Laying On of Hands

Following Jesus When You're Young

Paul writes to Timothy near the end of his life, knowing he doesn't have much time left. He appoints Timothy as pastor of the church in Ephesus—a church and city that are in chaos. Timothy is young and probably discouraged. So Paul reminds him of something crucial: there is no junior Holy Spirit.

The same Spirit working in the most mature believer is the same Spirit present in our children, in young people, in everyone from conception onward. Yet we often tell young people to sit quietly and listen. The Bible, however, is full of stories of young men and women doing great things for God.

Young People in Scripture

Joseph was thrown into a pit by his own brothers and sold into slavery. But God positioned him in the king's palace, where he rescued Israel during famine and became an advocate for his family.

Daniel refused to bow his knee to Nebuchadnezzar, refusing to worship the wrong things. He was thrown into a lion's den and survived, becoming a faithful witness.

Esther, probably in her late teens or early twenties, used her position of influence to save her people from destruction.

Samuel was left at the church as a boy and learned to hear God's voice. He became one of the most profound prophets in Israel's history, anointing two kings.

David was young when he charged down a hill to confront Goliath. He had courage and tenacity that hadn't yet been dulled by fear.

Mary was a young woman asked to carry the Son of God. She said yes: *"May it be unto me as you wish.""

Don't squelch the bold, prophetic voices of young people. Fan them into flame.

Set an Example in All Things

Paul tells Timothy:

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. (1 Timothy 4:12-14)

Timothy's primary assignment is leading the church. Paul reminds him: You're gifted. You're full of the Holy Spirit. You have more of God working through you than you can possibly imagine. Most of us will get to heaven and realize we had more grace, wisdom, and clarity than we ever thought.

But don't neglect your gift. That gift was given through a powerful act: the laying on of hands.

The Laying On of Hands: What It Means

Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy:

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

I've never really preached on why we lay hands on each other and pray for each other in the church. Let me unpack this. There are four requirements for the laying on of hands.

1. The Laying On of Hands Requires Relationship

First Timothy 5:20 warns: Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.

Get to know people first. Be careful about who you let put their hands on you and bless you, because sometimes it's not a blessing—sometimes it's manipulation. Make sure someone you know and trust, or someone trusted by people you know, is the one laying hands on you.

2. The Laying On of Hands Begins at Home

Moms and dads, the greatest gift you can give your children while they're home is to lay your hands on them every single day.

Deuteronomy 6 (the Shema) teaches us that a child's heart is most open at two times: when you're on a trip together, and when they're laying their head down at night. From the moment our children came home as babies, I've laid my hands on them almost every night—sitting on the side of the bed, reading Scripture over them, praying that Scripture back over them, blessing them.

If your teenager has gone sideways, it's hard for them to be upset with you when you're blessing them. Speak life over them even when you're frustrated.

Moms, if you have a baby in your womb right now, put your hand on that womb and pray. Bless them. Let them feel your touch and presence.

Timothy's story shows this: His grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice laid their hands on Timothy when he was young. Those two women shaped him.

3. The Laying On of Hands Requires Humility

When we hear "submission to authority," it can sound angry or violating. But that's not the biblical picture. The Bible uses language like a hen with her wings outstretched and baby chicks coming up underneath—a place of strength, overshadowing, and protection.

I remember my first Sunday here fifteen years ago. Our elders laid their hands on me and prayed. I didn't feel like they were lording over me. I felt covered. I felt their strength as protection over me. My role was surrendering—allowing their strength to come to me.

When I recently prayed over John Egan, one of our leaders, I got emotional. I've watched him grow and mature for fifteen years. When I laid my hands on him, it was an affirmation of everything I've seen God do in his life. That's powerful.

4. The Laying On of Hands Requires Physical Presence

The real pandemic in America hasn't been a virus—it's been loneliness. We have more platforms, more access to information than ever, yet we're more isolated.

One of the most heartbreaking things during lockdown was not getting to see you. Yes, I can preach online. Yes, you can worship online. But until you shake someone's hand, hug them, and bless them, you're not the church. The church is formed by the laying on of hands and physical presence.

Every doctor will tell you: the best medicine for mental and physical health is a warm hug. Touch releases healing endorphins in the brain. We were built by God to need physical presence.

5. The Laying On of Hands Requires Unity

First Timothy 2:8 says:

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

In worship and prayer, you decide: Are these hands holy or hurtful? Will I point an accusing finger, or will I lay my hands on someone to bless them?

It's really hard to be offended at someone who has laid their hands on you, prayed over you, and blessed you. What if the church modeled a different way of disagreeing with the world? What if we had honest conversations about our differences, but then laid hands on one another, prayed a blessing, and walked away as friends? The world doesn't know how to do that. The church knows how.

A Personal Story

My dad passed away in December 2005—seventeen years ago. He wasn't a born-again Christian until I was in college. He was flawed, broken, even violent when younger. But he laid hands on me as a young boy—probably two or three thousand times growing up.

He'd put his hands on me and say, "Brady, I love you. I'm so proud of you. You're so smart." I can still hear his voice.

Someone asked me recently what I miss most about my dad. Without hesitating, I said: his touch. His hand on my shoulder.

I was 37 or 38 when he died, and I still needed my dad to lay hands on me and bless me. I remember the last time he touched me. He was dying, barely breathing, sitting in his chair. I knelt down in front of him, and he put his hand on me. That was the last time.

Many of you grew up in homes where your dad never did that. Your mom never told you they were proud of you. I'm not here to relive those wounds. I'm here to chart a new future for you. Your Father in heaven sees you. He knows you. He loves you. And he is proud of you.

A Call to Action

Dads, make no more excuses. Before you go to bed tonight, lay your hands on your children and grandchildren. Bless them.

If your marriage is struggling, if you're going through a rough patch, I can almost guarantee you a cure: Look at each other. Come close. Put your hands on each other's shoulders. Bless one another. Do it every single day until a miracle happens. Your marriage can be saved with your words and your touch.

Something powerful happens in that moment that doesn't happen any other way.

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Today, we're going to sing the blessing together. If you're here with children, gather them around you. If you're here with your spouse, gather together and bless one another. If you're here alone, our pastors and elders will be available to pray a blessing over you. Don't leave this room without someone laying hands on you and praying a blessing over your life.