Jesus loved children … why?

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch 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. — Mark 10:13-14

We humans are always trying to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw away the everyday rules of the pecking order if they are to really be part of his Kingdom. In fact, he was quite angry with them because they denied toddlers' access to him, apparently because these disciples didn't deem the little ones worthy of their Master's time, energy, and attention. 

Jesus, as he so often did, turned their common worldly values upside down and reminded them they needed to pay more attention to the character of toddlers than their own sense of importance if they were ever going to understand God's Kingdom.

Joy

. Joy of Communion – Luke 24:32

 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us  while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures  to us?”

. Joy of Service – Acts 20:24

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me;  my only aim is to finish the race  and complete the task  the Lord Jesus has given me —the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

. Joy of His Presence – John 20:20

After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.  The disciples were overjoyed  when they saw the Lord.

. Joy of His Word – Jeremiah 15:16

When your words came, I ate  them;

 they were my joy and my heart’s delight, 

 for I bear your name, 

 Lord God Almighty.

. Joy of Victory – Nehemiah 12:43

And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

[Message No: 7821]