Snapshots Series: "Jesus & Children"

Mark 10:13-16 Questions for Community Groups 1. How do you feel about what the disciples did? 2. Think of a time when you learned something from a child about the Lord? 3. How do you feel your household view children? 4. How do you treat children? 5. Are you involved in any children's ministries? On the heals of marriage Jesus talks about children, remember God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. Vrs 13a "They" most likely based upon the masculine gender of the verb were most likely fathers bringing their children for Jesus to bless them. This could also me mothers and older siblings as well. But I do want to point out that Dad's have to take an interest in their children. Vrs 13b The disciples rebuke because of their lack of understanding. They probably thought children were unimportant (cf. 9:36-37) and should not waste His time—another instance where they thought only in human-cultural categories. BKC They have no strength or influence. Note that the Pharisees had had easy access to Jesus! How foolish when we place our emphasis on the important persons of this world and ignore the little ones who are much more important to the Lord! If there was anyone the disciples should have kept away it should have been the Pharisees, not children. Vrs 14 Jesus places a high value on children and their capability to trust. This is not saying that children automatically inherit the Kingdom of God. But Jesus is communicating that even though in that culture and society they are viewed as unimportant the Kingdom is still reserved for them as well. God is no respecter of man. Acts 10:34-35 "God is no respecter of persons." That means that in the disposition of his saving grace, God is totally sovereign, giving it freely to whom he will (Rom. 9:15-16). Neither earthly condition, hereditary descent, nor outward circumstance secures God's grace, nor even makes one person more likely to be saved than another (John 1:11-13) God has no regard for those things that distinguish man from one another Dr. Suess said "A person is a person, no matter how small" Vrs 15 Childlike faith is what we need to learn from children and have for Salvation. -Children are willing to accept gifts. They have not learned to be prideful yet. ("no I will pay" illustration). A child will take openly and confidently what is offered. -Children realize their helplessness and look to others to meet their needs. As a dad it always touched my heart when my kids look up to me and ask for help. -Children are willing to trust. Kids believe us. That is why it is so important to teach them truth. Vrs 15b If you don't receive Jesus you will not enter the Kingdom (Gospel) Vrs 16 The callous attitudes that the Hellenistic society would not treat Children like Jesus did. How do you treat (your) children? -Compassion -Patience -Grace -Gentle That is how Jesus treats them and us. Spend our remaining time talking about out Theology of children. Children in the household. -They are a blessing. Psalm 127:5 -They are second to the marital relationship. Gen 2:23-24 -They are our first ministry. 1st Tim and Titus Children in the church. Why it is so important. The statistics: International Bible Society 84% of people become Christians before the age of 14 As a church we want to underline what the family is doing. We believe we do not take the place of the family structure. Thursday was bring your child to work day. Zane came with me. Why is it important to have children's programs? By Zane -Reach out to them with the Gospel -So they don't fall into sin (drug abuse) -So Jesus is not a third wheel, your relationship does not fall apart. -Kids may be board listening to the sermon in church -Sunday School: Helps you memorize Scripture, because that is how we fight the devil off. -Fun -Learn Biblical concepts and values (little kids learn how to share) -Kids understand how serious God is about sin. How we treat our children will reflect our commitment to the Lord. Nelson Mandela said "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul, then the way it treats its children" Here is what we are going to do. We always have needs for children's programing. If you are interested you can sign up in the foyer or write it on a communication card & Pastor Steve will reach out to you this week. And talk with you. Jesus loved and served children so should we.