204. Come Like a Child

Psalm 127, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 10:13-16

Key Verse: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Matthew 19:14

The attitude of the disciples isn't much different than the attitude of many people, even Christians, today. Instead of seeing children as a blessing from the Lord, too many regard them as a burden to bear that gets in the way of our own selfish happiness. Family size is determined by what we think we can afford rather than openness to God's blessing, trusting God to provide.

Satan hates children. Children represent innocence. The sooner he can corrupt and or damage a child, the happier he is. This is why Jesus warned in Matthew 18:6: "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drown in the depths of the sea." To corrupt or damage a child is to be an agent of satan against what Jesus loves and cherishes.

In Jesus day, women and children had no voice in society. They were to be endured as necessary for society to continue, but they were seen more as a nuisance than anything else. After all, as His disciples saw it, Jesus had important things to do. He was a Rabbi, preaching God's truths. Who would take Him seriously with swarms of children round His feet?

Jesus loved the children and blessed them and then pronounced, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15 & Luke 18:17) How does a child receive the Kingdom?

Back on June 7 we already focused on a childish argument taking place between the disciples about "who is the greatest." Then, Jesus took a child in His arms to use as an example to rebuke His disciples for such foolish talk. 

This situation is a little different. Parents are bringing children to Jesus for blessing and the disciples are annoyed, thinking that Jesus couldn't be bothered with such silliness. Jesus, however, "took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them." (Mark 10:16) Jesus was not bothered by them. He had created them. They were created in His image. He loved them even though they had done nothing for or against Him as of yet.

This is a picture of what God's love is. No one is too great and no one is too small. His love cannot be earned, nor will it be taken away. I like the saying: "God loves you and there's nothing you can do about it." That is so true. Be secure in His love and know that it is yours forever. 

Hymn: "Jesus Loves the Little Children"   There are verses!!!