Read:  Matthew 18:1-5
Focus Verse:  “Whoever welcomes one child in my name welcomes me.”  (v. 5)

Comment
This text is one of Jesus’ greatest challenges. The core message here is clear: the way we receive and welcome little children expresses the way we welcome Jesus.  Caring for children is at the heart of our work in World Vision.  Jesus calls us to welcome children!  We need to do this not only for children, but also for our own souls, for this passage is part of Jesus’ teaching on humility.  As in all things we do as followers of Jesus, our character and motivation shape our actions.  We cannot do the work of Christ with children if we filled with personal pride, or even pride in our organization.  If we welcome children the way we welcome Jesus we make room in our hearts and lives for them.  Programmes can be set up that meet people’s physical needs but leave unmet their deeper needs of love and acceptance.  World Vision does not want merely to set up programmes.   We want to care deeply for children by opening our hearts to them, for through this will flow programmes to alleviate their suffering. When we welcome little children into our hearts we discover that we have again welcomed Jesus.

The Word in our Work
Many children suffer from the consequences of domestic violence. Mrs. Esther Chavez nearly committed suicide because of her abusive husband. The violence also affected her two children Raymundo and Adriana Mena, both of whom are WV sponsored children. WV Mexico encouraged her to participate in a programme called “No hits that cause pain, no words that hurt”, aimed at reducing domestic violence. This programme helped Esther and her husband reconcile and improve their relationship with their children.  She comments that we now “get along better and spend more time together.  I hug my children instead of spanking them and my son has gotten his dad to play with him.”

Questions for discussion and personal reflection
1.         Is there an area in your life that you need to pray to become more obedient to Jesus’ command that we care for and serve children?
2.         What are ways in which we can be advocates for children, speaking out against their marginalization and abuse? 

Prayer
Lord Jesus, we pray for boys and girls around the world who are suffering because of civil wars, oppressive cultures and poverty.  Give them a brighter and peaceful future and may they see Christ’s love and grace through us.