What Jesus Did! 'Welcome the Child' — Mark 9:36-37

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Then [Jesus] put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."
— Mark 9:36-37 NLT

Key Thought

How we treat those from whom we can receive nothing in return determines our hearts. In Jesus' day, most people did not consider children to be significant in the social pecking order. In many ways, that condition still exists today - notice how day-care workers and teachers are still among the lowest-paid workers in many modern countries. So Jesus reminds his followers that the way they welcome, treat, and value children reveal a great deal about their hearts. What does it say about our own?

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for challenging me to value people whom others neglect, devalue, and overlook. Help me follow through on my conviction to love all people, especially those from whom I can receive no monetary, status, or power benefit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Act of God
Article by Rubel Shelly
Let's turn this phrase on its ear! Rubel Shelly talks about the term act of God and turns the phrase around to be a call to action for God's people.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:36-37 NLT — "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 22, 2024

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Will Durant:
"The love we have in our youth is superficial compared to the love that an old man has for his old wife."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Humility Is a Weapon Against the Devil'
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Devoted to Breaking Bread' (Acts 2:42-46)
"All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'I Confess!' (Ro. 10:1-8)
"Dear Father, Thank you that Christ is the end of the law to those who have faith. Thank you that I am justified by faith in him, not by some system....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!