Let the Little Children Come to Me

Let the Little Children Come To Me!

A drama where the following questions are being asked about the proper place of children in worship. It is designed to promote discussion. ( More dramas on www.sheilahamil.co.uk)

QUESTION:

·       What should be our attitude to children in worship?

·       Should a baptised child have the right to receive Holy Communion at the Lord's table?

Bible Reading: Mark 10:13-16  (New International Version (NIV)

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

(The twelve disciples are standing facing Jesus who stands at the back of church; They put forward certain arguments forward as to why the children should be moved on.

Disciple 1:   Should we just move these children on? We could find a separate room for them?

Disciple 2:  They're a bit noisy, wouldn’t you think the parents would keep these children quiet?

Disciple 3:  Children, don’t understand the higher mysteries of which we talk!

Disciple 4:  Exactly the symbolism is too deep! Your words are not so easily interpreted Lord.

Disciple 5:  Yes Lord, we appreciate that we don’t either at times, but we do try.

 Disciples 6:  They’re not going to really understand anythings until they’re at least 13 or 14 years old!

 Disciple 7:  I agree they’re far too young, they just want to play, jump and run around!

Disciple 8:  Worship is for adults! We understand  reverence and awe and love for you Lord. We would never let you down or deny you, not one of us.

Disciple 9: You shake your head Lord, do you doubt us?  . . .Yes Lord I do remember the time when I denied you, and I would not like those words to be repeated by the historians among us. ‘Get behind me Satan’ are words I would rather forget thank you.

 Disciple 10: We’re getting away from the real issue. Are they able to understand the significance of the bread and wine correctly at this age?  

Disciple 11: The parents are asking why their children can’t have a piece of you too. Shall I tell them politely to go away?

Disciple 12:  Never mind I’ll get rid of them. GO AWAY YOU LOT! GO AND PLAY!

Jesus:   STAND TO ONE SIDE ALL OF YOU!  Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.   © S Hamil