Matthew 19:13-15
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
As you read Matthew 19:13-15, keep in mind that Jesus recently told his disciples that if they want to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven, they need to become like children.
The disciples are apparently still struggling to embrace Jesus’ teaching about welcoming those without status, but the parents in this story seem to get it. In spite of societal norms, these parents value their own young children enough to bring them to Jesus for a blessing.
Stop to consider this for a moment. If you have children in your life, are you in the habit of seeking the blessing of Jesus for them? What about the people in our society who are forgotten or marginalized? Do you remember to ask Jesus to bless them? Talk this over with Jesus for a moment.
Read Matthew 19:13-15 again noting the stark contrast between the faith of the parents and the erroneous thinking of the disciples.
In the upside-down Kingdom of God, where the first is last and the last is first, we may find that the person we continually passed by without noticing in this life is someone we admire and want to learn from. With great patience, Jesus repeats the lesson: the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the child-like.
Get still for a moment and breathe in the presence of Jesus.
Take some time to meditate on the words of the psalmist below:
“O Lord, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!” – Psalm 139:1-6
Picture yourself laying aside all your adult accomplishments and insecurities and just being in Jesus’ presence like a child. Let this play out in your imagination as you notice what Jesus does in response.
What do you sense Jesus saying to you today through his teaching?
What will you do about that?
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