Children are an important part of God’s kingdom. In this episode, J. Mark explores Mark 10:13-16 , where Jesus demonstrates the high value He places on children. While the disciples and religious leaders did not regard children as important, Jesus showed them that their perspective was flawed. He highlighted both the value and the virtues of children, teaching that we must become like little children to enter His kingdom. Join us for “Children of the Kingdom” as we discover what it means to have childlike faith and learn the importance of valuing the children God has placed in our lives.
It is a privilege we have to study the Word of God together. In this episode, we continue our journey through Scripture. As we open God’s Word together, I invite you to consider what it means for us. Whatever you’re walking through right now, know that the Bible leads us to know Jesus and His plan for our lives.
One aspect of Jesus teaching that sets His kingdom apart from many others is the value he places on all life. In His kingdom, every life is precious; the weak and fragile are looked after with special care. He encourages us to look after children, older adults, and anyone who cannot take care of themselves.
Today, we see Jesus modeling this in his treatment of children. Mark 10 describes how the disciples didn’t think Jesus should do what he was doing, but we will see how Jesus uses this for a teaching moment. Turn to Mark 10 if you can, and let’s learn from Jesus together.
Many of us have heard stories about someone buying something for a few dollars at the market and then learning that it was worth much more than they paid. The seller did not know the value of the item they were offering for sale, or they would not have sold it so cheaply.
Today, in our study, Jesus confronts wrong ideas about children and their value in His kingdom. The title of my teaching is “Children of the Kingdom.” Listen carefully as I read the text, Mark 10:13-16.
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 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.
15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
In this narrative, Jesus outlines essential IDEAS about the role of children and how they model the kingdom of God for us.
The First IDEA (about children of the kingdom) is,
The Views of Children
In Jesus’ time, there were differing views about children, just as there are today. If you listened as I read the Scripture, you couldn’t help but notice those differences between the disciples and Jesus.
The context of this incident helps our understanding. In chapter nine, Jesus addresses the disciples’ argument over who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Later, He made several significant statements about children. He clarified that offending a little one who believes in Him will have tragic consequences.
The verses just before our text deal with divorce and remarriage, and the impact that has on children. This broader context is critical for a proper understanding of Jesus’ teaching.
Remember, too, that Jesus is traveling with groups of pilgrims toward Jerusalem for His final Passover. The text finds Him in a house with His disciples, where He clarified His teaching on divorce and remarriage.
In this setting, some of the crowd brought their young children to Jesus so He could touch them. A touch shows caring, compassion, intimacy, and value. Contrast their attitude with the attitude of the Pharisees and their testing of Jesus on the divorce question earlier in the chapter.
For a Jewish Rabbi to spend time with children was totally out of character. It was contrary to all Jewish notions and incompatible with the supposed dignity of the Rabbi. This idea is supported by the disciples’ reaction to those who brought children to Jesus.
As these mothers brought their children to Jesus, the disciples reprimanded them severely. They mistakenly assumed that children have little value to Jesus and that He was too busy for them! We may criticize them, but let’s be careful. After all, they were the product of their times, much like we are of ours. And children in our time are often neglected, too.
Jesus wasn’t impressed with their response. He became indignant at the unjust treatment he witnessed. The word conveys deep negative emotions. This is the only place in the New Testament where this word is applied to Jesus. It is used in Matthew 21:15 to describe the chief priests’ opposition to the children crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!”
Jesus’ response was immediate and robust! As I understand it, the idea is “Send the children to me, and DO NOT hinder them!” I would’ve liked to hear Jesus say this. I fear we have this mentality that Jesus was a pushover; He never raised His voice. Much artwork depicts Him as effeminate. He was not like that. He wasn’t out of control, but He wasn’t weak and indecisive either. He spoke with an authority that commanded a response. His rebuke was swift and severe!
Does your view of children align more with the disciples or with Jesus? Are children a bother or a blessing to you? What do your actions prove?
The Next IDEA (about children of the kingdom) is,
The Virtues of Children
Virtues are commendable qualities or character traits. Jesus explains the rationale behind His command to bring the children to Him. He said, “The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” What did Jesus mean?
Some Bible teachers believe Jesus’ statement assures us of the security of young children who die before they understand sin and their need for a Savior. I think this is strong evidence of children’s “safety” before the age of accountability.
Children don’t know pretense like the Pharisees. They don’t know how to act self-righteously. Nor do they see the depth of their depravity. They are what they are with a simple faith and trust in those who guide them. They make no assumptions of goodness or badness. One of the virtues of children is their innocence.
