March 24, 2026
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:15-17
Yesterday, just before worship, I felt a tug on my stole. I looked down to see one of my favorite little people. I knelt, as I always do, which invited a second friend, both of whom are church members and preschoolers downstairs during the week. They had questions about my robe, the texture of the material, the shoulders, my stole. It’s purple! They noticed Pastor Margo’s was purple too, but different! So I pointed to the pulpit, also draped in purple for Lent. Their fingers traced the cross and crown of thorns on my stole. “It’s just like the crown Jesus wore when they made him carry the cross,” one of them said.
Their questions and observations were keen and eager. Their enthusiasm was electric. I know from my conversations with adults that they have similar questions and observations, but they wait for a Sunday school class or one on one conversation outside worship. They never approach me urgently, but with caution. They almost never touch my robe or stole. And they rarely seem to notice the changing of the liturgical colors for seasons unless they’ve served on a committee that changes them.
As our exchange was ending, the organ prelude began and their mothers came to scoop these little ones up. I was reminded of the story we all know so well about Jesus insisting the little children be allowed to come to him before the bossy disciples scolded their parents. I think we often read it as this blessing Jesus was offering to the children, defending their right to come be in his presence. But it’s also the moment Jesus holds them up as the example of perspective - that we are to become more like them to enter the kingdom. So perhaps, like me, Jesus relished those moments… their perspective, their inquisitiveness and wonder. Something in my soul comes alive in such moments, there, eye-level with the keepers of the kingdom.
This week, in the final moments of Lent, I recommend that as a spiritual practice. Get low, ask questions, invite them. As one little girl touched my stole, she said, “Show the pastor! She will be amazed!” Let them show you what amazes them. See this world with new eyes and new discoveries. We are called to be more like them. Jesus says his kingdom belongs to them and extends a welcome. Be intentional, and accept it.
Prayer
Lord, lower my posture, open my eyes, and teach me wonder in new perspective and wild imagination. Amen.
Rev. Brian Daoust
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