Forbid Not the Children
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Matthew 19:13-15
CHILDREN are special to Jesus. A little boy's lunch of bread and fish fed a crowd of 5,000 after Jesus thanked God for it. Imagine the boy's amazement as he watched Jesus multiply his small offering. Jairus' daughter lay upon her death bed, the life departed from her body; then Jesus raised her up. Her and her family's amazement gave praise to Jesus. At another time parents with their children pressed in for Jesus' attention. The disciples began to shoo them away. But Jesus didn't see the children as in the way and said so. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me . . . for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven," That was significant and put things in order. In the Old Testament God had plans for a slave boy to save his people (Joseph). God protected a baby in a basket, who would lead His people out of captivity (Moses). A mother's heart-felt plea to God produced the boy Samuel who later served his God faithfully and justly. God had a shepherd anointed to become king while still in his youth (David). Jesus sums it up with His words in this account. "He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." (Matthew 18:2-5) Jesus' words speak life.
Dear Father, You value children. You show us what is most important. Faith is pure, like the faith of a child. We thank Thee for these words of life. Amen
Dear Father, You value children. You show us what is most important. Faith is pure, like the faith of a child. We thank Thee for these words of life. Amen
For your musical pleasure: Jesus Loves Me
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