this weeks SN sermon notes
SN - 1/16/10 - get the podcast, watch the video!
Jesus and the little children
Mark 10:13-16
v13a - they brought..
“Will you be very angry if I say that a boy is more worth saving than a man? It is infinite mercy on God’s part to save those who are seventy; for what good can they now do with the [burnt] end of their lives? When we get to be fifty or sixty, we
are almost worn out, and if we have spent all our early days with the devil, what remains for God? But these dear boys and girls - there is something to be made out of them. If now they yield themselves to Christ they may have a long, happy, and holy day before
them in which they may serve God with all their hearts. Who knows what glory God may have of them? Heathen lands may call them blessed. Whole nations may be enlightened by them.” (Spurgeon)
v13b - that He might touch…
Notice, in most cases the sick were brought to Jesus to be touched and healed - here, parents seem more concerned with the soul of their children.
v13c - the disciples response…
v14a - Jesus’ response to the 12…
greatly displeased because:
1) He told them to not be like this in 9:37
2) They did not have the vision or heart of God
3) He had just told them to not be a stumbling block - this rebuke was very stumbling to all involved
v14b - let the little children come to Me…
Bringing children to Jesus should be the heart of every Christian - with their own children, and other children near and far.
Accomplish this through:
1) reading the bible with and praying with your children
2) memorizing verses with your children
3) supporting underprivileged children
4) adopting underprivileged children
Notice that the children seemed to actually like Jesus too. Kids do not like sour, somber, grumpy legalists - so Jesus was obviously nothing like that!
v14c - …do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God…
AND
v15 - …whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.
what does that mean?
In context, the children who had encountered Jesus:
1) had simply come to Jesus w/o saying or doing anything
a. some adults felt too unworthy to come to Jesus (woman bleeding)
b. some adults were too prideful to come to Jesus (pharisees)
c. some adults felt justified in coming to Jesus (rich young ruler)
Notice that the children simply liked Jesus. Kids do not like sour, somber, grumpy, legalists - so Jesus was obviously nothing like that!
What’s your perception of Jesus?
2) had endured opposition (do not forbid them) from the 12 on 2 occasions
Again, expect opposition to the Kingdom of God and know how to fight (children like to fight!)
3) They, like all children, were very good at receiving.
That, no matter how naughty or nice, is something all kids are good at!
Once some people come to Jesus, they often forget this and either try to earn blessing or feel like they never deserve blessing - just receive!
4) trusted Jesus.
They were not worried once in His arms - whether in His arms as an example, or in His arms receiving a blessing - they trusted Jesus. Do you?
Are you being made an example by maybe enduring something unpleasant? Trust Jesus, stay in His arms.
Are you in a season of blessing? - be humble and thankful and stay in His arms.
Consider other exemplary biblical children:
1) Samuel - readiness
2) Daniel - holiness
3) Mishael, Hannaniah, and Azariah - boldnbess
4) Mary - faithfulness
5) David - relationship
So, in terms of the kingdom of God - come, endure, receive, fight, and trust ….
like a child.
