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Jesus’ Love for Children
This chapter is based on Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke
18:15-17.
Jesus loved children. He accepted their childish sympathy and
open, sincere love. The grateful praise from their lips refreshed His
spirit when contact with crafty and hypocritical men oppressed Him.
Wherever He went, His gentle, kindly manner won their confidence.
It was customary for parents to bring their children to some rabbi,
so that he could lay his hands on them in blessing. But when the
mothers came to Jesus with their little ones, the disciples were not
receptive. They thought these children were too young to benefit
from a visit to Jesus, and they concluded that He would be displeased.
But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased. The Savior
understood the burden of the mothers who were trying to train their
children. He Himself had drawn them into His presence.
Several mothers came together with their little ones to have Jesus
bless their children. Jesus heard with sympathy their timid, tearful
request. But He waited to see how the disciples would treat them.
When He saw them send the mothers away, He showed them their
error, saying, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid
them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He took the children in
His arms and gave them the blessing for which they came.
The words of Christ strengthened the mothers and encouraged
them to take up their burden with new cheerfulness. The mothers
of today are to receive His words with the same faith. Christ is a
personal Savior. He is as truly the helper of mothers today as when
He gathered the little ones in His arms in Judea.
Jesus knows the burden of every mother’s heart. He made a long
journey to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman. He gave
back to the widow of Nain her only son, and in His agony on the
cross He remembered His own mother. He is touched today by the
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