8.2 Jesus and Children
Jesus’ Love and Appreciation for Children

Read Mark 10:13–16. What did Jesus do for those who brought their children to him?

In Mark 10:13–16, Jesus demonstrates profound affection and appreciation for children, who were often overlooked and undervalued in that society. While children were desired in the ancient world, they had a low social status and were frequently treated as property. However, Jesus interacts with them with a love and care that highlights their special place in the Kingdom of God.

When the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus, He reacted decisively. He was indignant about their attitude and corrected them by placing the children at the center of his attention. Jesus emphasizes that the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these children and that anyone who wants to receive it must do so with the same attitude and trust as a child.

This event teaches us that we should not be guided by our human prejudices or societal norms but should rather preserve the value and innocence of a child in order to truly understand and receive God’s Kingdom. Jesus’ treatment of the children reminds us of the importance of approaching every person, regardless of their social status or age, with love and respect. He challenges us to set an example that encourages children to come to Him and experience His love, rather than deterring them with our own harshness or indifference.

How can you better show Jesus to the children you interact with?

To better show Jesus to children, we can implement several key approaches in our daily lives:

1. Live Love and Patience:

   • Show unconditional love and patience to children. Be a role model that reflects Jesus’ love by interacting with them with respect, understanding, and compassion.

2. Be a Role Model in Faith:

   • Live your faith authentically before children. Demonstrate through your behavior what a life of following Jesus looks like. This means being honest, forgiving, and helpful.

3. Explain Faith in Child-Friendly Ways:

   • Talk to children about Jesus in ways they can understand. Use stories, simple words, and illustrative examples to make Jesus’ message accessible to them.

4. Incorporate Prayer and Bible Stories:

   • Invite children to pray together and tell them Bible stories. This can help strengthen their faith and build a relationship with Jesus.

5. Invest Time:

   • Make a conscious effort to spend time with children. Listen to them, play with them, and answer their questions about God and faith. Your attention shows them how valuable they are—to you and to Jesus.

6. Encouragement and Appreciation:

   • Encourage children in their talents and strengths. Show them that God has made them unique and that they are loved and valued just as they are.

7. Serve Together:

   • Involve children in simple service or helping projects. Show them how to help and serve others in Jesus’ name. This teaches them to live out love for others actively.

By following these steps, we can help children get to know Jesus better and develop a relationship with Him that will accompany them throughout their lives.

The connection between the lesson about “Jesus and the Children” and our daily lives and faith is profound and practical:

1. Childlike Innocence and Trust in Our Faith Life:

   • Jesus shows that we should receive the Kingdom of God like children—with simple, unconditional trust and an innocence unmarred by cynicism or doubt. In daily life, this means living our faith with an open heart and relying on God’s guidance, just as a child trusts their parents.

2. Appreciation and Respect for All People:

   • Jesus’ acceptance and blessing of children remind us that every person—regardless of age or social status—is valuable. In our daily interactions, this means treating others with respect, listening to them, and taking their needs seriously, rather than overlooking or dismissing them.

3. Affection and Love in Dealing with Children:

   • Jesus’ interaction with children teaches us to be loving, patient, and caring in our relationships with children—whether in the family, church, or society. This is reflected in actively spending time with children, listening to them, and supporting their development.

4. Being a Role Model:

   • Jesus calls us to lead lives that encourage children to come to Him. This means that our behavior and attitudes should reflect Jesus’ love and grace. Children learn a lot through imitation, so our lives should be a positive example for them.

5. Making Faith Visible in Daily Life:

   • By helping children get to know Jesus, we make our faith visible in everyday life. This means not only living out our faith privately but actively sharing it with others, especially the youngest among us who are still growing in their faith.

6. Promoting Community and Service:

   • Involving children in communal activities and service projects teaches them from a young age about the importance of love for others and Christian community. In daily life, we can create opportunities for children to learn the value of helping others and working together for good.

This lesson calls us to live our faith consciously by taking children and their development seriously and conveying to them the love and acceptance that Jesus extended. Through our example and care, we can help children develop a vibrant relationship with Jesus that shapes their entire lives.

Trust like a child, love like Jesus—let your heart be open and ready to live the simple, unconditional love of God in your daily life.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-8-teaching-disciples-part-2-8-2-jesus-and-children-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/

August 19, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Matthew Chapter 20

¹ For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.

