A Blessed Touch

Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch 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 I tell you the truth; 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, put his hands on them and blessed them.
 
NOTICE that people brought their children to Jesus to have him touch them. A loving touch is powerful. Psychological, spiritual, medical and relational studies reveal that a loving touch from one person to another is an honoring, life-giving gesture.
   The disciples, however, didn’t see it that way. It’s a matter of conjecture to know why the disciples rebuked the parents. But we do understand why Jesus was indignant – a very strong emotion – against his disciples’ rebuke.
   As Jesus took the children in his arms he embraced his creation. He is the Omnipotent God, who formed a nation to know him, so they could live in a sacred harmony with him on earth and in heaven. When the LORD birthed a nation that grew in Egypt, when he set them in the Promised Land, when he gave them his law, and when he brought them back from exile, the LORD God wanted Israel to have a child-like mind. Just as the children went to Jesus, the Holy God wanted Israel to come to him for his blessing. He desired they would easily accept his teachings and live in unity with him.
   To live with God in those ways requires a child-like mind. Such a mind can be directed toward God because there are few things to intervene. Witness how easily many children can memorize Bible verses. And we all remember songs of Jesus and our faith when we learned when we were children. Most of us knew Jesus when we were young because our minds were willing to receive him without objection. Our minds were less influenced with the mind’s natural doubt in God’s Word. We were more eager and willing to believe.
   “Jesus said that people should believe in him with this kind of childlike faith. We should not have to understand all the mysteries of the universe; it should be enough to know that God loves us and has provided forgiveness for our sin.
   “This doesn’t mean that we should be childish, immature, selfish, or spoiled, but that we should receive the kingdom with a child's simplicity and trust. Unless we can completely trust in God, we will never enter the kingdom.” (From Life Application Bible Commentary)
   We should note, too, Jesus’ blessing was more than a simple pat on the child’s body and a word or two. The Greek for he blessed them is an intensive word indicating Jesus took time with each child. Jesus was on a mission to change the world’s mind set on creating a gap between God and our faith. Here was a moment he could physically convey his love for his creation.
   When you need to know the power of Jesus’ blessed touch, remember the cross. Consider the Romans pierced his tender hands with the vicious spikes, so you could eternally know the Lord’s gracious invitation, “Let the children come unto me.”