Little lambs

The least talked-about topic:

The divorce rate in 2025 has stabilised from that of past years. Today, 2.3-2.5 per 1,000 people get divorced. In 2022, the rate was 6.2. And although the rate has decreased, the danger of divorce happening to a family continues to be there. When compared with the Christian community and the secular, divorce rates are higher. Divorce is one of the most detrimental factors for destroying the family, A God institution. It is one of the least discussed topics a family wants to discuss. The Pharisees brought this topic to Jesus, tempting him to see what he would say in response. They already knew that Moses had instructed them to write a note for divorce, and leave. Jesus explained to them that the reason for the note of divorce was that their hearts were hardened towards their partner (Mk 10:5-7). The topic of divorce ruffled the disciples’ feathers because they learned that God did not want this from the beginning. Finding one’s spouse is important, and he finds favour with God (Prv 18:22). The disciples became distraught with the idea that divorce was not God’s way, and unless there was infedilty, marrying again was going to end up in adultery (Mt 19:10).

Mark 10:13-16

¹³ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

¹⁵ Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.¹⁶ And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

A pressing matter interrupted their conversation. The disciples were determined not to allow it to change the conversation. Families and caregivers brought little children so that Jesus could bless them and pray for them. The little children did not have any pressing matters, such as illnesses, demons, or death. The parents were only concerned with their spiritual and soul well-being. These children, who were unlearned, defenceless, dependent on others to care for them, were brought to Jesus. The disciples rebuked those who brought the children to Jesus, as if their conversation was more important. Jesus became displeased and indignant with them. Only several other times did Jesus become displeased in the bible, the cleansing of the temple, and the paralized man who was lowered from the roof are just two instances. 

God, throughout the Bible, prioritised the well-being of his children as infants and the defenceless. God said that he would pour his spirit upon his children and their seed (Isa 44:3). He would gather them as little lambs unto his arms (Is 40:11), and gently lead them. Jesus came to save the lost souls of men (Mt 18:11), but the disciples were being an obstacle. The fact that these little children did not cry or resist Jesus from picking them up and blessing them tells us that they received him. The bible tells us that we need to be like newborn babes desiring the milk of the word of God (1 Pt 2:2). 

Spanish