Mark 10:13-16 “The Sin of Discrimination”

Mark 10:13-16 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Crowder – Come As You Are
• Good Good Father – Chris Tomlin
• Sidewalk Prophets – Come To Jesus
• Celebrate the Light | J-US | 𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄, 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆 (Korean Praise with ENG SUB)
  • Click [CC] and select ‘English’ Subtitles/CC in Setting [Gear Wheel]

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Jesus and the Children – Bible Story for Kids
• Jesus Loves the Little Children 🧒 Kids Songs 👦 Hi Heaven – Song for Kids
• Big House – Song for Kids
• Good in Every Way | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

At that time, people brought children to Jesus, asking him to bless them. The phrase “to touch them” (verse 13) refers to the act of laying hands on them and blessing them. Seeing this, the disciples rebuked those who brought the children. The Greek word epitimao, translated as “rebuke”, is the same word Jesus used when he sternly rebuked Peter (Mark 8:33), meaning a strong reprimand. Previously, Jesus had taught his disciples to respect social outcasts like children (Mark 9:36-37), yet they still had not fully understood his lesson.

Mark writes, “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant” (verse 14). The word aganakteo, translated as “indignant,” refers to a deep and intense anger. Jesus was outraged because the disciples still failed to understand and continued to discriminate against people. Jesus then declares that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Those who, like children, are not recognized or valued in society especially need the kingdom of God. This is because God’s kingdom is a place where all people are equally honored and lifted up.

Jesus then adds, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (vehrse 15). The phrase “to receive the kingdom of God” means to acknowledge God’s rule and live under his authority. To “receive it like a little child” refers to an attitude of longing for and depending on God with the faith that all hope is in him. The phrase “will never enter it” does not mean simply going to heaven after death, but rather that those who do not receive God’s rule will not experience His reign and protection.

After saying this, Jesus lays his hands on the children and blesses them (verse 16).

Meditation:

Recently, a public figure made headlines for referring to children from “poor families” and “wealthy families” in a way that revealed deep-seated discrimination in his subconscious. His words unintentionally exposed a mindset shaped by social bias. The reason why many felt not only anger but also a deeper sense of shame over this remark is likely because such discriminatory thinking exists within all of us to some degree. It may have felt as though our own hidden prejudices were suddenly brought to light.

When we are immersed in a mindset of discrimination, we begin to judge people based on factors such as race, place of origin, family background, appearance, abilities, occupation, religion, or wealth. We treat people differently depending on these criteria—drawing close to those who seem beneficial to us while turning away from those who do not. Those who are denied their worth by the majority of society are often referred to as “the socially weak” or “social minorities.” In Jesus’ time, this included women, children, people with disabilities, the poor, foreigners, and slaves. Their rights were frequently denied, and justice often turned a blind eye to them.

A mindset of discrimination is one of the most severe manifestations of sin and is in direct opposition to God’s will. God has given His image to all people, loves all people, and desires the salvation of all. This is why, throughout his public ministry, Jesus primarily sought out the socially marginalized and welcomed them to his table. They were the ones who needed the kingdom of God the most, and they were the ones who longed for it the deepest. Having no hope in this world, they placed their hope and yearning in God alone.

The disciples, who had witnessed Jesus’ example firsthand, needed to work toward removing the discrimination rooted in their own hearts. However, their words and actions showed that they still struggled to break free from the grip of this mindset. This reveals just how deeply ingrained and powerful discriminatory thinking can be.

Prayer:

Lord, we receive Your love because You do not discriminate. Because You do not show favoritism, we can come to You at any time and in any circumstance. If we truly remember that You accepted “someone like me,” then we, too, should embrace others with the same heart. Yet, we confess that the spirit of discrimination still lingers within us. Oh Lord, have mercy on us. Remove this deeply rooted discrimination from our hearts, and help us to see and treat every person as a beloved child of God. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God does not discriminate, and neither should we. Jesus welcomed and valued those whom society ignored or rejected. He taught that the kingdom of God belongs to those who humbly trust in him, just like children. As followers of Jesus, we should treat everyone with love and respect, just as he does.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • How do you feel when someone doesn’t let you join their game or group?
  • If Jesus came to visit our church today, who do you think he would spend time with?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • Jesus said the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like children. What do you think that means?
  • What is one small thing you can do this week to make someone feel included?
• For High School
  • The disciples struggled with discrimination even after following Jesus. Why do you think it’s so hard to change our biases?
  • How can we, as a church, create a space where everyone feels equally valued and loved?