Monday's SOAP - Matthew 19:13-15

 ¹³ One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

 ¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” ¹⁵ And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.

S(cripture) - Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

O(bservation) - The Kingdom belongs to those like these children.  Jesus, God's Son, the creator of the universe has time for children.  He valued them, lifted them up as the model for kingdom life.  The disciples - his press secretaries and handlers thought was a waste of his valuable time.  But Jesus' values were different - Kingdom values - where children are to be blessed and recognized as models of Kingdom citizens.  What did these children model?  We take cues from other values Jesus established.  Have time to read the passages where Jesus described the Kingdom of God?

A(pplication) - As we continue our series on Life in the Burbs specifically looking at relationships, this passage is significant.  First, it reminds us to take time for and value children.  But it is also a lesson in making sure we don't miss out on relationships that we might think of as insignificant.  Let's make sure we don't become like Jesus' "body guards." There are people that are seeking Jesus' blessing - people who don't fit the mold - don't dress right, act right, talk right, think right, humans with physical and mental disabilities . . .  Jesus says, "Don't stop them!'  Don't be an obstruction.

P(rayer) - Father, Abba, will we ever see people the way you do, even the smallest child? those with limitations? blatant "sinners?"  May I see and value those that I meet this week. Guide me into becoming like a child in the best ways you imagines.  Amen.