² And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

³ And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

⁴ And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.

⁵ Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

⁶ And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

⁷ They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

⁸ So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

⁹ And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

¹⁰ But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

¹¹ And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

¹² Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

¹³ But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

¹⁴ Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

¹⁵ Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

¹⁶ So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

¹⁷ And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

¹⁸ Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

¹⁹ And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

²⁰ Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him.

²¹ And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.

²² But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

²³ And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

²⁴ And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.

²⁵ But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

²⁶ But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

²⁷ And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

²⁸ Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

²⁹ And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

³⁰ And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

³¹ And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

³² And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

³³ They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

³⁴ So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

King James Version. Public Domain

 

Commentary

Introduction:

Matthew Chapter 20 contains one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, often interpreted as a lesson on justice and grace. Additionally, Jesus announces His suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time, which continues to puzzle the disciples. Finally, He instructs His disciples on the true nature of leadership and service by challenging the worldly understanding of power. The chapter concludes with the poignant healing of two blind men near Jericho, highlighting Jesus’ merciful nature and His willingness to listen to the needs of those who call out to Him.

Commentary:

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) turns our conventional notions of justice and reward upside down. The landowner in the parable represents God, who acts according to His own sense of justice and gives each worker the same wage, regardless of how long they worked. This illustrates that God’s grace is not determined by human standards and that rewards in the kingdom of heaven are not distributed according to worldly principles. The lesson that “the last will be first, and the first last” challenges earthly thinking and reminds us that God’s kingdom operates on different rules.

In the announcement of His suffering (Matthew 20:17-19), Jesus prepares His disciples for the forthcoming events in Jerusalem. This prediction reveals Jesus’ awareness of His impending sacrifice and His willingness to endure suffering to redeem humanity.

The request of the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 20:20-28) leads to a crucial teaching on leadership in the kingdom of God. Jesus makes it clear that true greatness lies in serving others, not in dominating them. He presents Himself as the ultimate example by giving His life as a ransom for many. This lesson is a core aspect of Christian ethics and shows that the pursuit of power and status contrasts with the values of the kingdom of heaven.

The healing of the blind men (Matthew 20:29-34) again emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and His readiness to respond to those in need. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence the blind men, Jesus hears their call and heals them, underscoring His merciful nature and His willingness to care for even the least among us.

Summary:

Matthew Chapter 20 provides profound teaching on grace, justice, and true greatness in the kingdom of God. The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard illustrates that God’s rewards are not distributed based on human standards but according to His infinite grace. Jesus again announces His suffering and death, clarifying the path of sacrifice Christ must take. The request of the sons of Zebedee leads to a clear lesson on true leadership, which consists in serving rather than ruling. The healing of the blind men demonstrates Jesus’ boundless compassion and His readiness to address the needs of those who call out to Him. Overall, this chapter highlights the radically different values of the kingdom of God compared to worldly values.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 56—Blessing the Children

This chapter is based on Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17.

Read online here

 

Commentary

The chapter “Blessing the Children” highlights one of the most touching scenes in Jesus’ life, where He demonstrates His special love and affection for the smallest among us. This event is not only an expression of Jesus’ affection for children but also a powerful symbol of the appreciation and place they hold in the kingdom of God.

In the context of the Jewish society of that time, where children were often viewed as the property of their parents rather than as independent individuals with spiritual significance, Jesus’ actions were revolutionary. The disciples, who attempted to dismiss the mothers with their children, likely believed that Jesus’ mission was too important to be interrupted by such seemingly trivial concerns. However, Jesus made it clear that these “trivial” matters are of utmost importance in the kingdom of God. His words, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16), reflect a profound truth: Children embody the kind of innocence, openness, and trust that adults should also strive for in their faith.

The incident also underscores the far-reaching significance of Jesus’ blessing. The mothers who brought their children to Him did so in hope of divine grace and protection for their little ones. Jesus did not disappoint these expectations. Instead, He blessed the children not only physically but spiritually, providing the mothers with great comfort and hope. This blessing was not just a simple gesture but a profound affirmation that their children are valuable in God’s eyes and that their efforts to raise them in faith are supported and blessed by God Himself.

