In what ways can we ensure we don't "rebuke" those seeking Jesus today? Setting the Passage “People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” (Mark 10:13-14) Key Observations • The disciples’ rebuke sprang from misplaced assumptions about who deserved access to Jesus. • Jesus’ response revealed that every seeker—even the least regarded—belongs in His presence. • The warning “do not hinder” is timeless; the same danger exists whenever Christ’s followers impose barriers. Ways We Can Avoid Rebuking Today’s Seekers • Welcome before you weigh – Receive people first, assess issues later (Romans 15:7). – Let hospitality outrun suspicion (Hebrews 13:2). • Listen with intent, not judgment – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). – Hearing someone’s story often dissolves harsh assumptions (Proverbs 18:13). • Remove practical barriers – Provide rides, clear signage, accessible services (Luke 14:21-23). – Simplify “insider” language so newcomers grasp the gospel (1 Corinthians 14:9). • Guard against favoritism – Treat rich and poor, polished and rough, with equal honor (James 2:1-4). – Value every ethnicity and background as Christ does (Revelation 7:9-10). • Display childlike humility – Approach seekers as fellow learners, not moral referees (Matthew 18:3-4). – Admit our own need of grace; arrogance repels (1 Peter 5:5). • Show compassion over contempt – Jesus welcomed the woman at the well despite her past (John 4:7-26). – Compassion motivated Him to stop for Bartimaeus even when the crowd silenced him (Mark 10:46-52). • Present truth with grace – Truth without grace wounds; grace without truth misleads (John 1:17). – Correct error gently, “instructing with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). • Keep the focus on Christ, not culture – Avoid binding seekers to traditions Scripture doesn’t require (Colossians 2:20-23). – Exalt Jesus, not personal preferences or politics (1 Corinthians 2:2). Self-Check Indicators • If our tone silences questions, we’re likely rebuking rather than welcoming. • If people must conform socially before hearing Christ, something’s off. • If our first instinct is to critique rather than celebrate an approach toward Jesus, we mirror the mistaken disciples. Encouragement to Act Jesus’ open-armed command, “Let them come,” remains the church’s marching order. By welcoming, listening, removing obstacles, rejecting favoritism, walking in humility, showing compassion, speaking truth with grace, and centering everything on Christ, we ensure no modern seeker is rebuked or hindered from meeting the Savior. |
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