“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” (Mark 9:37 ESV)

Jesus loves kids. He held them, blessed them, healed them, and honored them throughout the entirety of His ministry on earth.

In Mark 9 we read of the disciples who are arguing among themselves over who is the greatest. Jesus responds by bringing a child over and talking about the humility and innocence of a child that brings great reward.

It is my opinion that ministry to children and teenagers should be central to the life of any church and all believers. We can learn from kids as much as we invest into them.

Earlier in the same chapter, Mark describes an encounter that Jesus had with a young man who was tormented by demons. The evil spirits stifled the boy’s speech, hindered his ability to hear, and attempted on multiple occasions to harm and kill the boy.

Such is the case with the next generation today. The enemy has, in many ways, silenced the voice of this generation, hindered them from hearing truth that would otherwise set them free, and continually seeks to kill and destroy the generation one child at a time.

This is why we must be empowered by the Spirit. This kind of bondage only comes out by prayer and fasting. We must pray and intercede for this generation in order to deliver them from the strongholds of satan’s grip.

They can be free.
And we must be the catalyst to set them free.

Never give up on the young people in your life. Instead, pray them into freedom.

Father,

Help us see the young ones around us. Help us love them through their healing and deliverance. We commit ourselves to pray for them and see them set free!

In Jesus’ name, amen.