Touched by Jesus
When we bless children, or rather ask Jesus Christ to bless them, we are taking our direction from what He did for little children even when He bore great burdens and was under pressure to accomplish much. Looking at His blessing helps us grasp the immense wonder of the love, power and holiness of the Almighty Jesus Christ and what He calls us to, especially regarding His children.
Scripture
Mark 10:13-16 ESV And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16 And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Bible Study Questions
What is blessing?
Israel is often referred to as God’s child. God commands His prophet Moses to instruct His priest Aaron to bless His children Israel. What is this blessing all about?
Numbers 6:22-27 ESV The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, [23] “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, [24] The LORD bless you and keep you; [25] the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; [26] the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. [27] “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.”
Who are the people bringing their children to?
What do you think of when you think of the person of Jesus Christ? It’s easy to see the humble suffering servant who was silent through His persecution and died humbly to secure our eternal lives because that is what we most often focus on - but that’s not all and a partial picture of Jesus is not a picture of Jesus. What does revelation tell us about the person of Jesus? Is this the same Jesus that people brought their children to? Why does this matter for us?
Mark 10:13a ESV And they were bringing children to Him
John 18:5-6 ESV They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. [6] When Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Revelation 19:11-16 ESV Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. [12] His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. [13] He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. [14] And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. [15] From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
What do they want Jesus to do?
Why did parents want Jesus to touch their children, what does it say about the parents that they wanted Jesus to do this? Looking at a woman who wanted to touch Jesus garments in order to be healed, what did Jesus say about her motivation?
Mark 10:13b ESV And they were bringing children to Him that he might touch them,
Mark 5:27-28 ESV She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. [28] For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”
Mark 5:34 ESV And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
1 Corinthians 7:14 ESV For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
What was His reaction when the disciples tried to interfere?
It’s not often in the Gospels where we see Jesus expressing anger, on what other occasions do we see this? What do you think Jesus cleansing the Temple and this event have in common?
Mark 10:14a ESV and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant
John 2:13-17 ESV The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [14] In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. [15] And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. [16] And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” [17] His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
What can we take from Jesus rebuke?
The disciples were told in no uncertain terms that they should never do anything that would hinder little children from coming to Him. How does this relate to us, what should we be careful of as the Church?
Mark 10:14c ESV and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them,
Mark 9:42 ESV “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
Why is Jesus indignant?
Jesus gives the reason for not hindering children. He teaches us that the Kingdom belongs to those who are like little children. What does it mean to be like little children?
Mark 10:14d-15 ESV for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
James 1:21 ESV Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
What does Jesus do?
Jesus takes time with each child individually. He loves them and blesses them. Exactly what benefits this blessing imparted is not clear, but what does Jesus prayer for Simon Peter do for him? What is the greatest thin we can ask for for our children?
Mark 10:16 ESV And He took them in his arms and blessed them,
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Luke 22:31-32 ESV “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, [32] but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Why does Jesus lay His hands on them?
The laying on of hands is found in the New Testament when the Apostles pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit for believers. It’s also associated with setting apart people for the work of God. While we may not know exactly what Jesus did in laying on of His hands, what can we be certain of, like the thief on the cross was?
Mark 10:16b ESV laying His hands on them.
Acts 8:18 ESV Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,
1 Timothy 5:22 ESV Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
Luke 23:42-43 ESV And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” [43] And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”