Mark 10:13-16

¹³ People were also bringing little children to him so that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Allow the little children come to me; do not prevent them; because the kingdom of God is made of people like these. ¹⁵ I guarantee you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child does will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

wasted ministry

The disciples did not have anything against children. They just thought that Jesus was too important to waste his time on them. They deemed it better to explain the gospel to a person who could evaluate it logically. But here is where Jesus was using this incident to teach them insight about the coming kingdom. It had to be welcomed, like someone would welcome a stranger.

Logic would say “be careful, don’t commit, it may be a lie.” But childlike faith, trust and curiosity will say “I want that!” There is nothing but truth in the claims of Christ and the teachings of the Bible. Following Christ and obeying the truth is the logical thing to do. But if you wait until your thirst for proof is satisfied, you may wait too long. Jump in like a child.

It is no surprise that in every generation, most people come to Christ when they are young. Before fear and false teaching builds up spiritual callouses on their hearts, they jump in. Time spent ministering the gospel to the young is never wasted.

LORD, show us how to reach the young with the gospel, and show us how to welcome your kingdom without reservation.