Mark 10:13-16 - And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 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. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them.
It's interesting to see why the families were bringing their children to Jesus. They wanted Him to touch them—and He did! Mark tells us that "He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them" (Mark 10:16).
Most of us live in cultures where touch is not valued as much as words are. We teach our children through words—we send them to school to hear more words—and then they go to church and learn yet more words, this time about God.
Words have their place. But touch does too, especially when it comes to communicating love and blessing. Infants don't understand much of what we say, but they react to a gentle touch, to a loving embrace.
And we do too, don't we? I think if we're honest, most of us would admit some envy of these children. Who wouldn't want to have Jesus touch them with love? The God who loved us enough to become human, to save us through His life and death and resurrection—this is the same God who came near enough to us to touch. He knows we need it, adults and children alike. And so He has provided for us gifts that speak to that need—Baptism, Communion, and even the handshake or comforting hug of a fellow Christian during hard times.
God's saving love is for all of us—not just the mind or the soul, but the body as well. When Jesus blessed these children by touching them, that was a real blessing. And when He gives Himself to us through touchable things like bread and wine and water, He makes it clear that He is concerned for every area of our lives—the physical as well as the spiritual. He loves you, and He wants you near enough to touch.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord Jesus, draw me close to You in body and spirit. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you like to be touched? Under what circumstances?
2. What does touch communicate?
3. Some people are touch-starved because there is no one in their lives who is close enough to them to feel comfortable sharing this gift. That's a special kind of loneliness. Is there someone you care for who might be glad for a simple touch of the hand? (Be sure not to assume—make sure it's welcome.)
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 56-58 Romans 11:1-18
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