1. ICEL Ron Michener 4 October 2015 Title: The Subversive Power of Grace in the Kingdom of God Scripture: Mark 10: 13-16 (NIV)

2. ICEL Mark 10: 13-16 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.

3. ICEL 1. Introduction: the problem of personal power Mark 10:13-16 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch 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 I tell you the truth, 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, put his hands on them and blessed them.

4. ICEL 2. God’s Kingdom Grace modeled through children A. Innocence of children? B. Primacy and Priority of children—then and now C. Children coming to Jesus: The disciples’ rebuke and Jesus’ counter-rebuke Mark 10:13-14 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch 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.

5. ICEL 3. Receiving the Kingdom of God: It’s all about grace Mark 10:15-16 15 I tell you the truth, 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, put his hands on them and blessed them.

6. ICEL Conclusion/Key idea: Facing your weakness unleashes the power of grace