And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16

The disciples have seen the breadth and depth of society that has come to Jesus’ feet and teachings. They have seen the outcast, the marginalized, the sick, the poor, the rich come to Jesus. They have seen Jesus offend those in power, those other have been too afraid to question. Here they didn’t want the children coming to Jesus. Why not? Did they think the children wouldn’t understand? Was this their way of caring for Jesus because they didn’t want him to be bothered by high energy children? They didn’t see the point of these children coming to Jesus, the prophet, the Messiah, the great teacher? What would that do for the movement?

Jesus gets angry. Jesus rebukes his disciples. He demands that people need to receive the kingdom of God like a child. He then spent joyful time with the children.

Let us stop profiling and decide who can or cannot be part of the work. Let us not assume what God can or cannot handle. Let us expand what the movement can look like and who can be involved. Let us expand our idea of community. Let us undo our scarcity, results-oriented, sense of urgency mindsets. Let us receive God with boundless hope and simplicity. Let us receive God and jump in with faith and joy. The movement and the work is for this moment: unabashed joy, love, intimacy and grasp of God. This is why we toil, so that all can experience the fullness of God on earth as it is in heaven, and when you get glimpses of that on earth, pause and relish.

Prayer: God help me to receive your promises like a believing and hopeful child. Help me to strive and do the work with a faith and trust that it is indeed possible to have heaven on earth.

Who or what is deterring me from experiencing possibility and change?