The commentary also highlights the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the Christian faith. This responsibility is portrayed not merely as a parental duty but as a sacred calling, where parents act as instruments of God. By leading their children to Christ, they help lay the foundation for a life of faith and grace. Parents are to open their children’s hearts to the truths of the Gospel and teach them in ways that are understandable to them. The image of parents as “gardeners,” nurturing the young plants of their children with love and care, is a powerful metaphor that describes the fragility and potential of the child’s soul.

Jesus’ interaction with the children also shows us how we should approach children today. It is a reminder that children should not only be seen as future members of the church but as current, valuable members of God’s community. Their spiritual education begins not only when they reach adulthood but from their earliest years. Therefore, it is the responsibility of parents, teachers, and the entire Christian community to shape these young hearts, encourage them, and guide them to Christ.

Furthermore, it is comforting to see that Jesus’ care and love for children extend beyond that time. The commentary makes it clear that even today, Jesus knows the concerns and struggles of mothers and supports them in their task of raising their children in faith. His love and understanding for the trials and challenges of parenthood are a comforting thought for all who seek support and encouragement in raising their children.

Overall, this chapter provides a profound reflection on the significance of blessing children in the Christian faith and the central role that children play in the kingdom of God. It is a call to all who bear responsibility for children to raise them with love and with an eye towards their spiritual development, and it serves as a reminder that Jesus still holds the same love and affection for the smallest among us today as He did then.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 57—“One Thing Thou Lackest”

This chapter is based on Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23.

Read online here

 

Commentary

This chapter describes the deeply moving encounter between Jesus and a young man known in the Gospels as the rich young ruler. It is a story that speaks not only to the heart but also to the mind, as it addresses central issues of discipleship, obedience, and devotion to God. The encounter reveals the difficulty Jesus presents to the young man: the call to total self-denial and dedication to God in exchange for eternal life.

The rich young ruler symbolizes many people who earnestly seek spiritual fulfillment and the kingdom of God but are held back by the worldly things they hold dear. His desire to gain eternal life is genuine and profound, as evidenced by his urgent approach to Jesus, kneeling before Him, and asking his pressing question. However, when Jesus reveals the true cost of eternal life, the inner struggle of the young man becomes apparent.

Jesus asks him to sell his wealth and give the money to the poor to gain treasure in heaven. This request is not a general rule Jesus sets for all believers but a specific test for this young man. Jesus recognizes that his heart is attached to his possessions and shows him that true discipleship requires letting go of all worldly securities and attachments. It is not merely about relinquishing material wealth but about the willingness to give up anything that keeps the heart from serving God.

The tragedy of this story lies in the young man’s reaction. He is sad because he is not willing to pay the high price Jesus demands. His wealth is too precious to him, and thus he chooses not to follow Jesus. This decision reveals a profound truth: even the best intentions and the most sincere desire for God can be overwhelmed by love for the things of this world.

Jesus’ call to give up everything and follow Him is an invitation to find true freedom in total devotion to God. It is a call that still reaches out today to anyone who seeks eternal life. The story of the rich young ruler shows that the path to God involves the cross of self-denial, and that true fulfillment and eternal life can only be attained if one is willing to leave all earthly things behind.

This incident serves as a reminder that worldly wealth and earthly securities cannot compare with the treasure of heaven. It is a call to reflect on the things that may be hindering us from true discipleship. Whatever our “one thing that we lack” may be, it stands between us and complete communion with God. The rich young ruler had a choice, and that choice also lies before us: Will we be willing to give up everything for Christ, or will we, like him, leave sadly because the worldly things are too important to us?

Jesus’ behavior in this story is also a lesson for all who are engaged in pastoral care. He meets the young man with love and compassion, even though he conveys a harsh truth. His love is not sentimental but demands the truth and the best for the person, even if it means that the path is painful. This approach should also guide those who accompany others on their journey to God.

Ultimately, the story of the rich young ruler shows that following Jesus requires radical decisions. It is a call to total dedication, the renunciation of all idols, and the acceptance of the cross. However, the reward Jesus promises is incomparable: eternal life and the treasure in heaven that far surpasses any earthly joy and security.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/19-08-2024-matthew-chapter-20-believe-his-prophets/