The Bible tells us that Jesus loved children and welcomed them with open arms. However, there was a time when the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus.
This incident has left many people wondering why the disciples would do such a thing. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this incident.
The Backstory
Before we delve into the reasons why the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus, let us first understand the context of this incident. In Mark 10:13-16, it is recorded that some parents brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them. However, when the disciples saw this, they rebuked the parents and tried to send them away.
The Disciples’ Reasoning
At first glance, it may seem like the disciples were being heartless and mean by trying to keep the children away from Jesus. However, upon closer examination, we can see that they had their reasons for doing so.
One possible reason is that they may have been concerned about Jesus’ safety. At this point in his ministry, Jesus had gained quite a following and was constantly surrounded by people. The disciples may have feared that allowing children into this already crowded space could have put them at risk of being trampled or hurt.
Another possible reason is that they may have thought that Jesus was too important and busy to be bothered with children. During his ministry, Jesus often had important teachings and miracles to perform. The disciples may have thought that spending time with children would distract him from his important work.
Jesus’ Response
Despite their reasoning, Jesus was not pleased with his disciple’s actions. He rebuked them saying “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
Jesus’ response shows us that he valued children and saw them as important members of the kingdom of God. He wanted them to have access to him just as much as anyone else did.
The Lessons We Can Learn
This incident teaches us several valuable lessons. Firstly, it reminds us that Jesus loves and values all people, regardless of their age or status in life. Secondly, it shows us that sometimes even well-meaning people can make mistakes and need correction.
Lastly, it teaches us the importance of examining our own hearts and motivations. The disciples may have had good intentions, but their actions were misguided. We must always be mindful of our own biases and assumptions so that we do not inadvertently exclude or harm others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus because they may have been concerned about his safety or thought he was too busy for them. However, Jesus rebuked them and reminded them of the value of children in God’s kingdom. This incident teaches us important lessons about love, humility, and inclusion that we can apply to our own lives today.