They were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.
Mark 10:13
You may have been drawn to Jesus, but His disciples got in the way. Something another Christian said or did kept you from getting to Christ and receiving His blessing. Here are three truths to remember when that happens.
1. Jesus removes the barriers that keep us from God’s blessing.
“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them” (10:14). On the cross, Jesus broke down every barrier on God’s side so that you can come to Him. By His Spirit, He will break down every barrier on your side. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from coming to Jesus.
2. Jesus defines the condition on which we receive God’s blessing.
“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (10:15). Receiving God’s blessing as a child means that you come to Jesus with nothing to give and everything to receive. Your knowledge, background, achievement, or goodness contribute nothing to receiving the blessing of God.
3. Jesus imparts God’s blessing on all who come to Him.
He took [the children] in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them (10:16). He does this in the middle of the tension of disciples rebuking children and pushy parents arguing back. You don’t have to have everything sorted out before you can know the blessing of God.
Have the words or actions of another person kept you from Jesus? Will you say this prayer today? “Almighty God, thank you that You break down every barrier that keeps me from you. I draw near, having nothing to offer and everything to receive. Impart your blessing, I pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
