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Focus Text: Mark 10.13-16

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 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. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10.13-16)

The disciples who rebuked those who were bringing little children to Jesus undoubtedly thought that they were doing the right thing. It would be hard to imagine that they did this knowing that they would pay a price by incurring the wrath of the Lord. However legitimate their intentions, their actions were wrong! Their error was not one of judgment or of minor implications; rather, it was one which moved Jesus such that He was “greatly displeased.” Think of this situation – people doing what they thought would be pleasing to the Lord, but which, greatly displeased Him. In this case, intentions were far from being all that counted!

In gifts to human beings, it might be “the thought that counts.” However, in serving God, far more than the thought counts. Obedience starts with attitude, but it does not end there. Obedience involves thought and action! That should come as no surprise in as much as Jesus Himself said, “… those who worship Him [God] must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4.24). Granted the contexts of Mark 10 and John 4 are very different, but the overarching principle of work and worship are the same - thought and action, spirit and truth – both are essential to pleasing God.

The idea that only the thought counts when it comes to pleasing God has led to scores of religious errors. In regards to baptism, a word which in and of itself demands immersion, some argue that the “mode” of baptism is irrelevant since “…one drop or ten thousand gallons of water cannot limit God’s activity.” As regards the Lord’s Supper, a memorial feast that was intended for all Christians to observe every Lord’s Day, some have gone so far as to suggest, “I don’t think Jesus cares one way or another what we use for the bread, or what we use for the wine. I think Coke and Orioles was [is] and ingenious idea.” As regards the requirement that a bishop be the husband of one wife (see 1 Timothy 3.2), entire denominations have declared that bishops must not be married! Just how far can the thought go when the action taken is exactly opposite and contradictory to the Lord’s command?

Some have become legalistic and teach that the action is more important than the thought; others have become liberals by teaching that the thought is all that counts. However, if we wish to be neither legalistic nor liberal (in this sense), we must realize that God demands right actions prompted by right motives [thoughts]. Men who hold such radical views place themselves in God’s place and become gods themselves; it is not [merely] the thought that counts!

Questions:

1. Why did the disciples direct that the children not be brought to Jesus?
2. Does attitude have any part in obedience? Do actions have any part in obedience?

3. Why is “spirit” important in worship? Why are actions important in worship?

4. Is it true that it is [merely] the thought that counts?

"Inspiration For You" from Randy Mitchell

Watching Your Dollars Fly Away