Jesus Loves the Little Children

Saturday - October 30th

Scripture to Read Today: Mark 10:13-16

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People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Mark 10:13-14

The Gospel of Mark chapter 10 recorded an occasion when Jesus' disciples held parents with children away from Him. The parents wanted him to bless their little ones. Jesus made it clear that His Kingdom valued kids. As followers of Christ, we should love children the same way our Lord does. We should do all we can to introduce the next generation to Him. Unfortunately, many churches and believers act as if children should just be entertained and cared for - not evangelized or discipled.

Jesus embraced the kids, held them in his arms, and blessed them. He regularly and intentionally engaged children and their parents for His Kingdom. Currently, in our world and historically throughout the ages, children are some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

In my visits to Uganda, Russia, India, Columbia, Costa Rica, and other countries, I've seen children who live at risk constantly. It breaks my heart. I often call Lesli, my wife, and tell her we need to adopt a bunch of kids from whatever country I am visiting. Some are at risk because of political upheaval in their nation. Some live in extreme poverty. Others are caught in settings where women and children are not valued at all.

One of the things that drew me to Calvary over thirteen years ago was the church's heart for vulnerable children all around the world. Child sponsorship programs, children's ministries in churches and schools, and outreach feeding programs have been a core of Calvary's local and global efforts for decades.

As you consider the children in your life, pray for them today. Pray for your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, siblings, neighbors, and other kids. Ask God to protect them from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm. Ask God to use you and others to be the light of Christ in their lives.

Pray for children you might sponsor through World Vision, Compassion, or some of Calvary's partners. Consider supporting a child through a Christian ministry. Maybe God would have you adopt a child from an at-risk situation here in the U.S. or somewhere in the world. Consider having a direct or supportive role in foster parent programs in our community.

As we think about representing Christ in our world, we need to take seriously our responsibility of welcoming and blessing children like Jesus did.

Jesus loved the little children, and so should His followers!