{"podcast":{"title":"Grace for All","slug":"grace-for-all-6595211","podcast_index_feed_id":6595211,"rss_url":"https://feeds.captivate.fm/graceforall/","website_url":"https://1stchurch.org","image_url":"https://artwork.captivate.fm/2428ce1f-9c22-4f5a-acd7-88e0a40ad9bf/Grace-for-All-3000.jpg","author":"Jim Stovall, Greta Smith, First United Methodist Church, Maryville, TN","episode_count":300,"summary":"\"Grace for All\" is a daily devotional podcast from the laity of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. Each episode presents scripture and a brief reflection, written and recorded by members of our church. These short episodes are meant to inspire you and support your journey of understanding and faith. We believe the central message of Jesus is one of grace. Grace for all human beings. Grace for All is a podcast ministry of First United Methodist Church, Maryville, TN","last_synced_at":"2026-07-17T16:20:38.196226+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/grace-for-all-6595211"},"episode":{"title":"Let the Children Come to Me","slug":"let-the-children-come-to-me","published_at":"2026-04-24T07:30:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/grace-for-all-6595211/let-the-children-come-to-me","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/grace-for-all-6595211","url":"https://graceforall.captivate.fm/episode/4-24","audio_url":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/61c84ba7-fd14-4470-bdb4-b5079666e5c2.mp3","summary":"Mark 10:14-16 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, \"Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.\" The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it. \"Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in.\" Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. Every time I listen to these verses, I revisit my childhood. Little Golden Books filled my bookshelves. One book, in particular, had a picture of Jesus, surrounded by children: one little boy comfy on his lap with a lamb also being held. As a child, this picture brought comfort and a sense of love and belonging. Perhaps that is why I remember it so clearly. As an adult, it is still moving. In Biblical days, children held little to no status in the community. They were expected to contribute to the household economy. My understanding is that children were required to complete menial tasks such as agriculture or trades. Others were committed to education with tutors and sent to school. Boys were exposed to academic subjects and girls were taught to run a home. Regardless, they were treated and considered as property. While it may seem somewhat conflicting, children were considered as a \"gift from the Lord\" and highly valued. Keeping all this in mind, picture this — a large group of people have gathered to hear Jesus teach. Many parents and children were present. It appears that the mothers deeply desired for Jesus to touch and bless their children. The disciples were trying to protect Jesus. They di…","meta_description":"Mark 10:14-16 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, \"Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":364,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/grace-for-all-6595211/episodes/let-the-children-come-to-me/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/grace-for-all-6595211/let-the-children-come-to-me.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}