What Jesus Values
OPENING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, teach me to see people the way You see them. Reshape my understanding of what matters in Your kingdom. Help me value what You value, especially when it challenges the priorities of the world around me.
"People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 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. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them."
The disciples' rebuke of the children wasn't malicious—they likely thought they were protecting Jesus from distractions so He could focus on "important" ministry. But Jesus' indignation reveals how profoundly they misunderstood His mission. He didn't come for the powerful and prominent; He came for the vulnerable, the dependent, the ones society pushed to the margins. Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)
REFLECT:
The message reminded us of something we easily forget: in most places of the world, children are undervalued. Sometimes they're viewed as a burden no one wants to carry. Even Jesus' own disciples didn't get it. They saw children as interruptions to the real work of ministry. But Jesus saw them differently.
When Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," He wasn't just being nice. He was making a theological statement about the nature of His kingdom. Children represent dependence, trust, humility, and receptivity—the very qualities required to enter God's kingdom. They also represent vulnerability and need, which is exactly where Jesus directs His attention.
This is why Missions of Hope International's work matters so deeply. Wallace explained their holistic ministry approach—educating the next generation, empowering families economically, providing health care, and most importantly, meeting spiritual needs through church planting and intentional gospel sharing. This isn't just charity; it's kingdom work. It's taking seriously Jesus' command not to hinder children from coming to Him.
Consider the story of Esther from the Turkana region. She was placed in third grade despite never attending school, simply because of her age. Through her sponsorship, her brother with a cleft lip received surgery. Her sister Jacinta was rescued from being married off as a young girl and brought into the school. Their mother, a single mother facing abuse and poverty, now works at the school, is a believer, and attends a local church. Esther herself is now in college on a full scholarship and working at Missions of Hope's clinic. One sponsored child became the doorway to an entire family's transformation.
This is what happens when we align our values with Jesus' values. When we invest in what He calls precious, we participate in kingdom multiplication that extends far beyond what we can see or measure.
Across Pathway this weekend, people are responding by choosing to sponsor a child. At the campuses, there were physical cards available to pick up and fill out. Through this devotional, we're able to provide you with a link that connects you to the very same opportunity.
If you're able and feel led, you can click the link and take that step today:
Sponsor a Child Through Missions of Hope International
Maybe your next step is prayer. Maybe it's having a conversation with your family about what God might be stirring in your hearts. Maybe it's learning more about Missions of Hope and the communities they serve. However you respond today, you're part of the story God is writing through Pathway.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Jesus, forgive me for the times I've been like Your disciples, too busy with what seems important to notice what truly matters to You. Reshape my heart to value what You value. Help me see children—and all vulnerable people—through Your eyes of compassion and purpose. Amen.