Text: Mk.10:13-16.
“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.”
Theme: “Do Not Hinder Them!”
The Lord Jesus Christ says, “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”(Jn.6:37). This is to say he receives whoever comes to him irrespective of gender, age or race.
The people whom the Lord Jesus has called to assist him or work for him should know what he stands for – which is directing to his presence all who come to him.
Our job description is to lead every comer to the presence of the Lord. We are not in a position to determine whom the master sees.
It is possible that those parents had been in the presence of Jesus and enjoyed his blessings. They took pains to prepare their children and brought them to Jesus to place his hands on them. “But the disciples rebuked them.” Fortunately for the parents and their children, the drama was unfolding infront of Jesus. Jesus saw and was indignant! He was angry! Some people call it holy anger or righteous anger, all we read is that he was indignant!
What if Jesus had not seen what transpired? How many of such rebukes had gone unnoticed by Jesus and the people sent away?
It is regrettable that there is a subtle evil that has harmed many and continue to harm many. Most of the time this evil goes unnoticed. It is perpetuated by gatekeepers/security guards and junior staff. These persons defy their job descriptions as they decide who has to see top leadership. They judge by attire, stature, skin pigmentation or an unexplainable biased disdain for the person. They just decide to block some people thereby causing those people to lose great opportunities.
We are called to call and bring others to Christ. We are not called to be overzealous henchmen deciding who sees the Master or not.
Besides, there is a sense in which our own nauseating lives keeps others away from the Lord. Moreso, we ourselves need childlike innocence and naivity that humbles us and grants us access into God’s kingdom.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to direct the way and not to drive away those who are seeking Christ’s audience. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
30/07/2025.