Jesus said, “Let the children come unto Me.”

This particular account is found in three of the gospels, Matt 19:13-16; Luke 18:15-17. |||| THE GREAT DESIRE OF PARENTS AND/CAREGIVERS They brought the children to Him that He might touch them. This is not infant baptism. Rather it is the concern of Parents and caregivers for the spiritual wellbeing of the children. These parents had got their kids up and their kids out. This was not to take then to a nice air-conditioned building  but to Jesus in the open air, in spite of many hurdles including the stern disciples and their own shyness. They considered the touch of the Saviour to be vitally important. Do we consider the relationship of our child with Jesus to be of utmost importance, beyond everything else in life. Where is Jesus today, so we can take our children to Him? How can we make this relationship we happen? We can take this important matter to prayer. We also know that Jesus is in the midst of the church during our gatherings. It is sad when parents take their children to places of entertainment instead of to the house of God. Do we love our children like these parents and caregivers loved their children and went to great lengths to take them to Jesus. |||||| THE GRUMPY DISDAIN OF THE DISCIPLES The disciples scolded the parents for bothering Jesus. We are not told why they were so rude. We are not told why, but we are told that Jesus was indignant and angry and displeased. So often we think we know better than the Lord. So often Sunday School and other work is played down. What message would that send? Do not our children need the Saviour beyond anything else? Are we careful about the family altar? Are we regular about gathering our children regularly for family devotions. Sunday school teachers have a great responsibility, coming to the class with spiritual preparation. ||||||| THE GRACIOUS DECLARATION OF THE SAVIOUR. These words are some of the most beautiful words of scripture: “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!” |||||| THE GLORIOUS DELIGHT OF THE CHILDREN. “And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” What a moment this must have been when the God of heaven picks up one’s child to bless them. Yes it was hard to get there, the distance, the heat of the day, the objection of the disciples, the objections of other family members, and may be even the objections of the children themselves. When a child is brought to faith, it is a wonderful moment, when they give their heart to Jesus, and tell of how their sins have been forgiven. “How from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 3:15. The prayers and words of parents can mean so much to children, long into adulthood. Spurgeon remembered his mother praying like this:  “Lord, if my children go on in their sins, it will not be from ignorance that they perish, and my soul must bear a swift witness against them at the day of judgment if they lay not hold of Christ.” Spurgeon recalls another time when she got on her knees with her arms around his neck and prayed, “Oh, that my son might live before Thee!” It is so much better that children come to the Lord when they are young, so they can serve their God when they have the strength, rather than come when they are old.