Photo illustration by Phil Younk
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Jesus is never too busy for children
Based on Gen 2:18-24; Heb 2:9-11; Mk 10:2-16
Have grown-ups ever been too busy to listen to you or too tired to spend time with you? In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches grown-ups an important lesson.
As Jesus was preaching, mothers brought their children to him. They wanted him to place his hands on them and bless them.
Jesus was glad to see the children because they were important to him. He loved to listen to all they wanted to tell him, to laugh with them and to spend time with them.
But the disciples thought Jesus was tired and needed some rest. They didn’t want the mothers and children bothering him.
Jesus scolded the disciples, “Let the children come to me,” he said, “Don’t stop them. God loves all children.”
Jesus said to his disciples, “People who want to be in God’s kingdom must love me, trust me and listen to me like these children do.”
Why did Jesus say grown-ups must be more like children? Children try to obey their parents, teachers and other people in authority. Jesus wants all people to obey God the Father. Children listen and learn from other people. Jesus wants all people to listen and learn from him.
Children trust their parents and other grown-ups because they need them to take care of and to protect them. Jesus wants all people to trust God and to know that they need God to take care of and to protect them.
The children were so happy Jesus wanted to be with them. Excited and full of energy, they ran up and hugged him.
Jesus took the children in his arms, hugged them and blessed them. Smiling and happy, the children crowded around Jesus.
Jesus was never too busy or tired to spend time with children. He said children love him, trust him, listen to him and try to be good the way he taught them. Jesus wants grown-ups to do the same.
You are special to Jesus. That means Jesus is always there for you.
