Text : Mark 10:13-16
Topic: DON’T HINDER THE CHILDREN
I want to preach on the subject Don’t Hinder The Children. There is a Lesson About Service; A Lesson About Salvation; and A Lesson About The Savior. I want us to understand that Jesus has a special place in His heart and in His plans for the children.
I. A LESSON ABOUT SERVICE
This passage clearly reveals certain responsibilities that both the parent and the church have toward our children. Fulfilling these responsibilities is a form of service to our children.
A.We Serve Our Children By Evangelizing Them –
This passage nowhere implies that Jesus was saving these children. He was merely praying for them and pronouncing a blessing on their young lives. This scene teaches us that these parents cared enough about the spiritual condition of their children to bring to Jesus so that they might be blessed through His praying and His touch.
Parents should do everything in their power to ensure that their children are exposed to the Gospel. That means bringing them to church on a consistent basis. It means giving them the opportunity to be in Sunday School. It means praying for them and with them and opening the Bible with them at home. It means being open about your own faith. It means being consistent in your own life as a believer. It means teaching them that nothing in this world is more important than the Lord and His business.
B.We Serve Our Children By Educating Them –
By bringing their children to Jesus, these parents were telling their children that they saw something special in Him.
We are responsible for educating our children about the things of God. In Eph. 6:4, the word “nurture” refers to “the whole training and education” of a child. It is not the public school teacher’s responsibility to see that our children come to Jesus. It is our duty to bring them face to face with a saving Lord. If we make much of Jesus in front of them, they will be far more likely to come to Him at an early age and remain faithful to Him as they mature.
C.We Serve Our Children By Encouraging Them –
When these parents came to Jesus with their children they were encouraging them to approach Him as well. Christian parents are told in Eph. 6:4 to “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” The word “admonition” has the idea of “encouragement”. Make the Bible a big part of their daily life. Pray with them. Bring them to Sunday School and preaching. Expose them to everything of a godly nature that is available.
One of the best things a mature believer can do for children is for them to be in love with Jesus Christ. When mature adults love Jesus with a sincere devotion, it encourages children to love Him too!
II. A LESSON ABOUT SALVATION
Parents responsibility to serve our children by helping them form a spiritual foundation, it also speaks about the matter of salvation.
A.What It Implies –
The fact that children are invited to come to the Savior implies that children need a Savior. That is why parents and other concerned adults must do all they can to bring children face to face with the claims of the Gospel. It is not our duty to save them, but it is our duty to expose them to the Word of God. When children hear the Gospel preached, taught and lived out, they are far more likely to come to Jesus. Here is what Paul told Timothy about exposing children to the Word of God, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Tim. 3:15.
B.What it involve-
Parents, just because your children are young, do not assume that they do not need to be saved. Children grow up quick these days and they need to know about Jesus Christ. When they are ready to receive Jesus, be careful that you point them to Him and allow them to come to Him by faith. In other words, do not put words into their mouths. You might help them to understand the kind of things they should pray about; things like confession of sin, expression of faith in the finished work of Christ, asking the Lord into their hearts, etc.
C.What It Illustrates –
Children coming to Jesus was used by our Lord to illustrate the way all believers must come to Him. Children are trusting, humble and dependent. They are so trusting, that they have to be warned not to talk to strangers. They are so dependent, that they simply rest in the ability and willingness of those around them to meet their needs. They don’t worry over food, clothing. Children simply accept profound things by faith. They just believe! This is the childlike qualities of trust, humility and dependence. This is the only way anyone ever receives salvation.
III. A LESSON ABOUT THE SAVIOR
This is not only about Service and Salvation, it also say about the Savior.
A.We Can See The Savior’s Heart –
The disciples thought Jesus was too busy for a bunch of children. Parents brought their children to Jesus so that He could pray for them and pronounce a blessing over them. When the disciples rebuked the parents Jesus was very angry with the disciples for trying to prevent children from coming to Him. Children hold a special place in our Lord’s heart!
This scene reveals a lot about Jesus. Children cannot serve Him like those who are older. They cannot contribute as much money as those who are older. Still, He loves them and reaches out to them in grace. This just reminds us that God is not interested in what we can do, what we can give or how old we are. He simply invited people to come to Him on the basis of pure grace! Jesus loves lost sinners and He invites them all to come to Him.
B.We Can See The Savior’s Hands –
verse 15 says “and He laid His hands on them”. This indicates that He placed took the time to bless each individual child that came before Him. Never think for an instant that Jesus doesn’t care about you. He loves you and He will not turn you away if you will come to Him. No matter where the path of life has taken you; no matter what you may have done; no matter how insignificant you may feel; Jesus Christ will save you and change your life if you will come to Him. He cares about your condition and He will take the time to touch your life if you will only come to Him by faith.
Conclusion
you are saved or lost, young or old, Jesus cares about you. If you have never been saved, regardless of your age, you need to come to Jesus today. He died on the cross to save you if you are lost. If sin has crept into your relationship with Jesus and is hindering your walk with Him, He can forgive that today. If you will come to Him, you will find that His grace will be sufficient for you.
