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November 2nd

The bible reading today is in Luke 18:15-19:48.

“Now the people in the Judean and Galilean regions were bringing even infants to Jesus that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:15-17‬ ‭

There are several things that stick out to me in this text that truly warm and encourage my soul.

First, I figure that most of those proud little mothers, that were bringing their infant children to rabbi Jesus, were simply wanting a blessing from God upon their kids. I can't see anything wrong with that. Jesus was certainly the most popular rabbi in the area. And it was a tradition for Jewish parents to bring their children to the rabbi on their first birthday.

“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray..."

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19:13‬ ‭

I can't see anything wrong with that.

So why then did the disciples of Christ rebuke this group of parents for seeking an audience with Jesus for their baby's’ sake?

Well, whatever their motive, Jesus reproved them for blocking the way.

Oh friends, may we not be a roadblock to the children coming to Jesus. May we do everything in our power to make the way smooth for the children to meet Jesus....at home and at church.

Secondly, I figure that the mothers and fathers had heard or seen by now that Jesus was kid-friendly.

He loved them. Jesus knew that these particular aged children were too young to understand his teaching. But he knew that they would respond to a loving, gentle touch. So He loved on them first...later he would teach them his gospel through his apostles.

And thirdly, I noticed that these children received this blessing from Jesus without trying to make themselves worthy of it. That takes me back to my first real conversations of spiritual things with my girlfriend, Bev. She kindly and patiently showed me verses from the bible to think on. Like...Ephesians 2:8,9.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith in Christ. And even that faith is not your own doing; salvation is the gift of God, not a result of your good works, so that no one may boast.”

I got saved the same way those children got blessed...as a gift from Christ...not because I somehow did enough good things in life to deserve or earned it.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving the children...for loving me that same way.

One more thing along this same line of God’s salvation to us through Christ... “And when Jesus came to Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, he looked up and said to the tax collector perched in a tree by the way, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:5-6‬

That’s what happened to me. Jesus came to my Jericho. I didn't know him but I was interested. I didn't know him personally but I had heard of him from others.

Jesus came to my Jericho 50+ years ago and looked up into the high branches of my 6th-floor dorm room and to my heart, he told me to follow Him.

I saw Him for the first time...really saw Him...and the great thing? He saw me first!

The whole Jericho thing?...it was a divine set up by Christ for Zacchaeus and for me.

Thank you, Jesus.

Have a great day