"Come Unto Me"- Day 18

Come Unto Me – Day 18

Welcome to “Come Unto Me” as we journey together through the gospel of Luke. Let us pray: Gracious God we thank you for the Living Word that gives witness to the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. May your Holy Spirit open our souls to this Living Word. Amen

Sunday, August 16 / Luke Chapter 18

There is a lot going on in this chapter. We have:

*The Parable of the Persistent Widow

*The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

*The Rich Ruler & Eternal Life and more.

But in the midst of all these powerful parables and teachings are three easily overlooked verses about “The Little Ones & Jesus”. (Luke 18: 15-17) These few verses have been the inspiration of many beautiful paintings.

What do you notice as you look at these few paintings ‘among many’ of this bible story? Look closely! Do you see what is missing? More specifically do you see who might be missing? A few years back I was preparing to preach on this bible story that I truly love when I read something that blow my mind.

The little ones that are being spoken of here are not only children (as most artists depict). The little ones are those who are overlooked by society. They have no value or importance. Therefore, why bother Jesus with these little ones. But if you have been following along with Luke’s account about Jesus’ ministry it has been focused on the forgotten ones – the little ones. So who might we paint into these pictures of Jesus blessing? Who are the ones in society today that are overlooked and treated as though they have no value – those on the margins? Do you see them? Thank God Jesus does see them and takes them up into his arms and blesses them!

Let us pray: Gracious Lord Jesus help us to see the ‘little ones’ of the world the way you do. So often we behave as though we have no time for them. Open our eyes and our hearts that we may welcome the ‘little ones’ into your church. By the power of your Holy Spirit at work may all the ‘little ones’ come to know your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen