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." Mark 10:14

Have you ever wondered why the disciples were shooing the kids away from Jesus in the first place?  If you've ever volunteered in Children's Church, you know... You instantly understand. 

Children are funny and sweet and adorable and precious and wise beyond their years. They are also loud and obnoxious (especially in packs) and willful and annoying and... You get the picture. I know you do. You've been there. The little wild things may even be your own kids! (Mine sure were at that age!)

 "All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." Matthew 25:32

The groundwork we lay now, while they are young, can become some of the most fruitful seeds planted in their lives. This is easy to visualize when we look at our own kids or...

"Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

These verses in Matthew 16 (verses 13b-15, NIV) are some of the best-known in many Christian circles. 

Most of us, who have been Christians for some time, know Peter's response by heart - "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God". 

Often, the sermon that follows these verses focuses on Jesus' response, His agreement that He is the Messiah and that this is the "rock" on which He plans to build His church. 

But, I want to go back and think a little more about Peter's response... and how his answer can strengthen your ministry and your influence in the community you serve.

I heard a pastor say recently, "You can walk the walk and you can talk the talk. But your walk talks louder than your talk talks."

Who do YOU say that Jesus is? Who are your people...