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Message Notes
“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 10:13-16
Context is the situation within which something exists or happens that can help explain it.
“But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant…” —Mark 10:14
“The object of a person’s indignation reveals a great deal about the person. Jesus’ displeasure here revealed his compassion and defense of the helpless, vulnerable, and the powerless.” —James Edwards - Mark
Truth #1 – We Should Bring Children to Jesus.
How Do We Bring Children to Jesus?
- We love children to Jesus.
- We lead children to Jesus.
“And said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’” —Mark 10:14
How do we lead our children to Jesus? (Daniel Akins)
Point them towards salvation in Jesus early.
Disciple them to follow Jesus.
Pray for them consistently.
Bless them with your words.
Model a “Christ-intoxicated life” for them in your home.
Point them to God’s will and His ways in their life.
Realize that all of this takes a significant time commitment.
Put them in the right environments.
“We’re currently living in the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history. Some 40 million adult Americans who used to go to church at least once per month now attend less than once per year. This shift is larger than the number of conversions during the First Great Awakening, Second Great Awakening, and the totality of the Billy Graham Crusades combined.” —Jim Davis and Michael Graham (5 Misconceptions about the Dechurching in America)
Your children will follow your example, not your advice.
Question - What’s holding your children back from Jesus?
Truth #2 – We Should Learn from Children About Faith, Grace, and the Kingdom of God.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” —Mark 10:15
“We tell children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells the adults to model themselves like children.” —Warren Wiersbe
What does that look like to come to Jesus like a child?
- We come helpless and hopeful.
- We come trusting and dependent.
- We come expecting affection and blessing.
Components of a Hebrew blessing: (The Blessing – John Trent and Gary Smalley)
A meaningful touch
A spoken word
Attaching high value
Picturing a special future
An active commitment
- We come wholehearted and humble.
What’s holding you back from Jesus?