OPEN-HANDED
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I read Scripture today, help me to learn from your words and actions. Teach me how to follow you more closely and be a blessing to others.
Read MARK 10:13–16
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
The Little Children and Jesus
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Take a look at your hands. What do they say about your life experience? What might the hands of Jesus, used in blessing children, have looked like?It is interesting that this incident, involving children, follows immediately after the dispute about divorce. In adult conflicts, children are often the innocent victims—not that Jesus would have our romantic view of childhood. Children can be just as spiteful, selfish, and annoying as adults. The point here is that they are powerless. In Jesus’ day, children had no status at all. They had no achievements to boast of; they were not looking for anything to ‘do.’ They simply received Jesus’ touch and blessing. Maybe this is why Jesus makes children the model for the kingdom of God. It is their capacity to receive that he emphasizes.
Jesus himself was comfortable receiving. He received hospitality from a tax collector (2:15), extravagant affection from a woman (14:3) and even someone else’s tomb (15:46). Sometimes we equate maturity with independence and self-sufficiency. This does not seem to be Jesus’ view (v. 15).
Apply
How do you feel about receiving from others—and from God? Are you selective in your thinking about who has something to offer you? We can be open-handed in our giving—but may be less so in receiving.
Closing prayer
I come to you in prayer today, Father, hands wide open, ready to receive all that you have for me.
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