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When Peter cut off Malchus’ right ear, Jesus told him to put his sword away (John 18:10-11). The apostle’s swordplay was not the only unwanted help Jesus’ disciples would give Him. They had caused other headaches, and we can learn from their mistakes. Look at the time Jesus corrected His followers about their treatment of children.

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16. Unless otherwise stated: Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Used by permission. All rights reserved. See also Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-16).

Well-meaning guardians regularly brought their children to Jesus, hoping He would bless them. The disciples prohibited it. We don’t know why, but we can guess it had to do with how they perceived Jesus’ purpose. If they thought he was meant to be a great military and political leader, they might have said, “Leave Jesus alone, He is too busy to worry about blessing kids!”

When Jesus noticed what they were doing, he was very upset. He gave them two commands and a reason for what he commanded.

“Let the little children come to me…” To fulfil this command disciples had to stop restricting the caretakers of the children by their false understanding of the Messiah. Holding the adults back was holding the children back. It is often the case that the actions of adults impede children’s pursuit of Jesus.

“… do not forbid them…” It wasn’t good enough that Jesus’ followers would stop turning these families away. They were to continue not placing anything in the way that would hinder the children’s pure approach to Jesus. We should regularly examine ourselves to be sure that our actions, or inaction, do not discourage someone from following the Christ.

“… for of such is the kingdom of heaven…” In Matthew 18:4, Jesus specified that humility is a child-like trait everyone must have to enter the kingdom. It was a constant struggle for those who were closest to Jesus to understand that they were better because they were associated with Him, not that they were associated with Him was not because they were better. Spiritually, they were on the same level as the children. The children could be close to Jesus because they were innocent, the disciples were dependent upon the sacrifice Jesus would provide on their behalf.

In the spirit of providing a clear way for Children to learn of Jesus, we will be hosting a Vacation Bible School (VBS) From July 28th-31st. There will be classes for adults and children of all ages. It begins on Sunday, at 9 a.m., with Bible class. Then worship is at 10. It continues Sunday through Wednesday evening, from 6-8. 

Van Sprague is an evangelist at the Church of Christ at Houston Park. He has a wife and three children. Come Visit! Sunday morning Bible class is at 9, with worship after, at 10 and 5 pm. Wednesday night Bible class is at 6.