The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.
ContextThis coming Sunday, February 21, is the first Sunday in Lent. It is a time of forty days, not counting Sundays, that stretch from Ash Wednesday (February 17) until Easter Sunday (April 4). It recalls the time of Jesus’ temptation or testing in the desert (see Luke 4:1-13).
Our scripture readings during Lent this year, however, will not follow the typical pattern. Instead, we are using materials that focus on “A Journey to Hope,” with scripture and suggestions provided by the “Rethink Church” campaign of The United Methodist Church. The idea during Lent is to look at the various ways in which we are equipped to start–and continue–on “A Journey to Hope.”
This Sunday, the focus will be on “traveling companions.” The scripture reading is taken from the Gospel of Mark, coming at a time when he is coming closer to Jerusalem. It comes after Peter’s confession of him as “the Christ, the Messiah”(Mark 8:29) and the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8). He has already spoken of the importance of honoring and valuing children. (Mark 9:36-37). He has gone to an area of Judea on the east side of the Jordan river, where he continues to teach to a large crowd.
People are bringing children to him, hoping that he might at least touch them. The disciples are shooing them away. But Jesus interrupts and makes sure to welcome and bless the children.
Reflection Questions- Who brought us to Jesus? Who have been our “traveling companions” along our journey of faith?
- What is so important that we sometimes create impediments for others to come “face to face” with Jesus?
- What kind of “traveling companions” are we for Jesus? Do we bring people closer, or do we keep them away!
Lord, help us to recognize the need for persons to come close to Jesus–and to bring others with them. Help us not to stand in the way but to invite and involve others in our journey to hope. Amen.
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