“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” And He laid His hands on them and departed from there” (Matthew 19:13).
Heavenly Father, our Parent par excellence; our gracious Abba, we love You Lord, because You first loved us, and taught us the great blessing of loving and being loved! Please teach us how to share Your love with Your little ones, and everyone You put in our paths, that Your name might be glorified! We ask this in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
I can just imagine the thrill, the joy, the excitement, that filled the hearts of those precious little ones, when, despite the impatience and intolerance of His disciples, Jesus stood up for them, and would not allow His disciples to send them away!
I can only imagine how they must have felt as they looked up into His kind face and saw themelves reflected in His loving eyes, and felt His gentle touch! Indeed, Jesus’ kingdom is an upside down kingdom! Children, who were at the very bottom of the social ladder are being held and embraced by a Rabbi! A Teacher in Israel!
And not just any teacher, but one of whom it was said, ” ‘ “No man ever spoke like this Man” ‘ ” (John 7:46)! Others exclaimed, “But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ” (v. 26, emphasis provided)?
Yes, it was the One and Only Son of God, sent of the Father, who lovingly held these precious little ones in His arms and blessed them before leaving town! He made of the least in the eyes of society – the greatest in the kingdom of God. He made them the Poster Children of His kingdom:
“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘ “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ‘ “
“Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Matthew 18:1-5, emphasis provided).
He warned against hurting these innocent little ones:
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (v.6). Words to consider!
Is it any wonder then, that as Jesus neared the end of His life, these little ones were among those shouting the loudest and acclaming Him with their Hossanas?
“But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, ‘ “Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ” they were indignant and said to Him, ‘ “Do You hear what these are saying?” ‘ “
“And Jesus said to them, ‘ “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’ ” ‘ ” ‘ ” (Matthew 21:15, 16)?
Psalm 127:3 describes children this way: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Emphasis provided).
Take note friends, despite how the world sees our little ones, “Red and Yellow, Black and White, [all] are precious in His sight. Jesus LOVES the little children of the world.”
Let us love them also. They are so in need, and deserving, of our love!!!