Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 24, 2022: SOAP #4739: Matthew 17-19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus never considered children to be an interruption.  They were often the focus of His attention.  When adults tried to rearrange things to fit their priorities, Jesus corrected them and brought the children back into focus. 

Not only His words, but also His actions demonstrated the value He personally placed on children.  He touched them. 

APPLICATION: Jesus lives inside me.  He did not change His nature when He entered my life.  The way Jesus was in the days He walked the earth, is the way He is now living in me.   I want to be like Jesus.  Children must become as important to me as they were and are to Jesus. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, as I drive the school bus, touch through me, speak through me, love through me. May their problems be as important to me as they are to them.  May my words bring faith into their troubles.  May my hand on their shoulder minister your approval and encouragement to their hearts.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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