Luke 18:39-40, New International Version

“Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him…”

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If there is any good reason or justification to stop anyone from coming closer to Jesus? If not, then why did the disciples of Jesus again and again try to do that? And when they did, how did Jesus respond? He stopped and ordered that the person be brought to him! Let’s look at another event, “People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me…’” (Luke 18:15-16, NIV)

Listen to this comment Jesus made, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” (Matthew 23:13, NIV)

Did the teachers of the law and the Pharisees stop people from worshiping God, the God of Abraham, Jacob, and Issac? Not at all! The one that they were trying to stop was Jesus, the only Way to go to the Father, and the Kingdom of heaven. The Way that represents the grace and forgiveness of God. The Way so that through faith we can access the Father. The Way that is full of compassion and desires mercy rather than condemnation. The Way that leads to life and life abundant. There is no requirement to prove yourself or meet a specific level of performance. The Way who will hold up His promises and is open for everyone who reaches out to Him. Whether sick or lost, seeking comfort for hurt, or light for the path. For all ages in all times. The Way of love, of truth, of everlasting life, who will respond to each and every one who calls on Him! (John 14:6, John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 12:7, John 10:10, Hebrews 10:23) Therefore, my brothers and sisters in Christ, make sure you are not being a gate keeper when Jesus has not call you to be one. Remember the grace and mercy that you have received, the love that has been offered to you, and His words, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (mark 2:17, NIV)

The Lord does not want anyone to perish but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 39) He wants the woman who has committed adultery to be saved. He wants the woman at the well to be saved. He wants the prostitute who washed his feet with tears to be saved. He wants the self-righteous Saul who persecuted His believers to repent and be saved. He wants an angry fishman to be saved. His compassion never ends for His people, all who are created in His image. He wants the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the hardened heart be softened, and the lost to be found. No one is righteous or just or holy other than our God. He forgives and He comes to all who call on His name – Jesus. (John 8:1-11, John 4:5-30, Luke 7:37-47, Acts 8-9, Mark 14:47, Lamentations 3:22-23, Matthew 11:5, Hebrews 3:15, Luke 15:24, Romans 3:10, Galatians 3:11, 2 Samuel 2:2)

So, we as Christ followers should love others as ourselves. (John 15:12-13) Disapproving of someone who wants to draw closer to Jesus is not what He has called us to do. Don’t throw the stone!