“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” (Matthew 19 v 13-15)
The disciples were not the best crèche workers. There was so much more important things to do than looking after babies and little children. This event reveals once again that it has nothing to do with children’s ministry but everything to do with the heart and Jesus became angry with what was being revealed.
What did the disciples do wrong?
- The disciples got in the way of people and Jesus.
- The disciples tried to prevent or at least control the blessing.
- The disciples saw the blessing as a bothersome nuisance.
- The disciples failed to know the heart of Jesus.
- The disciples’ view of the lowest category in society was different to that of Jesus.
The disciples were not the mirror image of Jesus. When you looked at the disciples that day you were not looking at Jesus, in fact their behaviour and responses were the opposite to who He is.
I think the same question should be asked today: are we the mirror-image of Jesus to the world?
- Do we get in the way of the Way?
- Are we controllers?
- Do we get annoyed at our plans being affected?
- Do we let go of the heart of Jesus, for example, his heart of love for sinners was never condemnatory at any occasion?
- Do we turn our nose up at the outcast?
Challenging questions perhaps, but no one said it is easy being a disciple, it never was.
Missions Paul 