Scripture Reading
Mark 9:33-36 (NRSVUE)
Then they came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them, and taking it in his arms he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
Introductory Remarks:
According to Theologian, Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen, ‘Children were everywhere’ in the Jewish and Greco-Roman world, including in public spaces. Children under 15 years of age constituted ⅓ of the population in Jesus’ day as compared to 19% in the Developed world of today.
Children were defined by size, infancy, kinship, stage of development, status, and dependency.
Major Points of the Lesson:
1. Jesus taught that children are the owners of God’s Kingdom. We, as adults, are as valuable and must learn to be as trusting as they are.
2. Many of the biblical characters that we claim as heroes/sheroes are likely children. They believed in God’s power and presence and trusted God to see them through appearances of difficulty. We must do the same.
ASSIGNMENT:The 2025 theme for Child Month is “Act Now! Stand Against Child Abuse and Exploitation.” UC Truth challenges You to identify at least 2 ways that YOU can uplift, encourage, or support a child(ren) in living a healthier and happier life. Take action before June 8th, 2025.
