Take Time for the LIttle Ones

Do you ever read the bible and mentally jump over passages that seem to have little significance only later fining out how much wealth of wisdom they actually have. This happened to me the other day while teaching a large group of 6 - 9 year old little girls.

Here is the passage:
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Here is how it happened:
Each year I am asked to be the speaker at this camp in Brownwood, Texas. To be honest it is one of the highlights of my year as a "speaker., for the fact that these girls are so raw in their faith. Every year I give them the opportunity to ask me anything they want about Jesus, God, the Scriptures, etc. I am always surprised at the level of their questioning. Some of their questions this last week included:
- What is the Bible for?
- What did it look like before God created everything?
- Where did God come from?
- How did he choose his disciples?
- How did we get the Bible?

After answering the questions and before entering the message I prayed. As I was praying, God totally blew up the Matthew 19 passage above. He revealed to me a little insight of the contextually interaction on the Matthew 19 passage.

As Peter and the others were trying to keep the young children from distracting, Jesus knew exactly that these little ones were exactly what the disciples needed to hear, and truly it would be shown to the disciples that they were the ones that were in the way of the little children.

Picture the scene with me:
The disciples were busy doing "ministry" when all of a sudden these little ones began running up to Jesus. Quickly the disciples stepped in and took charge, knowing that Jesus had many important tasks to do without these kids bothering him. To the disciples' surprise Jesus makes a bold statement telling the guys that they need to allow the kids to approach him. So you have Jesus fronting Peter and the others by rebuking them. In this rebuke you know Peter and the others were peeved at Jesus. I mean after all they were trying to help him. I believe they were peeved until they begin to see the interaction of the little kids with Jesus. All the questions, all the joy, the love, freedom. As the disciples were taking all of this in, they totally had to see why Jesus wanted them to allow the little kids to be around him. That day, I am sure that the disciples learned alot not only from their Rabbi but even more from his interaction with the little kids that were surrounding him!

This was so fresh to me when God showed it to me. I hope this helps us all remember to take time for the littles ones that surround us daily.

Peace until next time!