Page 67 - BACK TO BETHLEHEM

do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as
these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom
of God like a child shall not enter it at all.’ And He took them
in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon
them.”
Let me share the background. It’s almost comical for
this occasion. Mark 9:33-34, “And they came to Capernaum;
and when He was in the house, He began to question them,
‘What were you discussing on the way?’ But they kept silent,
for on the way they had discussed with one another which of
them was the greatest.” The disciples walked in the doors and
Jesus asked, “What were you talking about on the way?”
Luke 9:47, “But Jesus, knowing what they were
thinking in their hearts, took a child and stood him by His
side…” On the way to the house where Jesus was, they were
arguing about who was the greatest. Use your imagination and
picture this. These are rough fisherman and their tongues are
not tamed yet and they are deciding which one was the best. I
can hear James and John saying, “We must be favorites. He
invited us to go on the Mount of Transfiguration.” I can hear
Peter responding, “Which one of you ever walked on water?” I
can hear Judas say, “He chose me to be treasurer. He must trust
me.”
I don’t think that the fighting came to blows but I think
it was heated. As they got near the house they said, “Keep it
down. Cool it. We’ll discuss this later.” They came in the door
and Jesus asked, “What were you talking about?” They must
have been shocked to hear that! Mark 9:34, “But they kept
silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which
of them was the greatest.”
When they came in He asked what they were talking
about. They said, “Nothing.” They were embarrassed and
blood came to their cheeks because they were discussing who
was the greatest. At this point they had not received light on
the exchanged life. They are still learning and they are very
dull. They had no idea of childlikeness. That’s the background
of when He brings in this little child.
65