Scripture
15People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17
Observation
After the disciples stopped blocking babies for Jesus they started body checking blind guys for Jesus. 38He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” (Lk. 18:38-41). The disciples saw it as their duty to protect the Messiah, but they were actually getting in the way of what Jesus wanted to do in the lives of those around them. Where they saw a threat Jesus saw a way through to the heart. Where they saw a crowd breaking in Jesus saw a curse He could break. Where they saw a problem Jesus saw a person.
Application
Are we pushing people away from the very Savior they need to see? Jesus doesn’t need a body guard, He needs us to be the Body of Christ. Jesus doesn’t need us to go around as “defenders of the faith” as much as He needs us to be examples of the faith. I don’t want to be a roadblock but a road way to the narrow way. Why is it that people know Christians more for what we are against than that what we are for? I can’t speak for everyone else, but I know that when I see the rapid erosion of Biblical values and mores in our culture I feel that I need to speak up. Jesus saw these things too, but notice what He did when He spoke up. He asked questions instead of making religious or political statements. The all-knowing God asked a blind man a question. Not just any question, but THE question. What can I do for you? This was obvious to anyone, including Jesus, that a blind man wanted to see. So, why did He ask? A question invites conversation and confession. An answer blocks and often builds an answer even if the answer is right. Jesus was more of a Bible Question man than a Bible answer man and this was the question we should all be asking those around us. In fact, I have found that when I ask someone, how can I pray for you, it really helps to build a bridge rather than a wall because they see I’m there to serve them not sell them or argue with them. Most people are open to prayer when they are in need even they don’t really know God. If I spent more time asking people what I can do for them instead of telling people what they can’t do, shouldn’t do I might get an opportunity to show who Jesus is. Jesus doesn’t need a body guard, or a bouncer, He needs a servant who is willing to meet the needs right where they’re at.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for getting so defensive because I’m so offended by the choices people make. Forgive me for forgetting why I’m here on this earth. In this sin soaked world You reached me, You saved me, and now You’re sending me out to do the same. How do I answer that question this morning? What do I want You to do for me this morning? I want You to help me see people the way You see them so I can show them who You really are!
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