“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them” (Mark 10:13-16 ESV).
To “bless” someone in Jesus’ day was a form of prayer. It was a way of asking God to look favorably upon an individual. Here, Jesus blesses or prayerfully intercedes for children. And it’s no cold and stately blessing. He takes them in his arms, lays his hands on them, and blesses them. Can you imagine what it must have felt like for a child, having just been dismissed by Jesus’ disciples, to have Jesus pick you up, hold you, and bless you?
Who in the community around Highland’s church building needs Jesus’ blessing? Who in metro-Memphis needs this blessing? Who in the U. S. needs this blessing? What groups around the world are most in need of this blessing? Pray for God to make Highland that blessing.
Be sure to visit the Next Big Thing prayer board in The Commons today and write what you’re hearing from God about the next big things in God’s work at Highland. Who are you hoping God will bless through Highland in the next few years?
