Children Need Focused Attention

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “People were bringing their little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, . . .” (Matthew 10:13-14a)
   Passage: Matthew 11:28-30 

        The disciples through they were doing Jesus a favor. They knew He was tired after teaching crowds of people and dealing with continuing opposition from the Pharisees, so they figured he needed to rest up for doing “important” things instead of spending time with a bunch of children. However, to Jesus, nothing was more important than giving those children His attention. His word was a direct command. “Let the children come to me.”

        God wired us for a need to belong and giving focused attention to children is a way to help them know that they belong, whether in the family or at church. Attention is often not given due to being tired or other factors, and that is why Jesus issued the command. Giving attention is so important, He tells us to do it whether we feel like it or not. If a child doesn’t receive attention in healthy places, he/she will look for it in unhealthy places or will drop out emotionally altogether. Don’t ever underestimate the importance of taking time to give a child focused attention. God always has time for us. He wants us to make time for a child.

‍Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)