Every time I listen to these verses, I revisit my childhood. Little Golden Books filled my bookshelves. One book, in particular, had a picture of Jesus, surrounded by children: one little boy comfy on his lap with a lamb also being held. As a child, this picture brought comfort and a sense of love and belonging. Perhaps that is why I remember it so clearly. As an adult, it is still moving.

In Biblical days, children held little to no status in the community. They were expected to contribute to the household economy. My understanding is that children were required to complete menial tasks such as agriculture or trades. Others were committed to education with tutors and sent to school. Boys were exposed to academic subjects and girls were taught to run a home. Regardless, they were treated and considered as property. While it may seem somewhat conflicting, children were considered as a "gift from the Lord" and highly valued.

Keeping all this in mind, picture this — a large group of people have gathered to hear Jesus teach. Many parents and children were present. It appears that the mothers deeply desired for Jesus to touch and bless their children.

The disciples were trying to protect Jesus. They didn't want those "pesky" little kids to take his time or energy. In their eyes, the children were no one important, in fact they were the least important. Imagine their shock when Jesus was angry, quite displeased at their attempted dismissal of those children. After all, they had been with him when he dined with tax collectors, sinners and more. Even so, they still didn't catch on that Jesus came to serve and save the humble, the least, the lost and the unwanted.

The children found their way to Jesus. He embraced them, he blessed them, he acknowledged their worth. Their minds were open to him; their hearts were eager to accept his love, his touch, his blessing; they received this gift — not by being worthy or because they earned it. They received his love, embrace and blessing with childlike joy, trust and faith.

We are to come to God and encourage others — even those we don't consider worthy, knowing that in God's eyes every person is valuable. We are all created in God's image and loved unconditionally. We are all God's children. We can become our true selves by listening to God's voice.

Today's a good day to embrace our child-like joy and trust. Today we are invited to run to Jesus with open hearts and simple faith, not to rely on our adult "head knowledge". After all, Jesus told us to let the children come to him, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

We are invited to encounter his touch, love and blessings today and every day.

Gracious God, we ask that you open our eyes as children today. Filled with wonder and trust we seek your blessing. Guide us to see the children, your children who may seem "less than" ourselves and others and remember that all are valuable in your sight. Allow us to seek your voice and embrace your love and blessings so that we might be, not a hindrance, but a vessel of your love for others.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

There are times that I would like to know more than what the Bible tells us. The story of the woman anointing the feet of Jesus is just such an occurrence. Something must have occurred earlier in the day between her and Jesus. We are not told about any encounter but it had to have happened. Why else would she barge into someone's house with a jar of perfumed ointment to anoint Jesus' feet. Just seeing him causes such emotion that she begins to cry. The only thing we know about her is that society labeled her a sinner. My guess is that earlier in the day Jesus had talked to her with warmth and acceptance. In that encounter Jesus must have showed her how much he cared, that he saw her, not as a sinner, but as a person with hurts and pain. He would have let her know that God loved her. It was likely the first time, in a long time, if ever, something like that had happened in her life. She would have been used to being shunned by the good people of the town. This encounter filled her with such joy that she had to do something to say thank you. This is why she came to the house of Simon the Pharisee with perfumed ointment.

Following the anointing she heard an even more impressive word from Jesus. He said, "You sins are forgiven." She walked into that gathering labeled by all a sinner and walked out clean and new.

This story makes me ask, "How often am I really grateful for what God has done and is doing in my life? Many days I say a quick "Thank you" to God but that is different from the actions of the woman. I rarely feel so overwhelmed by the message of love and forgiveness God gives that I feel compelled to do something as a way of saying thank you. Yet, when I think about it, it is pretty amazing that God loves me as I am and offers love and forgiveness to me every day. I need to learn from this woman to be more aware and grateful and to share that joy as a way of saying thanks.

It reminds me of a woman that volunteered a lot at a church. She was not a member but helped in many service projects. One day I asked her why. She responded, "God is so amazing. I just need to do something to say thanks." There was more to the story but I never learned it. But one thing was clear, something wonderful had happened to her or one she loved and it motivated her to give in thanks in a real practical way.

So, remember how much God loves you. Let it fill you with joy and amazement. Hear, "Your sins are forgiven!" Then ask, what can I do to say thanks.

Loving God, you love us and forgive us. We are in awe of your grace. Let us never forget this wonderful gift and how it changed our lives. We may not be able to anoint Jesus feet but we ask that you guide us in how we can share this love with others as a sign of our gratitude. In Jesus name. AMEN

This devotional was written by Bill Green and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Children can be a blessing, a burden, a joy, and a challenge all at the same time. Children can be innocent, open, and loving. They can be cruel, immature, and thoughtless. When Jesus says that we must "receive the kingdom of God as little children or we will never enter it," which qualities of a child does he have in mind? I have often contemplated what this passage might mean, but I cannot claim to know what the answer is.

As I write this today, my best attempt to understand Jesus' command is the childlike quality of "longing to be loved" and accepting comfort and security. As we grow and mature, at least in progression of age if not in emotion and behavior, the qualities we develop are to take on responsibility and attempt to control our interactions with life's circumstances and those around us. But in these verses, all the children seek is to be close to Jesus. They long to be near him. And perhaps it is as simple as that.

If we compare these two stages of life, what is it we most value in children that we are not finding in adults? Being open to what is happening around us and loving in the moment, finding joy, sharing in sadness, helping without feeling put out, and simply being are qualities I admire in children. They do not feel the need to control and shape. They simply are. When I see a child's face light up in wonder, run into a mother's arms, or invite another to share in an experience, this is when I feel close to the kingdom of God. As each moment of the day passes, perhaps I should look not to control but simply to stand in wonder, feel the embrace of the Spirit, and share in the experience of those around me with love. In fact, if we live every moment simply remembering that everyone longs to be loved, aren't we standing next to God?

Let us pray together, Lord, may we find peace and comfort in the arms of the Spirit. May your embrace allow us to embrace each moment guided by your Spirit. May we be blessed in your arms and not be the one standing indignant shouting that the business of the day is being interrupted. Please bring us greater understanding that it is your will, your love, and your grace that allows us to see each moment clearly. Give us the insight to share your will, your love, and your grace with all those we encounter, Amen.

This devotional was written by Jill Pope and read by Susan Daves.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.