When people brought their children to Jesus, the reaction of his disciples was not exactly what one would expect. The disciples rebuked those who brought their children to Jesus, telling them to leave him alone. This may seem surprising, as we often think of Jesus as someone who welcomed everyone with open arms.
The Rebuke of the Disciples
The Gospel of Mark describes the event in detail. In Mark 10:13-16, it says, “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.'”
It’s clear from this passage that Jesus did not approve of his disciples’ behavior. He saw it as hindering children from coming to him and experiencing the love and grace of God.
The Importance of Children
Jesus’ response highlights the importance he placed on children. In Jewish culture at that time, children were not highly valued or given much attention. But Jesus saw their worth and recognized that they had a special place in God’s heart.
This is a message that still resonates today. Children are a vital part of our communities and should be treated with love and respect.
The Lesson for Us
So what can we learn from this story? First and foremost, we should never hinder anyone from coming to Jesus. We should always welcome people with open arms and encourage them in their faith journey.
Secondly, we should value children just as much as adults. They have unique gifts and perspectives that can enrich our communities.
Finally, we should be willing to learn from our mistakes. The disciples were quick to rebuke those bringing their children to Jesus, but when they saw how he responded, they were able to learn from their error.
- We should follow their example and be open to correction when we’re in the wrong.
- We should also be willing to stand up for what’s right, even if it goes against the cultural norms of our time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reaction of Jesus’ disciples when people brought their children to him was not what we would expect. But through his response, Jesus taught us the importance of valuing children and never hindering anyone from coming to him. Let us follow his example and always welcome others with love and grace.