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His Compassion, March 16
He took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:16
.
As Jesus ministers in the streets of the cities, mothers with their sick and dying
little ones in their arms press through the throng, seeking to come within reach of
His notice.
Behold these mothers, pale, weary, almost despairing, yet determined and perse-
vering. Bearing their burden of suffering, they seek the Saviour. As they are crowded
back by the surging throng, Christ makes His way to them step by step, until He is
close by their side. Hope springs up in their hearts. Their tears of gladness fall as
they catch His attention, and look into the eyes expressing such pity and love.
Singling out one of the group, the Saviour invites her confidence, saying, “What
shall I do for thee?” She sobs out her great want, “Master, that thou wouldest heal
my child.” Christ takes the little one from her arms, and disease flees at His touch.
The pallor of death is gone; the life-giving current flows through the veins; the
muscles receive strength. Words of comfort and peace are spoken to the mother; and
then another case, just as urgent, is presented. Again Christ exercises His life-giving
power, and all give praise and honor to Him who doeth wonderful things.
We dwell much on the greatness of Christ’s life. We speak of the wonderful
things that He accomplished, of the miracles that He wrought. But His attention to
things accounted small is even higher proof of His greatness.
Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that
he might lay his hands upon them in blessing; but the disciples thought the Saviour’s
work too important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came desiring
Him to bless their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. They
thought these children too young to be benefited by a visit to Jesus, and concluded
that He would be displeased at their presence. But the Saviour understood the care
and burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their children according to
the Word of God. He had heard their prayers. He Himself had drawn them into His
presence....
Christ is today the same compassionate Saviour as when He walked among men.
He is as verily the helper of mothers now as when He gathered the little ones to His
arms in Judea. The children of our hearths are as much a purchase of His blood as
were the children of long ago....
Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient
to aid them in the care of their children. The gates are open for every mother who
would lay her burdens at the Saviour’s feet. He who said, “Suffer the little children
to come unto me, and forbid them not” (
Mark 10:14
), still invites mothers to bring
their little ones to be blessed by Him (
The Ministry of Healing, 38-42
).
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