Watching Out For Children

Watching Out for Children

Mark 9:36-37, 42, NLT

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me. . . . 42But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.”

Setting the Scene

When Jesus took the child “in his arms,” he clarified his explanation of greatness. The way into God’s Kingdom is to turn from sin and to Christ in the spirit of humility that a child exhibits when showing simple trust in someone he or she loves. When the disciples were arguing, they were missing the point; such an attitude was enough to keep someone from ever finding and entering the Kingdom. Matthew’s account includes more of Jesus’ words: “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4, NLT).

Jesus was teaching the disciples to welcome children, who usually were treated poorly in this society. He emphasized this teaching in the strongest possible terms: “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck.” And later Jesus would say, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14, NIV). Clearly Jesus valued children.

Getting Personal

When do you come in regular contact with small children in addition to your family members?

What can you do to welcome them on Jesus’ behalf?

How can you become more involved in the nurture, guidance, and protection of children?

God expects his people to protect and care for little ones, certainly included in “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40, NLT). Today children seem to be viewed as expensive inconveniences. Killing an unborn child is sanctioned by the state, and reports of child abuse or neglect fill the headlines. The Kingdom should be a safe place for children, and Christ’s followers should protect children physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This isn’t limited to parents and grandparents; every member of God’s family has this responsibility. We do this to obey and serve Christ and to model honesty and humility for children.

Talking to God

Ask the Lord to help you cultivate childlike humility, dependence, and trust in your relationship with him, your Father. Ask him to improve your willingness to serve others, especially children, in Jesus’ name and for his glory.