The Tuesday after the Third Sunday after Trinity Sunday
Posted on July 8, 2025 by under
Scripture: St. Mark 10:13-16 (NKJV)
10:13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Devotion
In today’s reading parents bring their children to Jesus. The disciples, thinking they protect Him from inconvenience, rebuke them. But Jesus is indignant. “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” This passage supports the doctrine that salvation is by grace alone, not by human effort. Children contribute nothing to earn Christ’s favor; they are weak and dependent. Yet Jesus receives and blesses them, illustrating how all believers receive the kingdom of God, like helpless children.
This passage also demonstrates how young children are embraced in the kingdom of God. It shows that infants can receive the gifts of God’s grace and are not excluded from them. Given that Baptism is a means of grace (Tit. 3:5; Acts 2:38-39) and that Jesus welcomes infants into the kingdom, it reasonably follows that infants should be baptized. He does not say children are excluded until they understand, choose, or confess. Instead, He receives them, granting them faith and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Through Baptism Christ imparts His complete grace, even to infants, as Baptism is His act, not ours. In a world that prioritizes achievement and status, Jesus inverts all expectations. The kingdom is intended not for the strong, wise, or deserving, but for those who show humility and place their trust exclusively in Him.
Collect: O God, the Protector of all that trust in Thee, without Whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us Thy mercy; that Thou being our Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
