let the little children come to me Luke 18:1 16 welcome to today's encouragement from our daily bread what would you ask Jesus was written by an cetus and read by Rochelle TR Luke 18: 9-17 to some who are confident of their own righteousness and look down on everyone else Jesus told this parable two men went up to the temple to pray one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector the Pharisee stood by himself and prayed God I thank you that I am not like other people robbers evildoers adulterers or even like this tax collector
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get but the tax collector stood at a distance he would not even look up to heaven but beat his breath and said God have mercy on me a sinner I tell you that this man rather than the other went home Justified before God for all those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted people were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them when the disciples saw this they rebuked them but Jesus called
the children to to him and said 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 what would you ask Jesus written by Anne cetus if Jesus were physically seated at the table with us this morning what would you want ask him Joe inquired of his children at breakfast his boys thought of their toughest questions they decided they wanted to ask Jesus the most
difficult math problems and have him tell them how big the universe really is then his daughter replied I would ask him for a hug can't you picture the love in Jesus eyes for these children I think he would be glad to comply with the requests don't you I imagine him bantering with the boys and opening his arms to the little girl he might especially like the desire of Joe's daughter for a hug which seems to demonstrate a heart of love for him and a desire for his love children have a sense of their dependence and
they know that Jesus is strong and loving he said in Luke 18 anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it Christ Longs for us us to recognize our need for his grace forgiveness and salvation he enjoys Humble Hearts that long to be near him is there something you'd like to ask Jesus we've certainly all had our questions or maybe you just want to be close to him run to him now for that hug and so much more that you need let's pray Lord Jesus help us to
come to you with the humble heart of a child trusting in your love and your grace draw Us close to you knowing that you Delight in our dependence and that you offer everything we need in your embrace it's in your name that we pray amen as you go about your day reflect on these questions what do you think you will say or do when you first see Jesus what does it mean to have the faith of a child [Music]
