Jesus Loves Kids
09/18/11
Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 19:13-15
It was a common practice to take children to the local rabbai or priest for a blessing. Traditionally the priest or rabbai would lay hands on the child’s head and pronounce a blessing on him or her from God.
We don’t know who brought the kids to Jesus on this day. It could have been parents, relatives, neighbor or a friend. But they cared enough about the kids to take them to see Jesus and receive his blessing.
This passage we see Jesus welcoming children into his presence. He takes time for them. The Lord wants to bless the kids. There is a special blessing that he will give to every child. It’s important that we remove the obstacles that keep kids from getting to know Jesus.
Set a good example for them. Develop quality activities for them to participate in when they come to church. Prepare well to welcome kids and teach them.
The receptiveness of the kids contrasted with the refusal of the religious leaders. The trust of a child toward Jesus is the same trust necessary for any of us to become a child of God.
The Lord lets us know kids are important to him. In the first century, children and women were little more than property. Jesus raises the standing and importance of both groups of people. One Christian author has called the Gospel “scandalous” because of how the gospel welcomes whoever will come. How are we doing in making church a place where children can come be loved, valued and cared for? How are we doing in helping kids fall in love with Jesus? Will you be ready to welcome “whosoever comes” this Sunday?
Podcast
It was a common practice to take children to the local rabbai or priest for a blessing. Traditionally the priest or rabbai would lay hands on the child’s head and pronounce a blessing on him or her from God.
We don’t know who brought the kids to Jesus on this day. It could have been parents, relatives, neighbor or a friend. But they cared enough about the kids to take them to see Jesus and receive his blessing.
This passage we see Jesus welcoming children into his presence. He takes time for them. The Lord wants to bless the kids. There is a special blessing that he will give to every child. It’s important that we remove the obstacles that keep kids from getting to know Jesus.
Set a good example for them. Develop quality activities for them to participate in when they come to church. Prepare well to welcome kids and teach them.
The receptiveness of the kids contrasted with the refusal of the religious leaders. The trust of a child toward Jesus is the same trust necessary for any of us to become a child of God.
The Lord lets us know kids are important to him. In the first century, children and women were little more than property. Jesus raises the standing and importance of both groups of people. One Christian author has called the Gospel “scandalous” because of how the gospel welcomes whoever will come. How are we doing in making church a place where children can come be loved, valued and cared for? How are we doing in helping kids fall in love with Jesus? Will you be ready to welcome “whosoever comes” this Sunday?
Podcast