Come Like A Child - Mark 10: 13-16
Scripture Reading
Mark 10: 13-16 (ESV)
Let The Children Come To Me
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Reflection:
The disciples think the children are an interruption.
Jesus sees them very differently.
He welcomes them, takes them in His arms, blesses them, and then tells everyone watching that the kingdom of God must be received like a child.
Children come with empty hands. They are dependent. They trust. They receive.
Those qualities can slowly disappear in ministry.
Experience can make us self-sufficient. Preparation can make us feel in control. Familiarity can make holy things feel ordinary.
Before long, we can begin approaching God more like professionals than children.
Jesus calls us back to dependence.
We certainly prepare. We practice. We pursue excellence. But underneath all of it should remain the simple posture of a child saying, “Jesus, I need You.”
Personal Questions:
- Where have I become overly self-sufficient in my relationship with God?
- Do I approach God with trust or with a need to control everything?
- What would childlike dependence look like for me this week?
Team Questions:
- How can experience sometimes make ministry leaders less dependent on God?
- How do we pursue excellence without becoming self-reliant?
- What does childlike faith look like within a worship, creative, or tech ministry?
Prayer:
Jesus, bring me back to simple trust. Strip away the pride that makes me think I can do this without You. Teach me to come with open hands, receive Your grace, and depend on You like a child depends on a loving Father. Amen.