Mark 10:13-16

Find a way to separate yourself from whatever’s going on around you so you can fully enter into today’s passage. if you haven’t read the introduction to Mark’s Gospel, read it here.

Before you read today’s passage, take a moment and get quiet. Try to picture yourself as a child. This may bring up feelings that are either positive or disturbing, but regardless, try to allow yourself to read Mark 10:13-16 through the eyes of the child you once were.

When Jesus invited the first disciples to follow him and learn to fish for people, he meant all people. Gentiles, enemies, the sick and lame, women, and even children. All people. Unfortunately, the disciples seem to understand this less than the parents who bring their children to Jesus for his blessing.

Return to picturing yourself as a child, but now imagine yourself as one of the children in this scene. Read Mark 10:13-16 again. How does your child-self react to Jesus’ warm a generous welcome of you?

Young children are dependent on their parents and have no power or ability to cope with or challenge dysfunctional or misdirected parenting. They trust completely because they have no other way of being in the world.

When you think of God as Father, what comes to mind? Share this openly and honestly with God right now.

Jesus is God revealed in human form. When we’ve seen Jesus, we’ve seen God, and when we get to know Jesus for who he really is, we get to know God.

Return once more to picturing yourself as a child in the scene. Read the words of Jesus, but personalize them like this:

“(Your name), come to me. Don’t let anyone stop you! The Kingdom of God belongs to you.”

Now picture Jesus placing his hands on your head and blessing you.

As you end your time today, take a few minutes to share anything you are thinking or feeling with Jesus, and then be silent and see if the Holy Spirit has anything to say to you. Remember that today’s passage proves that when we come to Jesus in faith, he receives and blesses us. Thoughts of shame and condemnation are not from Jesus. If those kinds of thoughts arise, reject them and rest in the blessing of Jesus.

Is there a practice or symbol you could use to remind yourself of Jesus’ love for you? If so, take a step toward putting it into place.

If these meditations are helpful to you, please forward them to couple of friends.

Interested in going deeper? Check out The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide and blog.