People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” (Mark 10:13-14)
Today’s gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does?
Worship Music This Sunday
Our Hymn of the Day is “Our Father, By Whose Name” (ELW 640). Jesus gives what seems to be a difficult teaching to hear this week in the Gospel of Mark. The Old Testament readings reminds us that we are meant to live in community. Today we sing of the relationships God blesses us with and remember that the family of God is much wider than may appear at first glance.
In New Day, we sing these words from our Worship Hymn, “All Ye Refugees” … “Welcome home, gather round all ye refugees, come in. ,” as Jesus teaches us again what constitutes “community” in the Kingdom of God, and who is welcome.
Preaching Theme
How’s Your Heart Health?
For Further Reflection: Word
After we gather together as the people of God, God speaks to us in the Word section of worship.
The stories we hear come from a three-year group of readings, called a lectionary. The first reading and gospel reading match thematically and the psalm becomes our response to the first reading. The second reading show us the early church grappling with realities of our God being made flesh, dwelling on earth, dying, and rising.
The sermon connects the stories of today with the stories we just read. The hymn of the day further connects the gathered people to these stories as they proclaim them in song. The prayers and the peace draw us outward to live lives changed by the almighty power of God.
What would happen if we started worship with readings? Why is it important we read the bible when we gather? How does God continue to speak into our broken world today?
