Day 10 - Feb. 28

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

This passage is loved by so many who love and work with children such as, Sunday school teachers, Christian ed. directors, youth pastors and parents who love to hear that Jesus is concerned about all of us despite our age, race, ethnicity, sin, or history. But what if I told you that the focus of this passage might not be the children at all? The children are loved and welcomed by Jesus, but he is using this moment to teach the disciples and important lesson, "do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." I would like to take it a step further and add that Jesus would like the disciples to not only stop hindering the children but to bring the children to him. As disciples of Christ who love and care for children, we need to not only get out of the way so children can come to Jesus, but we need to help them get there.

This past week I read an article that I would like to share with you. As I read, this passage was in the back of my mind. Parents No. 1 Reason Teens Keep the Faith as Young Adults by David Briggs.