And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them – Mark 10:13
I don’t remember much about being in kindergarten, but I can relate to the kindergarten experience since I work in an elementary school as a behavior interventionist. Sounds like a fancy job, but really it is about helping children deal with their behaviors so that they can be successful in class.
As you might imagine, I spend a great deal of my time working with the kindergarteners. They are very emotional people. They are away from their parents, most of them for the first time in their lives. They need lots of positive support from an adult whom they can feel safe with.
Prior to today’s text, the disciples had witnessed the Trans-figuration. Then they had seen Jesus drive a demon out of a young boy, heard him foretell his death on a cross, and experienced him settling an argument amongst them. They had tried to get Jesus to stop someone else from healing in Jesus’ name, they had listened to him talk about sinning and heard him address the subject of divorce. This was pretty serious stuff!
After all this, people had the audacity to bring children to him. What more can a disciple take?! But Jesus took the time to talk with, and I like to think, play with the children. I can hear the laughter of Jesus and the children. I think he needed to feel the love that only a little kid can bring to the table. He and they would not be denied.
So if you remember what it was like for you in kindergarten, think about that person who made you feel loved. Praise God that he loves you and cares for you. Let us come to him like a little child and play at his feet.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the heart of a child and let me play at your feet forever! Amen!
Contributed by Tom Johnson
Bible Reading
Read Mark 9:2-10:16 and record any insights you gain here.
Call to Connection
Journal a prayer to God about your burdens in life. Take a deep, cleansing breath when you’re done and try to leave these burdens to Him.