Simple!

Simple!

Mark 10:14 NKJV

[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.

As we read from the pages of scripture, Jesus was a busy man. He had a public ministry that impacted several lives, including both Jews and Gentiles. He performed miracles, signs and wonders in the lives of people that made some submit their lives to Him, whilst others got offended by Him, because they thought that they knew who He was, as they knew His father, mother and sisters. In some instances, this familiarity was the hindrance to the miracles He could have performed. One thing that His life on earth keeps teaching me is that God's greatest blessings can come in some very ordinary packaging.  There was no earthly fanfare at His birth, and there was no kingly appreciation of His person, but there was no doubting His earthly impact. I must be careful of judging men or circumstances by the standards of the world, such as public acceptance, visibility or applause.

At some point in the ministry of Jesus, we find this reference to children. We do not see this often, so this account is special. Jesus had just taught the public, and the disciples had also met Him privately, and they had also been impacted. I am sure that all parties were tired, and it was not in the plan to have to cater for children. I am also not sure why the disciples acted the way they did, but the calm response of Jesus speaks to us today. Do we treasure our public image more than our private impact? Are there priorities we have set for ourselves that we would not allow anyone or anything interfere with? Do we make room for divine interruptions that have divine impact and blessings on our lives? Do we seek the mind of God on every point of engagement that He brings our way? These are just a few of the questions that arise in my heart as I read this account. 

The disciples saw distractions; Jesus saw impact. The disciples were protecting their master; Jesus knew this was an opportunity to bless lives. The words of Jesus here are instructive: of such children is the kingdom of God.  What makes children special? They have not been polluted by the wrong ideas of their generation. They are clean slates on which we have the opportunity and privilege to write God's word on. They take whatever you tell them in good faith. They are simple creatures of God, and it is not a wonder that at no time in the ministry of Jesus do we see Jesus turn down a miracle where a child was involved. From the son of the widow of Nain, to the Syrophoenician woman, to the daughter of Jairus, there was a personal touch where a child was involved. If I truly have the heart of Jesus, I must have his hands too. There are these simple lives to impact and bless. Can God commit such into my hands? God's time of favour is here.