took Them in His Arms

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on 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. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”

— Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)

People kept bringing small children to Jesus so He would put His hands on them. The disciples rebuked the ones carrying them, which means they scolded them and waved them off. Jesus saw it, and the anger landed on His own disciples. He told them to let the children through, and He called what they were doing hindering. Then He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them. One chapter earlier these same disciples had argued on the road about who was the greatest. Jesus answered by standing a child among them and taking the child in His arms. Now they were pushing away children other people had carried to Him. The kingdom of God means life under God's rule. Receiving it like a child means being carried there and picked up. The line about never entering is about getting in under your own steam. In this scene other people did the carrying, and Jesus did the lifting.

Nobody is asking you to sort your life out before you pray. Maybe a message sits unanswered because you have no good news to send. Maybe you take the back row and slip out before the end. If that is you, the permission you are waiting for is already yours. You can answer that message today with nothing good to report.

Jesus, I am coming straight in today with nothing worked out first. No tidy opening and no list prepared. Here is what I actually have right now. Thank You for never turning anyone away. Please give me patience today with the people who interrupt me.