Page 65 - Back to Bethlehem 2-5-19

Mark 9:42, “And whoever causes one of these little ones who
believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy
millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.”
Don’t offend a little child. Mark 10:13-16, “And they were
bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; and the
disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was
indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me;
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