PENTECOST XX

October 10, 2021

“Children of the Kingdom”  

People were bringing little children to him (Jesus) in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.  But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly I tell. you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.     (Mark 10:13-16)      

Three of the Gospels include the account of Jesus opening his arms to children when the disciples would have shooed them away, acting as though receiving attention, care, or blessings from Jesus were “adults only” activities.  On other occasions, as well, Jesus speaks of the innocence of young children, the way in which they freely give their love and trust, and holds them up as models of how we should all receive his message.       

Many of us were probably in Sunday School when we first heard about Jesus encouraging the children to come near, to receive a blessing, to be acknowledged and included.  I know I especially liked the part where (to my third-grade way of thinking) Jesus stepped in told the disciples not to send the children away.  My lively imagination felt as if those long-ago youngsters must have just loved that Jesus himself invited them to join him for some special attention.     

By welcoming the the youngest in the crowd and holding them up as a model for the way to receive the kingdom of God, Jesus also welcomed those who were considered of low status in other ways.   As Jesus and the disciples traveled throughout the countryside, they met up with a wide variety of people.  Many came to listen to Jesus’ teachings, while others came hoping to be comforted and healed.  They weren’t wealthy, important, educated, or even healthy and able-bodied.  Women with bad reputations, shunned by their communities, or widows who had no means by which to support themselves and their children were cared for and treated with respect.  Others who came suffered from disabling health conditions, and were often avoided by others because of their behaviors or appearance.  And just as he did with the children, Jesus opened his arms to all, blessed them, and brought them into God’s family.   

 So often we think of a community as being made up of people who are much alike, sharing mutual interests and values.  But through Christ’s example and his teachings, we are shown what community in him is like.  It’s where all are welcomed, invited to be part of the fellowship of believers, encouraged to share their gifts and interests, and supported and cared for as needed.  Our similarities and differences are not important —  we are welcomed and welcoming because of God’s love for every one of his children, which wraps around us, brings us together, and gives us opportunities to show that love in all that we do. 

Still just a child at heart,

Your friend in Christ,

Mary Rogers