“People were bringing little children for Jesus to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was greatly displeased, and 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. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will NEVER ENTER IT.” And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and BLESSED THEM.” (Mark 10:13-16)
This verse can be easily misinterpreted. It DOES NOT mean that children are sinless, as any parent can verify. It does mean that children have an innocence that earns them the right to receive God’s blessings. It means that those MOST ELIGIBLE to experience God’s glory and sovereignty in their lives are the people who DO NOT ASSUME THAT THEY DESERVE IT. Entrance into the Kingdom of God happens when we acknowledge our SINFUL NATURE and ask the Lord to FORGIVE US and go on in our lives with a heart to “SIN NO MORE”. It’s not about us, it’s about Jesus, who suffered greatly and LAID DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US.
“…the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Moses commanded us that such should be stoned. But WHAT DO YOU SAY?” This they said, TESTING HIM, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear…they continued asking Him, He said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And He stooped down and wrote (each of their sins) on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, WENT OUT ONE BY ONE, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; GO AND SIN NO MORE.” (John 8:3-11)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham