Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 05, 2025: SOAP #5785: Esther 3-8; Luke 18

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 18:16 Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
17  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

OBSERVATION:  Mark 10:16 says that Jesus did not just do as the parents requested, but did more; He took them up in his arms!   They were more than just an object lesson.  They were special to Him! 

The kingdom belongs to such as come like children.  We have to receive it the same way the children receive it.  They cannot earn it, and neither can we.  Children receive it based only on the promise of God and that is the only way I can receive it too.     

APPLICATION:  Now, if I am going to be like Jesus, I cannot ignore children.  I cannot be too busy to act like they are not nearby or are unimportant.  Jesus takes the way I treat children as though I was doing it to Him.   

In this passage we have two great examples.  The first is given to us by Jesus.  How children receive the Kingdom of God is the way we are to receive the Kingdom!   The second example is that of Jesus accepting the little children.  We should receive the children the same way. 

PRAYER:  Lord, today I will have opportunity to serve you by serving children.  May I be a blessing to the children and to you!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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