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4. Christ Loves and Blesses Little Children (Matthew 19:13-15)
MATTHEW 19:13-15
13 Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.” 15 He laid his hands on them, and departed from there. (Matthew 18:2-3, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17)
Mothers brought their children to Christ seeking His blessing. Their little ones were in real need of approaching Christ and receiving His blessing, for every newborn bears the seed of sin inherited from his grandfathers. No child is righteous in himself, even though he has not yet fallen into temptation. It is certain that we find in little ones’ eyes the original innocence and happiness that glow into their hearts, but when they play with others, the traces of growing selfishness appear in their anger, pride, and dislike.
This is why Christ says, “Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them,” for they need salvation. How wide is the sea of grace that flows from these words into the children’s world. The adult believers open Sunday schools, mothers pray with their little ones, and faithful teachers lead them to the Savior. All children need Christ’s forgiveness and renewal. Without His grace no child is holy. But children have the privilege of believing in Christ for themselves. They can have confidence in the words of those who let them see and feel Christ’s love.
Christ would be glorified if all men planted God’s love into their children from childhood. What mothers teach their children from the Holy Bible and tell them about Christ is the greatest treasure, more valuable than all diplomas and degrees. Those who glorify Christ by coming to Him, should further glorify Him by bringing all they have, or have influence upon, to Him likewise. Thus give Him the honor of His unsearchable riches of grace and His overflowing, never failing, fullness.
Fill your houses with the Word of God, and teach your children the Scriptures, for Christ purchased for them the right of heaven with his own blood. After he had reconciled us with God, all men have a share in heaven and a privilege to call the Creator, “Our Father,” for we are all children. Blessed are you if you cling to this privilege for you shall feel Christ putting His hand on your head for blessing.
The disciples rebuked the mothers of the children and objected against bringing them to Jesus thinking that such blessing was unnecessary.
It is well for us, that Christ has more love and tenderness in him than the best of His disciples had. Let us learn of Him not to put off any well-meaning souls in their enquiries after Christ, though they are but weak. If Jesus does not break the bruised reed, we should not. Those that seek to come to Christ, must think it strange if they are meet with opposition and rebuke. Especially if it comes from good men who think they know the mind of Christ better than they do.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You because You called us Your children, and Your Son bought us by his death the right of adoption. Teach us to implant this privilege to all the children with whom we have contact by word and deed that we may not become a stumbling block to them, but a guide to You. We ask You to inspire mothers and teachers to teach children with wisdom and sincerity concerning Your Fatherly Holy Name.
QUESTION:
- Why should children come to Jesus?
QUIZ
Dear reader,
having read our comments on the Gospel of Christ according to Matthew in this booklet, you are now able to answer the following questions. If you answer 90% of the questions stated below, we will send you the next parts of this series for your edification. Please do not forget to include writing your full name and address clearly on the answer sheet.
- Why did Jesus compare the Gentiles with dogs?
- Why could Christ heal all kinds of diseases?
- Why and how did Jesus multiply the bread and the fish for the four thousand and their families?
- Why is Christ’s great resurrection the outstanding evidence of His divinity?
- Why should we beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees?
- What does Peter’s testimony, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” signify?
- What is the foundation of the church and the key to heaven?
- What did Jesus mean by calling Peter, “Satan!”?
- What is the meaning of self-denial, and taking up one’s own cross?
- How can we live the true life?
- Why can our good works not redeem us?
- How do we escape the forthcoming judgment of the Son of Man?
- Why did Jesus warn His followers from His coming for the judgment?
- Why was Christ transfigured before only a few of His disciples?
- What is the relation between John the Baptist and the prophet Elijah?
- How did Jesus rebuke His disciples for their failure in casting the demon out of the boy?
- What is the secret of the flowing of God’s power into servants of Christ?
- Why were the disciples sorrowful and did not thank Jesus when He told them about His death?
- How did Jesus declare that He was the Son of Man and the Son of God?
- Why is pride considered the greatest danger threatening the church?
- What do we learn from Jesus’ sermon about the child whom He set in the midst of them?
- What is our heavenly Father’s will concerning little ones?
- What are the three steps to be followed if a believer in the church is to be corrected?
- When will Christ be among us?
- How many times should we forgive our friends and relatives each day?
- Why and how did the king forgive the merciful agent?
- Why should we love our enemies?
- What are the important principles in Christian marriage?
- What does Jesus say about divorce?
- What is the meaning of celibacy for the sake of ministering the kingdom of heaven?
- Why should children come to Jesus?
We encourage you to complete with us the examination of Christ and his Gospel that you may receive an everlasting treasure. We are awaiting your answers and praying for you. Our address is:
Waters of Life
P.O.Box 600 513
70305 Stuttgart
Germany
Internet: www.waters-of-life.net
Internet: www.waters-of-life.org
e-mail: info@waters-of-life.net