Let Them Come

Read the Text: Mark 10

Memorize the Text:   But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. (Mark 10:43-44)

Consider the Text: Mark 10:13-16

Mark shared a moment in the ministry of Jesus when children were brought to him. As the children approached Jesus, the disciples rebuked the crowd for bringing the children and attempted to stop them from gaining access to Jesus. The response of Jesus centered on teaching and rebuking his disciples. He stopped the disciples' activity and called the children to come to him. Jesus used this moment to teach the disciples how he must be received. As Jesus welcomed the children and taught the disciples, he reached through the generations and taught believers several important truths today. 

First, we are taught the importance of BRINGING PEOPLE TO JESUS. The adults recognized the significance of bringing the children to Jesus so that he may minister and bless them. This act of bringing centered on the emphasis of making sure the children had access to the ministry of Jesus. The people knew the children needed this engagement with him and sought him out so that the children could experience the presence of Jesus. 

The central truth of this action displays the need to continue to bring others to Jesus so that they may experience his presence. In a more specific sense, this moment should remind us of the importance of training our children in the truth of God's Word and leading them to engage in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we neglect to bring our children intentionally, our inactivity teaches that we believe that a relationship with Jesus is insignificant. When they are faithfully brought to Jesus, we share with them the importance of Jesus and the need of Jesus in their life. When we bring them, we offer them the opportunity to be welcomed by Jesus. 

Second, we are warned of HINDERING PEOPLE FROM COMING TO JESUS. The disciples held the belief that they were the gatekeepers to Jesus. They formed a barrier between the children and Jesus and stopped the possible engagement. Their motives could have come from the belief that they were protecting Jesus because of his ministry and their understanding of children as a lesser citizen. The disciples could have justified their act of hindering by prioritizing who should see Jesus based on worldly distinctions. 

Let us not be too harsh on the disciples. We can become guilty of hindering people from coming to Jesus because they don't look like us, live in the same social circles, or do not meet our standards of a fellow believer in the local church. We can fall prey to believing we are protecting the integrity of Jesus and the church when we hinder people from responding because of their differences. The disciples' actions should warn us of forming barriers to Jesus and cause us to evaluate our life accordingly. 

Third, we are taught how to RECEIVE CHRIST. Jesus commanded the disciples to stand down and allow the children to come to him. He used the children's response to share how everyone should come to Jesus. Coming as a child meant that they came with full dependence. They trusted Christ completely and rested in who he was. They understood their inability and need for Jesus. At the same time, the children marked coming with the proper understanding that we bring nothing of worth to the relationship. Since children were viewed as lesser citizens, they could not bring anything to their relationship with Jesus. Jesus received them because of his love and their complete dependence upon him. 

When we come to Jesus, we must recognize that we do not bring any worth to the table. We are not capable of earning the favor of God, and everything we bring comes with the stain of sin. As a result, Jesus commands us to come not because of our value but because of his love. In the same way, we come to Jesus with complete dependence. He alone gives eternal life and redeems the unbeliever. He alone is the place of peace, rest, and certainty. We come to him because he is everything we need. 

As we consider this moment between the children, disciples, and Jesus, may we investigate our lives to ensure we are not forming barriers to come to Jesus. May we seek to make sure that we have come to Jesus like a child with complete dependence. May we focus on bringing them to Jesus so that they may know Jesus. 

This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.