Why is Jesus Indignant?

Mark 10:13-16

¹³ People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

There are certain attitudes and behaviours that provoked an indignant response from Jesus.   In the Gospels, we read at various times that Jesus was angry with the religious establishment and, in this case, His own disciples—and all for the same reason: powerful people were trying to keep vulnerable people away from God.

Perhaps the disciples felt that by keeping the children away from Jesus they were protecting Him from people they regarded as unimportant. Whatever their reasons, Jesus is making a clear statement here that every person, young or old is of great importance to God.

Then Jesus goes a step further and takes a brilliant opportunity to teach one of the great truths of God’s kingdom: faith, simple childlike faith – not rule-following or religious hierarchy is the way to God’s heart. All people are welcome to come to Jesus, not just the outwardly religious.

It leads me to question, where do you and I fall short by making it hard for vulnerable people to come to Jesus? We may not be guilty of pushing children away from Jesus, but perhaps in our hearts there are others – “that type of person” who we imagine would not be welcomed by Jesus and are therefore not welcomed by us.

Lord, help us to have your heart for vulnerable people, to be those who welcome and not exclude certain types of people from coming to You.

Written by Shelley Witt