Today's Verse: Mark 10:13-14

Thursday, August 12, 1999

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He 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
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Unfortunately, humans seem to always try to define our place in the "pecking order" of life. Jesus reminds his disciples that they have to throw away the everyday rules of the pecking order if they are to be part of his JesuShaped Kingdom. He was angry with them because they denied toddlers access to him, apparently because his disciples didn't deem the little ones worthy of their Master's time, energy, and attention. Jesus, as he so often did, turned their common worldly values upside down and reminded them they needed to pay more attention to the character of toddlers than their sense of self-importance. They would never understand God's Kingdom and live like their Lord if they didn't.

My Prayer...

Father, thank you for valuing me as your child. Re-awaken my sense of wonder, an attitude of humility, and reverential awe of you as I seek to live for you and your Kingdom! I pray in Jesus' name, and to be transformed to become like him. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 10:13-14 — People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He 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."

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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