not an interruption

27Aug
by Jon Swanson

“Can you pray for my child?”

Who could refuse that kind of request? It’s simple. It doesn’t take long at all. It’s the least you can do.

“Can you just put your hand on my child while you pray? I mean, you don’t have to come over or anything, I’ll come to you.”

So poignant. So tender.

“Can you ask Jesus to pray for my child?”

What! That’s the stupidest idea. Just leave him alone. He’s doing important stuff. He’s teaching important things. He’s working with us. Just go away.

————

That’s what Jesus’ followers did. They scolded moms for wanting Jesus to pray for their children.  The moms just wanted Jesus to touch their children and talk to his dad.  Likely a simply blessing, is what it was. Almost like the “kissing babies” that a politician does when campaigning, only this time the parents were wanting it and the campaign staff didn’t.

For Jesus, however, there was no campaign. He wasn’t trying to build a great reputation. He wasn’t trying to marshal popular opinion or look impressive in the polls. He wasn’t trying to be efficient or look for the best photo ops. He was just being Jesus and in Matthew 19, he overhears what his would-be protectors are saying and says, “Stop it. Let them come.”

Jesus knew, more than the disciples, that these kids were the future. They were the ones who could grow up knowing what it means to be loved by a Jesus capable of touching. They were the ones that would grow up after the resurrection. They were the first generation who would grow to adulthood with “I have come that they might have abundant life” ringing in their ears.

No wonder Jesus wanted to touch them.

No wonder he still does.

Do we let him?

9 thoughts on “not an interruption”

  3. Perry's avatar

    Perry

    ironically, the disciples more times than not did not comprehend Jesus’ “real” purpose or point of view. They reacted much like any of us would with a thought process centered in “the world”…this was obviously not something that hindered the Son of God.
    This is one of my favorite accounts in the Bible. Jesus referred to children many times as He knew they acted from the heart and did not over think things

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    1. Jon Swanson's avatar

      Jon Swanson

      Perry “they reacted much like any of us” – exactly. They are so fully human, so normal, that we have to wrestle with “so why *did* Jesus work with them? So why was he so persistent with them? So how does that give me hope?”

      Thanks.

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  4. Herb's avatar

    Herb

    important question and for the most part NO. We have created a society where most of the influences on our children are secular and devoid of Jesus or even a Christ-like world view.
    As a father of one, soon to be two young girls, this weighs heavily on me. I pray for God’s love for us to shine through interaction I have with them (and their wonderful mom).

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    2. Jon Swanson's avatar

      Jon Swanson

      Herb – of course, the reaction of the followers suggests that it isn’t so much that we have created anything. There are always people, well-meaning people, religious people, who Jesus tells, “would you move so those kids can stand here in the front row?” And I do understand that sense of responsibility.

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  5. Jill's avatar

    Jill

    Wow – what a post. Clear concise and challenging.

    I actually found this post from Chris Brogan’s feed in my reader. Thanks Chris.

    And thanks Jon for this. I taught this and related concepts for many years in Mexico.

    Many people have the idea that children are the church of tomorrow – or the society of tomorrow. But not so, they are an essential part of the church and the society of today.

    Let us train them from Day 1 to be the champions they were born to be.

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