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Note to readers: This is an alternate reading from the Three Year Lectionary, and may not match up with the readings your church uses this Sunday.
Luke 18:15-17 – Now they were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him, saying, “Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
I find it interesting that so many parents were bringing their babies to Jesus so He could touch them. Why, exactly? After all, they aren’t old enough to hear and understand the Gospel. They aren’t even old enough to know who this Man is that holds them in His arms and smiles at them and blesses them!
And yet, I am reminded of my dog, who is probably dying of cancer right now. She is even less able to understand anything than a human baby; but she understands touch. She understands that touch means love, in a normal, healthy relationship. And so she sits on my feet—she comes to be petted—she sleeps with me at night, for as long as the Lord leaves her with us. She wants that love. And touch makes it real to her.
Jesus knows this about us as well—He built it into us when He created us, bodies and souls together. For us, unless things have gone badly wrong in our lives, touch means love. Touch is a way of saying “I care about you and I want you with me, as close as you can be.” And so naturally Jesus calls the children to Him, even the babies. He will give His love to them, not just in words but in touch.
Perhaps this is the reason He gives us Baptism and Communion as well? For we never grow out of our need for Jesus’ touch. And so He has left us the Sacraments that connect us to His suffering, death, and resurrection, to save us all from sin and evil. He has given us something of Himself to touch and even to taste, so that His saving love for us comes not just through our ears, but through our senses, our skin, our bodies. Because all of you matters to God—not just your spirit. Your body is His as well, and He loves you entirely.
WE PRAY: Dear Lord, draw me close to You and touch me also with Your love. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you feel about touch? Do you enjoy it, crave it, dislike it?
- Does it make a difference who is touching you?
- How has Jesus arranged to meet your need for His touch even before He returns from heaven?
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