Show Don't Tell: Mark 10:13-16

Instead of saying "Jesus welcomed the children," watch Jesus get indignant. People are bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples rebuke them—Jesus is too busy, children are too unimportant. When Jesus sees this, he is indignant. Mark alone uses this strong word—Jesus is angry at his own disciples. "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." The kingdom belongs to the powerless, the dependent, those who can't earn their way. "Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Receive it—not achieve it. Like a child—with empty hands and open trust. And he takes the children in his arms, places his hands on them, and blesses them. Not a quick nod but an embrace and a blessing. The unimportant matter to Jesus.