The Price of Admission
Elaine Poproski Download: Audio
Scripture: Mark 10:13 – 16
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. Read more…
Looking to Sunday
by Elaine Poproski
I really like kids. Especially little kids. Babies and toddlers and preschoolers are probably among my favourites. I love having conversations with these little ones. Even before they can say words or complete sentences, they can communicate with babbles and gurgles and giggles. Once they have learned to speak, I love asking little kids questions about all sorts of bizarre things. I love listening to their imaginations as their ideas take flight. They’re not yet hampered by the laws of physics – by what’s possible or probable. The line between fantasy and reality is pleasantly blurred. It’s as likely that a child this age will expect to grow up to be a dragon as a teacher or a doctor or a dancer. I like little kids so much that I find it hard to understand how it’s possible that there are people out there who can’t stand them or who don’t have time for them.
In the ancient Jewish world, children were tolerated. Sure, they were loved by their families, but they were also in the way. Everyone just kind of put up with them until they got to an age where they were finally useful. It’s not that surprising that when people brought their kids to Jesus so He could bless them, the disciples tried to turn them away. Someone as important as Jesus certainly shouldn’t be bothered by children. But when Jesus saw what was going on, He was indignant. In the Greek, the word we translate as indignant could also be translated as aroused to anger. He wasn’t just miffed by the disciples’ actions. He wasn’t just frustrated. He was angry. Not only didn’t He share His culture’s low estimation of children, but He actually upheld them as examples for anyone who wanted to be His disciples. That’s what we’re going to be talking about on Sunday as we consider the words of Mark 10:13 – 16.
As you prepare for Sunday, consider these words of Jesus’: “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” What do these words mean? I’m sure many of you are familiar with them and have some assumptions already about their meaning, but take some time to consider them anew. What do these words mean in terms of what it is to be a disciple of Jesus? How might God be using these words to challenge you in your discipleship? What would it be like for you to receive God’s kingdom as a little child?