Chapter 56—Blessing the Children
This chapter is based on
Matthew 19:13-15
;
Mark 10:13-16
;
Luke
18:15-17
.
Jesus was ever a lover of children. He accepted their childish
sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from
their pure lips was music in His ears, and refreshed His spirit when
oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever the
Saviour went, the benignity of His countenance, and His gentle, kindly
manner won the love and confidence of children.
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
Saviour’s disciples thought His work too important to be interrupted
in this way. When the mothers came to Him with 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 it was the disciples with
whom He was displeased. 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.
One mother with her child had left her home to find Jesus. On the
way she told a neighbor her errand, and the neighbor wanted to have
Jesus bless her children. Thus several mothers came together, with
their little ones. Some of the children had passed beyond the years
of infancy to childhood and youth. When the mothers made known
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their desire, Jesus heard with sympathy the timid, tearful request. But
He waited to see how the disciples would treat them. When He saw
them send the mothers away, thinking to do Him a favor, He showed
them their error, saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me,
and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” He took the
children in His arms, He laid His hands upon them, and gave them the
blessing for which they came.
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