A “Yes Face” ∙

A “Yes Face” ∙

Teacher, we know that You are truthful and teach the way of God in truth, and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any. – Matthew 22:16

Luke 18:15-17

 15 One day, some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.

 16 Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

 17 “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

The Story of a “Yes Face”

Charles Swindoll recounts an incident in President Thomas Jefferson’s life. During the rainy season, Jefferson was traveling cross-country on horseback with a group of travelers. They reached a river that had overflowed its banks. The crossing was dangerous, with a swift and fierce current that made it life-threatening, even on horseback.

One by one, the travelers crossed the river. Among them was a man without a horse who needed help to cross safely. Looking around, he turned to President Jefferson and asked for assistance. Without hesitation, Jefferson agreed. The man mounted the horse behind him, and together they crossed the river safely.

Later, one of Jefferson’s fellow travelers asked the man, “Why did you choose the President to ask for help?” The man, surprised, replied that he had no idea the man who helped him was the President of the United States. He explained, “All I know is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No,’ and on others was the answer ‘Yes.’ His was a ‘Yes’ face” (Charles Swindoll).

Is the Lord Jesus Christ approachable, welcoming, and accommodating? Absolutely! His friendliness and openness are especially evident in His interactions with children.

A Countercultural Approach to Children

In many ancient cultures, including ancient Israel, children were often seen as burdens until they could contribute to the family. This view led religious leaders to distance themselves from ordinary people, especially children. For example, in Luke 18:11, a Pharisee shows his sense of superiority by thanking God that he is not like others, highlighting the disconnect between religious figures and common people: “I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else.”

These leaders often appeared too busy or too important to attend to the needs of others, particularly children. In stark contrast, Jesus was welcoming and approachable. His demeanor and actions conveyed an open invitation, and his face communicated a clear message: “Yes.”

Jesus’ “Yes Face” and Children

The disciples mistakenly thought Jesus was like other Jewish leaders, too important and too busy to engage with children. They imagined him as a first-century version of W.C. Fields, known for his humorous disdain for children. A common but incorrect quip attributed to Fields is, “Get away, kid, you bother me.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

Barclay notes that there was a Jewish tradition, “It was the custom for mothers to bring their children to some distinguished Rabbi on their first birthday that he might bless them. That is what the mothers wanted for their children from Jesus.”

The incredible “Yes Face” of the Lord Jesus Christ is clearly revealed in Luke 18.

As seen in Luke 18:15:“One day, some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.”

The affability and approachability of the Lord Jesus Christ are seen in Luke 18:16-17:“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.’”

Jesus reflected the heart of God, showing that no one is too insignificant for His love and attention.

REFLECT & PRAY

Here are some critical self-reflective questions to consider: Do I have a positive demeanor that reflects the love and openness of Christ? Am I approachable and willing to make time for others, even when I’m busy or burdened? How can I demonstrate the same friendliness and grace that Jesus displayed, especially to those who are often overlooked?

Father, thank You for having a “Yes face” that welcomes me with love and grace. Help me to reflect Your affability and openness in my own life. May I be approachable, accepting, and willing to make time for others, just as Jesus did. Teach me to have a “Yes face” that draws others closer to You.

INSIGHT

The Danger of Partiality

Partiality is condemned throughout Scripture as a harmful and unjust practice. Deuteronomy 16:19 warns: “You must never twist justice or show partiality.”

Similarly, in Matthew 22:16, Jesus is commended for His impartiality: “You are not partial to any.”

D. A. Carson explains that the Greek phrase ou gar blepeis eis prosopon anthropon, translated as “You are not partial to any,” literally means, “You do not look to the face of men.” This Semitic idiom emphasizes “the impartiality with which Jesus treats people regardless of their status (‘you are impartial’).” The GeCL translation connects this clause with the previous one: “influenced by people, no matter how important they are.”

“Some translators will make this a new sentence: ‘You don’t care whether someone is important or not’ or ‘It does not matter to you whether someone is an important person or not’” (UBS). Jesus was not influenced by status, wealth, or appearance; he treated everyone equally, showing love and respect for all.

Rehoboam: The Cost of Arrogance

The story of Rehoboam, son of Solomon, is a cautionary tale about the consequences of arrogance and harshness. When the people of Israel asked Rehoboam to lighten the burdens imposed by his father, he sought advice from two different groups:

• The older counselors advised him to be kind and accommodating.
• The younger advisers, who encouraged him to be harsh and increase the people’s burdens.

Rehoboam chose the latter, declaring in 2 Chronicles 10:11: “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier!”

This decision resulted in the division of Israel into two kingdoms: the Northern Kingdom, known as Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, known as Judah. As Alexander Maclaren observed: “Rehoboam’s imbecility and arrogance reveal that he didn’t have the gift of relating to people and understanding their needs.”

Rehoboam’s lack of kindness and understanding resulted in lasting division and conflict. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of listening, accommodating others, and treating everyone with respect.

A Call to Kindness and Forgiveness

As children of the King, we are called to reflect His character in our interactions with others. Ephesians 4:32 exhorts us: “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

The gentle virtues of kindness, the warmth of understanding, and the healing power of forgiveness stem naturally from the abundant grace given to us by the Father. When we truly appreciate the depth of our own forgiveness, it becomes much easier to extend that same grace to those around us. It’s as if we become conduits reflecting the light of compassion that the Father has illuminated our own hearts.

The Power of a “Yes Face”

A “Yes face” is more than just a friendly expression; it reflects a heart that is open, kind, and willing to serve. The life of Jesus exemplified this attitude, teaching us how to treat others with love and respect.

As Charles Swindoll wisely said, “The most significant decision I make each day is my choice of an attitude. When my attitudes are right, there’s no barrier too high, no valley too deep, no dream too extreme, and no challenge too great.”

Our attitude shapes how we interact with others and how they perceive us. A “Yes face” represents a heart that is open, kind, and eager to serve. It serves as a powerful testimony of Christ’s love and grace, drawing others to Him through our words, actions, and demeanor.

Let us strive to live with a “Yes face,” embodying the warmth and approachability of our Savior.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯3-16-2

© Dr. H 2025