He Blessed Them
But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. ~ Mark 10:14
Have you ever assumed something was too small to bring before God? Maybe it wasn’t a crisis, a major illness, or a life changing decision. Perhaps it was simply a desire for His blessing, His guidance, or His peace. Sometimes we think God is only interested in the big things, but this passage reminds us that nothing is too small for Jesus’ attention.
This is one of those Jesus moments that I had never given much thought to beyond the simple fact that Jesus loves children. While that is certainly true, as I considered what this scene may have looked like, I realized there is much more happening here.
Throughout the Gospels, we read about people coming to Jesus for healing, deliverance, and miracles. In this account, however, parents were bringing their children simply to receive a blessing from Him. That seems like a wonderful thing. Yet the disciples apparently saw it differently. They tried to prevent the families from getting close to Jesus.
Scripture doesn’t tell us exactly what the disciples said, but I can imagine them saying things like, “Jesus is too busy right now,” or “He has more important matters to deal with.” Whatever their reasoning, they became a barrier between the people and Jesus.
Jesus’ response is what catches my attention. He was greatly displeased. He immediately corrected His disciples and welcomed the children. He took them into His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. What a beautiful picture of God’s heart.
Jesus always made time for people. Whether they came seeking healing, freedom, wisdom, forgiveness, or simply a blessing, He welcomed them. He never viewed people as interruptions. He saw them as valuable and worthy of His attention. The same is true today.
Most importantly, Jesus came to rescue us from the penalty of sin and restore our relationship with our Heavenly Father. But He also cares about the everyday concerns of our lives. He invites us to bring our families, our dreams, our worries, our decisions, and our needs before Him.
As a parent, I often bring my children before the Lord and ask for His blessing over their lives. I want His hand upon their health, their well being, their peace, their relationships, and their future. His blessing covers every area of life.
The wonderful thing is that you can do the same. Whether you’re facing a personal crisis, praying for a loved one, seeking direction, or simply desiring God’s favor in a situation, you can come directly to Jesus. Unlike the people in this passage, there are no disciples standing in your way. Through prayer, you have complete access to Him anytime and anywhere. When you call out to Him in faith, He hears you.
Here are some ways you can put this truth into practice in your life:
- Bring your concerns to Jesus, even the ones that seem small. If it matters to you, it matters to Him.
- Pray regularly for your children, grandchildren, family members, and friends. Invite God’s blessing into their lives.
- Refuse to let fear, doubt, or feelings of unworthiness keep you from approaching God.
- Make prayer your first response instead of your last resort.
- Look for opportunities to encourage others by praying with them and for them.
You can get started today by following these simple steps:
- Set aside five minutes today to pray specifically for someone you love.
- Write down three areas where you need God’s blessing and present them to Him in prayer.
- Reach out to a friend or family member and ask how you can pray for them this week.
- Begin each morning by thanking God that you have direct access to Him through Jesus.
Today I want to encourage you to come boldly to Jesus with whatever is on your heart. Don’t let the enemy convince you that your need is too small, your situation is too complicated, or your request is unimportant. Jesus welcomed the children, blessed them, and made time for those whom others overlooked. He is still doing the same today. Bring your family before Him. Bring your struggles before Him. Bring your hopes and dreams before Him. Then take time to pray for others and help connect them to the One who can truly change lives. His arms are still open, His heart is still compassionate, and His blessing is still available to all who come to Him in faith.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 10 13-16
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”
16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Journal:
- Is there an area of my life that I’ve been hesitant to bring before Jesus?
- Who in my family or circle of influence needs prayer and God’s blessing today?
- What keeps me from approaching God with confidence at times?
- How have I experienced God’s care and provision in the past?
- What practical step can I take this week to become more intentional about praying for others?
The Daily Dose 