Jesus Loves Children

Tuesday - December 14th

Scripture to Read Today: Mark 10:13-16

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"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them!

For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth; anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."

Jesus

Mark 10:14-15

Jesus loves children. His view of children was actually quite radical in the era in which He lived. Unfortunately, children were considered expendable throughout most of human history. Child mortality rates remained extremely low in our world until the last two centuries and the modernization of medicine.

So, in the ancient world, people held children in low value. Why invest in a young boy or girl if their very existence was fragile? The disciples of Jesus held this same view. Children, in their minds, were a distraction to Christ's ministry and kingdom. On one occasion in Mark, as parents brought children to Jesus to have Him bless them, the disciples pushed those with children back. They had no time for children, and neither did Jesus - or so they thought.

Jesus makes it clear that He welcomed children. He wanted them around Him. He blessed them and their families. Christ made it clear that His Kingdom was filled with the innocent faith of children. Children, in their sincerity and simplicity, exemplified what Christ's kingdom was all about.

Christmas and children go hand-in-hand. That is true not just because Christmas has so many lights, sounds, and tastes that appeal to a child. But it is also true because Christ values kids. He loves them and prioritizes them in His Kingdom.

Find a way to encourage, celebrate, or love a child or children in your life today. Value them. Christ did. Christ is the hope of children as much as He is the hope of anyone else! He is the hope of ALL!

Jesus prioritized children in a world that didn't. We should value them because Christ is the hope of Children everywhere!