Bring The Children To Jesus

In Mark's Gospel, chapter 10 verses 13-16 we read these interesting words about Jesus:

"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them."(NKJV)

It seems as though throughout the gospels, some one is always questioning Jesus; some out of genuine curiosity; others, trying to discredit Him or entrap Him in some theological debate. In the previous verses, Jesus had been confronted by some critical Pharisees about an "adult" matter. He was questioned further by His disciples about that thorny issue, and He answered with authority, quoting Old Testament scripture to them. Have you ever noticed how we adults complicate things? We often quote scripture ourselves (like these Pharisees) to fit our own opinions or prejudices, or even to justify our own selfish and sinful attitudes and behavior.

In the midst of these "grown up goings on" in Mark 10, someone brought some little children to Jesus, "that He might touch them". Interestingly, His disciples sharply rebuked the folks who desired to bring the children to Jesus. Who knows what these disciples were thinking? Perhaps they thought Jesus was too busy to be "bothered" by these sweet little children. Perhaps they felt that the Master had "bigger fish to fry" and more important people to see. Maybe they wanted Jesus' full attention for themselves. Maybe they were trying to "protect" Jesus from folks who would waste His time. Most likely they simply felt as though children couldn't understand Jesus' teachings and that His thoughts were too far over their heads.

Whatever the disciples' motivation, they were terribly mistaken! Notice that Jesus was visibly displeased with His disciples and rebuked them for their actions. He had an important lesson to teach His followers and he took the little children in His arms and blessed them. I think we can draw several conclusions from this incident.

Jesus has time for EVERYONE - even little children. In fact, He uses the qualities that a child possesses to teach us an important lesson about saving faith. After all, who understands love more than a little child? Their hearts are tender and they know when they are loved. Little children have built up fewer defenses and have fewer preconceived notions about God. They recognize love when it is offered to them and they respond in kind. Furthermore, who practices faith and trust more than a little child? They understand their limitations and must depend on someone else to lift them, provide for them, and protect them. They haven't yet acquired the false notion we adults often have - the idea that we can handle anything that comes along. Well, I learned some time ago that there are some things I can never control, and therefore I need the help of someone greater than I. I have found that Jesus is sufficient for those (and all my other needs). Childlike faith in Christ alone is what is required of us to become children of God.

Also note, that Jesus took those little children up into His arms and blessed them. We often read of Jesus touching and healing folks. We see crowds of people surrounding Him much of the time. However, isn't it interesting that the only time we read of Jesus taking people into His arms and blessing them - it's little children who are the object of His love.

Can you think of any group that we, as Christians, need to reach with the Gospel more that that demographic? Jesus loves children. He wants us to bring them to Him while their hearts are tender and their minds are open. I have read statistics that reveal that 80 percent of the people who have accepted Christ as Savior received Jesus before they were 18 years of age. Wow! Think of that. We should realize that once a person reaches adulthood, chances are greatly reduced that they will come to know Christ as their Savior. The thought is staggering.

This is why our churches must put a great emphasis on children's ministry and child evangelism. Granted, no one can come to Christ unless the Spirit draws them to Jesus. However, we sometimes discount the fact that the Spirit deals with children. More than a few times in my years of ministry I have seen children respond to the Gospel message, only to have their parents stifle their attempts to come to Jesus. Why? The answer is usually, "They're too young to understand these things". Well let me tell you something. There are many things that adults do not understand. In fact, there are many spiritual things that we will NEVER understand. That's where faith comes into play. God help any parent who would forbid their child to come to Jesus. Right off the top of my head I could name several instances where parents told me that their child was "too young to make that decision", but probably wish now that they had let the child follow through. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and don't forbid them..." . He never said anything that He didn't mean!

It is important that we teach our children about Jesus - at home. It is vital that we take them to church that the message they hear at home is reinforced in their hearts. That way, when the Holy Spirit begins to deal with their hearts, they are ready. Ready to accept the message of God's love, His forgivenss, and an eternal home with Him in Heaven. Responding to that message, the children are in a place where they can grow and mature under the teaching of God's Word. This is important stuff. Eternally important.

Tuesday evening, on my way home from a particular children's ministry planning meeting, I got a call on my cell phone. It was my 6 1/2 year old grandson, Will. "Guess what Papaw" he said excitedly. "I got saved!" My heart lept with joy. Benji and Leigh Anne have done what parents should do. First they have taught their children about Jesus in their home, and modeled lives of faith in Christ. Secondly, they have been faithful in keeping the children in church where they continue to hear the Gospel message. Will has been in Sunday School and Children's Church where he is regularly "brought to Jesus". In AWANA he is memorizing scripture - "hiding God's Word in his heart". He is playing "Upward" Soccer, where he hears a message about Jesus at each practice and game. No wonder the Holy Spirit has spoken to his heart!

I asked Will what it meant to be "saved" and he gave me a simple explanation of the Gospel message, and confessed that he had received Jesus as his Savior. His older cousin, Quint, down in Louisiana had made a similar profession of faith back in the spring. Jay and Michelle had laid the same spiritual foundation in their home and when the Spirit began to deal with Quint, he was ready. I was unable to be at Quint's baptism in New Orleans on Easter Sunday, but we do have the photos that Michelle sent to us. I do hope to see Will baptized by his pastor, Ronnie Mayes, at Rose Hill Baptist Church in a couple of weeks. Hopefully Quint and Will's little brothers will also respond to the Gospel when they get a little older and the Spirit of God begins to deal with their hearts.

Nearly three years ago, when I was diagnosed with 4th stage colon cancer and the prognosis was not good, many concerns rushed through my mind. I agonized about leaving Linda alone. I worried over the thought of my church having to go through another pastor search after only two years. I also sadly thought that I would not see my grandchildren grow up, and they might not really remember me. That hurt.

Now, thank God, I know that at least two of my grandsons will be with me in Heaven - forever.