Questions for October 7, 2012

“Let The Children Come”

Mark 10:2-16

Some Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’ They said, ‘Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her.’ But Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your hardness of heart he wrote this commandment for you. But from the beginning of creation, “God made them male and female.” “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’ Then in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.

 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them

Prayer:

Gracious God, you invited little children into your arms and you blessed them. Let us be mindful of your invitation. Let us bring our cares and worries into the arms of your embrace. Let nothing hold us back. Help us overcome our own fears and the feeling of unworthiness. Into your hands we come, bless us through your word and through this fellowship. In Christ name we’ve prayed.

I.                    The role of children in the first century: Here are some important statements that will help us understand the role of children during the time of Jesus (the world of the 1^st century).

i.                     “A child is without understanding and self-willed.

ii.                   “A child acts like a fool.

iii.                 “A child is inclined to naughtiness and needs sharp discipline.

iv.                 “It is a waste of time for a scholar to spend time with a child.

v.                   “Chatting with children is one of the things that destroy a man”.

These were all prominent, mainstream ideas in the world of the 1^st century.  

In the philosophical traditions of Plato, Aristotle, the Stoics and onward, the concept of logos (word, speech or reason) was what mattered most in society. There was broad consensus that the city-state was held together by logos, and that the only people who possessed logos were the free male citizen. Women and the elderly not so much, while slaves and barbarians definitely lacked logos. Not surprisingly children were classified in this group as lacking logos, as having little or no value to the life and vitality of the society. With this in mind, discuss the potential impact of Jesus (a scholar and teacher) inviting children to sit with him.

II.                  Jesus blessed the children: Why were they bringing these children to Jesus? Why do they want Jesus to touch them? Every other time the word "touch" (Greek: apto) is used in the gospel of Mark, it is part of a healing (Read: Mark 1:41; Mark 3:10; Mark 5:27-31; Mark 6:56; Mark 7:33; Mark 8:22). What can we conclude about the condition of these children?

III.               The child was considered a non-entity in antiquity, radically dependent upon the parent. Jesus uses the condition of radical dependency to paint another picture. “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Discuss how we understand radical dependence in today’s culture that prides itself on radical independence? How do we talk about dependence while still celebrating cultural independence?

IV.                Are there some child-like characteristics that remind you of what God is like to us? What are they, and how can we cultivate more in our lives?

V.                  Jesus spent time blessing children. Spend time this week praying for others and blessing those in need. You might want to begin with holding hands and praying specifically for the needs of those within your group. This week, invite someone to share a meal, open your hearts and arms to a complete stranger, and speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves. Be the arms of Christ inviting the world for a blessing.

As you invite others, be reminded of God’s open invitation to you.

Amen.