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The Ministry of Health and Healing
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 does 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
performed. But His attention to things considered 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
on them in blessing, but the disciples thought the Savior’s work too
important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came
wanting 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 Savior understood the care and burden of
the mothers who were trying 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 wished 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 explained what
they wanted, Jesus heard with sympathy the timid, tearful request.
But He waited to see how the disciples would treat them. When
He saw the disciples reproving the mothers and sending them away,
thinking to do Him a favor, 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 God.’”
Mark 10:14
. He took the children in
His arms, laid His hands on them, and gave them the blessings for
which they came.
The mothers were comforted. They returned to their homes
strengthened and blessed by the words of Christ. They were encour-
aged to take up their burdens with new cheerfulness and to work
hopefully for their children.