Monday Devo
Scripture:
Luke 18:15-17
15 One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
16 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
15 One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.
16 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Commentary:
18:15 People brought even infants to Jesus in order that he might touch them, i.e., bless them (cf. 5:13; 6:19). Were bringing suggests that this was a frequent occurrence in Jesus’ ministry.
18:16–17 Let the children come. Jesus’ attitude toward children contrasted significantly with that of other religious leaders in Judaism. In most ancient cultures children were regarded as a burden until they were physically strong enough to contribute to the family. For to such belongs does not mean children automatically belong to the kingdom but that the kingdom belongs to “such”—that is, to those who possess childlike trust. like a child. That is, in childlike faith and trust in Jesus.
18:16–17 Let the children come. Jesus’ attitude toward children contrasted significantly with that of other religious leaders in Judaism. In most ancient cultures children were regarded as a burden until they were physically strong enough to contribute to the family. For to such belongs does not mean children automatically belong to the kingdom but that the kingdom belongs to “such”—that is, to those who possess childlike trust. like a child. That is, in childlike faith and trust in Jesus.
Questions:
- Parenting involves a lot of desperation. You can be desperate for them to sleep, to eat, to stop crying. When they get older, you're desperate for them to stay little, and then desperate for them to leave! But what we SHOULD be most desperate for is what the parents in Luke 18 were desperate for. They were desperate to bring their kids to Jesus. Jesus was their only hope. They recognized that their kids had needs beyond their human ability to meet. So they overcame every obstacle to bring their children to Jesus and plead for his help. They packed up the family and supplies and traveled dusty and dangerous roads. What all are you willing to overcome to get your kids to Jesus? Or for you, yourself, to get to Jesus?
- The parents in Luke 18 would stop at nothing to get their kids to Jesus. They refused to take the disciples' "no" for an answer. What is our society desperate for when it comes to our kids? What are you desperate for when it comes to YOUR kids? Sports? Practice? Tumbling? Dance? School? Grades? Where does your level of desperation compare when it comes to them following Jesus?
Pray:
- That you would stop at nothing to get to Jesus.
- That Jesus would be your first priority.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
No Comments