The Indehar Family

Let the Children Come to Me—and do not hinder them!

“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.  Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”  Mark 10: 13-15

In Mark 10:13 above, who are the “they” who were bringing the children to Jesus? We are the “they” in verse 13.  Disciples, followers of Jesus want to bring others whom they love to Jesus so that He may touch them and bless them – so through His touch they would have eternal life with Him. 

I find it interesting that there are those who would rebuke or discourage others who are actively bringing “children” to Jesus. Now I am looking at this in a broad sense; all people are children in God’s sight. And I wonder, “Why did the disciples rebuke them?”

There are a number of possible reasons, but in the end they don’t really matter. Jesus didn’t approve of what they were doing. He said "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them,”. The words, “do not hinder” in the Thai language really jumped out at me. In Thai language it is literally, “block or obstruct”. Thai language is more detailed in words describing active actions, I believe because they don’t conjugate verbs.  And so I find help in understanding this thought through the Thai translation.

I am moved to ponder: is there anything I do or do not do that obstructs, blocks or hinders someone from coming to be touched by Jesus? Anything I say or do not say?

Brothers and sisters, take a moment to ponder and consider with me. It may be as clear as the warning in James about treating the poor as important; or as vague as this example: our neighbor, a sister in Christ who perhaps hasn’t been taught well and who also struggles because her husband is not a believer, tends to view her neighbors in the worst possible light. I say, “I think I see God working in the lives of Mr. B’s, Miss K, and Mr. J” and she will answer, “oh, Mr. B is a gambler; Miss K practices witchcraft and Mr. J drinks alcohol every night and is a liar” as if they aren’t worthy of the Kingdom of God. And of course they aren’t. But am I?

Praise God for this truth:  Jesus came not for the righteous but for sinners.

Is our neighbor, by her attitudes, even though she doesn’t seem to outwardly express them to these neighbors, actually blocking, obstructing or hindering them from being brought to be touched by Jesus?

What about me?

My only recourse is to humble myself, ask forgiveness and believe “like a child”. I so desperately long for the Lord’s touch.  Help me Lord to bring others to be touched by You.

Karen