Jesus’ response contradicted the prevailing view of the Judaism of His day. The Pharisees had a works-righteousness system that children could neither understand nor keep. They couldn’t perform righteous deeds to gain salvation. Hence, they could have no part in the kingdom. However, Jesus said the kingdom belongs to such as these.
This reinforces the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith. No one can perform enough good works to merit salvation. Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will NEVER enter it.” That statement from the lips of Jesus is one we must understand. How does one receive the kingdom as a little child?
An infant is dependent, unable to provide anything for themselves. As adults, most of us need to recapture the virtue of dependence. Each of us has been given gifts by God and entrusted with His work. We’re commanded to work hard and do our best. However, we must maintain our dependence on Him. Without Him, we can do NOTHING. Dependence is a childlike virtue.
Children trust their parents implicitly. There is a unique bond between them. I remember when my children were small. I would set them on a table or another elevated surface and hold out my hands to them. They would walk right off the edge, fully trusting that I would catch them. They trusted me! Without the childlike virtue of trust, salvation is impossible.
Children learn to obey their parents simply and without complaint as they develop – at least, they should. Children who obey their parents are prepared for the time when they will become Christ-followers. Obedience is necessary for salvation because one must acknowledge they are a lost sinner and heed God’s call to repent and believe the Gospel.
Jesus here presents the little child with trusting, simple, and loving obedience as the model for adults entering the kingdom. As adult children of the kingdom, are these virtues present in your life and mine?
The Final IDEA (about children of the kingdom) is,
The Value of Children
Jesus clearly demonstrated the value of children by His actions. “He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” Mark is the only Gospel writer to include this meaningful gesture. What a difference from the attitudes and actions of the disciples!
Jesus enfolded the children in His embrace and repeatedly blessed them. Isn’t it like Jesus to give us more than we’re looking for and more than we deserve? The verb sense is that He blessed each one fervently, praying for each of them while laying His hands on them. What a wonderful picture for all the children of the kingdom!
Today, children are often not valued as God intended. The blood of thousands of innocent children aborted every day around the world cries out for justice. I tremble for those who participate in these monstrous crimes because, unless they repent, they will face the unmitigated wrath of Almighty God. Every one of these precious little ones is made in God’s image, and God will demand an accounting for the horrible treatment of His image-bearers.
Even for parents who would never consider abortion, there are other ways in which children are not adequately valued. Some children have adequate physical provisions, but their spiritual development and training are neglected.
Still others, professing to follow Christ, purposely prevent their marriage union from producing children. Their choice shows they don’t value children. Thankfully, I am not the judge of people’s salvation, but how can people who reject children claim to have entered Christ’s kingdom by becoming like little children?
I praise God for parents who value and love children. I am blessed by their commitment to laying the foundations for many godly generations. May their number increase!
My wife and I haven’t been perfect parents, but we love each of our children and grandchildren. Seeing them embrace the Gospel we’ve taught and tried to live before them is our greatest blessing. Their salvation is a sovereign work of God, but as parents, we are the agents by which that divine work is begun.
Make no mistake, Jesus loves children! Can we, as His followers, do less? Can we ignore, neglect, or refuse children and claim to be one of His?
Let’s review the ideas about the role of children and how they model the kingdom of God for us. First, Jesus had a different view of children than His disciples and the religious leaders. Jesus showed them that their view was incorrect.
Jesus then went on to teach them about the virtues of children, such as humility, trust, and obedience. He taught that without these, no one can enter the kingdom of God.
Finally, He demonstrated the value of children by taking the time to hold them, pray over them, and bless them. Take time for the children in your world, whatever your position in life. To receive these little ones in Jesus’ name is the same as receiving Him and the Father!
May all of us be counted worthy to be called “Children of the Kingdom.”
We hope God’s Word has encouraged you today. Before we close, consider this. At Heralds of Hope, we believe everyone deserves access to Bible teaching and discipleship resources in their own language. One way we’re responding to this need is through this program, Hope for Today. Here’s a testimony from a listener in South Asia: “As I listened to your program, the messages deeply touched my heart, and I accepted Jesus as my Savior. The radio program has been my greatest help in growing my faith. I have now been appointed as a media home leader in our church. Thank you for this great resource for our spiritual health and growth.”
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Please join us next time as we continue our journey through Scripture. Thank you for listening to Hope for Today.
