What Jesus Did! 'Welcome the Child' — Mark 9:36-37

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

 Read More
Then [Jesus] put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."
— Mark 9:36-37 NLT

Key Thought

How we treat those from whom we can receive nothing in return determines our hearts. In Jesus' day, most people did not consider children to be significant in the social pecking order. In many ways, that condition still exists today — notice how day-care workers and teachers are still among the lowest-paid workers in many modern countries. So Jesus reminds his followers that the way they welcome, treat, and value children reveal a great deal about their hearts. What does it say about our own?

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for challenging me to value people whom others neglect, devalue, and overlook. Help me follow through on my conviction to love all people, especially those from whom I can receive no monetary, status, or power benefit. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Mark 10:13-16
  • Ephesians 6:4
  • Matthew 21:14-16

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 22, 2024

Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Genesis 6:22
"Noah did everything just as God commanded him."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Thomas Carlyle:
"Never let mistakes or wrong directions, of which every man falls into many, discourage you. There is precious instruction to be got by finding where we were..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'God Who Shows Me Unfailing Love' (Ps. 59:16-17)
"But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God's Angel' (Acts 11:13-14)
"[Peter recounted what Cornelius said when he arrived at Cornelius' house:] "He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him,..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:36-37 NLT — "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!