You may have been drawn to Jesus, but His disciples got in the way. Something another Christian said or did kept you from getting to Christ and receiving His blessing. Here are three truths to remember when that happens.

1. Jesus removes the barriers that keep us from God’s blessing.

“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them” (10:14). On the cross, Jesus broke down every barrier on God’s side so that you can come to Him. By His Spirit, He will break down every barrier on your side. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from coming to Jesus.

2. Jesus defines the condition on which we receive God's blessing.

“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (10:15). Receiving God’s blessing as a child means that you come to Jesus with nothing to give and everything to receive. Your knowledge, background, achievement, or goodness contribute nothing to receiving the blessing of God.

3. Jesus imparts God’s blessing on all who come to Him.

He took [the children] in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them (10:16). He does this in the middle of the tension of disciples rebuking children and pushy parents arguing back. You don’t have to have everything sorted out before you can know the blessing of God.

Have the words or actions of another person kept you from Jesus? Will you say this prayer today? "Almighty God, thank you that You break down every barrier that keeps me from you. I draw near, having nothing to offer and everything to receive. Impart your blessing, I pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Jesus’ high view of marriage was very different from the prevailing ideas of the time, where divorce had become common.

Bishop Ryle writes about the “absurd and frivolous causes” for which the Jews allowed divorce, citing rabbinical texts of the day: “If the wife cooks her husband’s food poorly… she is to be put away.”

How does Jesus view this? He makes it clear that remarriage after a divorce would be adultery (10:11-12), because even if the relationship is ended in the eyes of the law, it has not ended in the eyes of God.

Are there any circumstances in which God may separate those He has joined together? Jesus recognised one ground for divorce: “except for sexual immorality” (Mat. 5:32; 19:9).

Why would this be? Under Old Testament law, you would be stoned for marital unfaithfulness. Your spouse would become a widow or widower and would be free to remarry.

Remember the woman caught in adultery in John 8:5: the Pharisees said, “Moses commanded us to stone such women.” But Jesus said the person without sin should throw the first stone. They all walked away. Only Jesus was left, and He brings mercy where the law brought condemnation.

Unfaithfulness tears apart what God has joined together. But even here, there can be forgiveness and reconciliation. Unfaithfulness can end a marriage. But it doesn’t have to.

If you are married today, thank God for this special gift. If you find your marriage under strain, remember that God joined you together. He is with you in this. His grace is sufficient and His purpose is good.

Where might these words bring you encouragement over a past or current relationship?

The purpose of the Pharisees’ question is to test Jesus. Their questions always have an angle. They ask Jesus about divorce, but Jesus answers with teaching about marriage.

Later, when the disciples ask about divorce, He answers them in private (10:10). This is significant. Jesus did not come to load guilt on people for their past failures. Remember how He spoke to the woman of Samaria who had gone through five divorces. Jesus did not condemn her. He spoke to her about becoming a true worshipper of God.

Jesus does not focus on past failures, but on present realities and future possibilities. The focus of our Lord’s teaching is on the dignity and value of marriage.

What is marriage? Here is Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees: “From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh" (10:6-8).

Notice God’s pattern for marriage:

A man: Singular. Marriage is an exclusive union between two people.

Will leave: Marriage is a public attachment, not a private arrangement.

And be united: Marriage is a lasting relationship characterised by love.

To his wife: It is a relationship between one man and one woman.

One flesh: The union of their hearts is sealed and strengthened by the union of their bodies.

Those God has joined together, let man not separate. Marriage is an exclusive, public, lasting, loving union of one man and one woman sealed by God.

What do you think about God’s pattern for marriage? What comfort do you find in Jesus' focus on the dignity and value of marriage?