Weekly devotion: Christ’s compassion and concern for children

East Jerusalem YMCA, West Bank

A psychosocial support session.

Living in a conflict situation severely affects children’s mental health. In the West Bank today, an entire generation of Palestinians is growing up amid intense political violence.

Our partner, the East Jerusalem YMCA, is providing mental health first aid in emergency situations and longer-term group counselling for traumatised children who have been caught up in attacks. It works with children living within the governorate of Salfit and South Nablus, with a focus on marginalised communities and those frequently subjected to settler attacks and violence.

Bible reading

‘And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; 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.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.’

Mark 10: 13-16

Thought

Children had a low status in society in the time of Jesus. Roman law in that era gave fathers absolute power over their families – including the power to put their children to death. Yet this contrasts sharply with the Hebrew scriptures, which calls children ‘a gift from the Lord’ (Psalm 127: 3).

This passage in Mark 10 further elevates the status of children: despite the pressures Jesus faced, and the sheer volume of people that sought him out and asked him to do things for them, Jesus always made time for individuals, no matter their perceived status in society. In this short narrative, we see a beautiful example of Jesus’ love for children. He takes precious time out of his schedule to welcome each child into his presence – and he sharply rebukes his disciples for trying to send these children away.

Sadly, in the present day, it is often children who bear the brunt of conflict and violence. This is certainly the case in Palestine, where children are exposed to high levels of violence and instability. By working with traumatised children, the East Jerusalem YMCA is reflecting Jesus’ compassion and concern for young lives.

Ask yourself: Take some time to meditate on Jesus’ words: ‘whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it’. What do you think he means - and how can we take encouragement from this saying?

Prayer

Merciful God,

We pray for your protection to be on the Palestinian children and their families living in high-conflict areas in the West Bank. Where political violence is making children fearful and anxious, please visit them with a sense of your peace that passes all understanding. Bless the work of the East Jerusalem YMCA – may the children they support and counsel learn to overcome their trauma and flourish in spite of difficult circumstances. Surround these precious young lives with your love and keep them from harm. We pray that you would restore broken relationships and lead us to a future where all peoples of the Holy Land can live in safety and freedom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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