Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 03, 2023: SOAP #4838: Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 10:13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 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. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

OBSERVATION:  He saw!  Jesus saw what was happening around Him.  Children were being denied their opportunity to be close to Him.  He was being denied His opportunity to be close to them!  
His feelings were aroused. He felt indignation! (much grief, outrage, anger)  It was shameful that the people representing Him would turn children away!!! 
He spoke!  It is not that the children belonged to the kingdom, but that the kingdom belonged to the children!  …and to those who receive it as a child. 
He touched!   No, not just touched them…He picked them up in His arms! 
He blessed!  He blessed what He valued. 

Children were not a side issue to Jesus.  They were an important part of His whole ministry. 

APPLICATION: God has made children an important part of my ministry.  School bus driving is not something I can drop when a more important opportunity comes my way.  The children on my bus are important, to God and to me.  Being faithful to them is being faithful to God. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, give me words of kindness, encouragement, hope, and blessing for the children around me.  May I be a trustworthy and dependable friend. Keep me serving them with eternity in view.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon