Mark 10:13-16 Little Children: In the previous chapter we looked at the way that Yeshua used small children as a character study to demonstrate that young believers would make mistakes (Mark 9:35-42). In this chapter Yeshua continues the train of thought and embellishes the character study more.

Blessing children has been a long tradition in the Jewish circles. It developed as the Jewish sages studied the scriptures and saw the benefits of parental blessings upon children. The first of such that we see is the blessing Adam and Eve received from God (Gen 5:2). The blessing progressed to a stronger form when God blessed Abram and declared that his blessing would travel to all the families on earth (Gen 12:1-3). Two blessings soon follow as God blesses Abrahams children, Isaac and Ishmael (Gen 17:16-20). The blessing developed further when Jacob and Esau received their blessing with extreme drama (Gen 27). This idea developed through the scriptures where parents blessed their children and purposed their lives through blessing. This idea developed through the oral torah as a principle drawn from the written Torah. It was never commanded but became a general practice that continues today.  At the beginning of the Sabbath day the modern Jew will declare a blessing over their children that has been passed down from unknown times:

“May the Lord make you like Ephraim and Manasseh (boys). May the Lord make you like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachael and Leah (Girls).” Then many add the Aaronic blessing:  Numbers 6:24–26 (NLT) “May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.”

During Yeshua’s time it is highly likely that this practice was taking place. Yeshua used the blessing as a teaching opportunity. He did not say that the kingdom of God belongs to little children. He said that it belongs to “such as these”. Thinking through the character of children and the context of the passage, lets make an educated guess. I believe that Yeshua was teaching that little children believe what they have been told and act upon it. They do not embellish the idea with all kinds of excuses and justification.

Previously in the chapter we looked at marriage and divorce. Instead of taking the simple truth, the Jewish sages developed arguments that justified divorce for a myriad of reasons. They deviated from the simple instruction of God. Following this section, we will be looking at the rich young ruler. This man followed Torah but still felt inadequate. He was missing the spirit of Torah, which is taking care of God’s people. The teaching of becoming like a child is sandwiched between these two teachings.

What can we take away from this study? First, bless children in your congregation and bless your children in your homes. Yeshua did this and He laid hands upon them to give the blessing. Secondly, consider the character of young children. They believe what they are told and they act upon it. This is the crux of faith. Faith is hearing, believing and acting on an idea with the conviction that it is truth.