Throughout His life we see Jesus interacting with people who needed Him, people who were dependent on Him. We even get some interactions between Jesus and children in scripture.
It’s in these small interactions that we can find some principles in parenting because as the Creator of People, He knew exactly what the children He met with needed.
[MARK 10:13-15]
“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”
- LOVING TOUCH
[MARK 6:56]
“Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.”
Beyond Jesus’ ability to heal, this type of loving touch has tangible benefits today physically, emotionally, and for mental health.
According to the Urban Child Institute (http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/articles/research-to-policy/research/enhancing-development-through-the-sense-of-touch), “…infants who experience more physical contact with caregivers demonstrate increased mental development in the first six months of life compared to young children who receive limited physical interaction. Furthermore, this improved cognitive development has been shown to last even after eight years, illustrating the importance of positive interactions.“. Beyond the mental development it helps children understand social dynamics, as well as feel loved and accepted.
According to an article from Penn State (https://extension.psu.edu/programs/betterkidcare/early-care/tip-pages/all/touch-why-we-need-it), “Touch is central to human social life. It is the most developed sensory modality at birth, and it contributes to cognitive, brain, and socio-emotional development throughout infancy and childhood.”
As you lead your children in how to affectionately and appropriately show love, you are helping them learn how to show compassion, acceptance, belonging, and care in appropriate ways to others as well.
Pastor Craig Groschel puts it this way “When they learn to be touched appropriately by a loving and Godly person, they’ll learn to say no to inappropriate touch from an ungodly person”
- ABUNDANT TIME
“When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry[angry is an understatement- greek hints at “ticked off”] with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Your children are not obstacles to what God is trying to do in your life, your children are actually the greatest opportunity to see what God can do through your life.
According to Lifetime (https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/comment/seven-minutes-a-day-the-modern-day-excuse-for-a-parent-1.459183), the average amount of time fathers talk to their kids is 7 minutes per day, mothers talk 11 minutes per day with their kids.
- ENCOURAGING TALK
16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.“
[MATTHEW 3:17]
“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
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Application Questions
- What stood out to you from this message and why?
- What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
- What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
- How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?