Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the above theme from Mark 10:14. Indeed, the hardness of heart, the selfishness which lead men to despise and denature everything related to marriage, is also often shown in their little consideration for small children. And the disciples do not escape this spirit. The Lord begins by being indignant at the attitude of the disciples. He then takes these little ones tenderly in his arms where they are perfectly safe. Finally, he expressly blesses them(Mat 19.13-15).
There were also in the crowd, people who recognized in Jesus a source of blessing for little children. They brought it to him to touch, which must have been very pleasing to the Lord, in contrast to the contempt he felt on the part of the Pharisees for their unbelief. But the disciples did not enter into the mind of their Master; for the lesson which he had given them(Mt 9.36-37) had not benefited them; indeed, they took back those who brought these little children. And Jesus seeing this, was indignant, and said unto them, Suffer little children to come to me; forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you: whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will not enter it “.
In fact, the disciples only considered greatness and importance from the point of view of men of the earth, for whom little children do not matter, while Jesus appreciated these little beings because they received quite naturally his words and thus the kingdom of God entered into it. So we understand that Jesus loved them, that he attracted them to him, that he gave them as an example of those who entered the kingdom. He took in his arms those brought to him, and laying his hands on them, he blessed them. Today the Lord has the same thoughts towards all little children and those who are like them.
The glory to which the cross was to lead had been shown to some; but for him he took the place of servant. It was the knowledge of God through Him that was to train them for that glory and bring them there; for that was really eternal life. For all other intermediate means were in the hands of men who had become hostile to the God who had granted them, and thus to his manifestation in the person of Christ. This is why we find the origin of the relationship of man and woman as they came out of the creative hands of God; and the concern that Jesus took in little children, their place in the compassionate eyes of God, and the moral value of what they represented before men.
It was because hearts had remained closed, as Isaiah had prophesied: “Who has believed what we have spoken, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”(Isa. 53.1-3). To this question, however, Jesus can answer and give thanks to his Father: “You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and… you have revealed them to little children”. Then turning to the men, he calls them: “Come to me”; come with that childish faith. No one other than me can reveal the Father to you. And learn not only by my mouth but by my example, for I am “meek and humble of heart”(Ep 4. 20-27). Besides, not all little children can become wise and intelligent according to the world; whereas the wise and intelligent can become like little children to believe, without seeking to understand, and thus all can be saved.
But the world is delighted in what is great and the disciples do not escape this spirit. They desire to know who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord answers them that the first thing is to enter it and that, on the contrary, it’s necessary to be small. And in order to engrave this teaching in their minds, he calls a little child and places him in their midst. We may have young children around us. They too are placed near us as models of trust and simplicity. Let’s be careful not to despise them because of their weakness, their ignorance and their naivety. And let’s be careful not to scandalize them even more. Because the bad example of an elder is the worst trap in the footsteps of his younger sons. Jesus therefore repeats here what he has already said about the occasions of fall (Mt 5: 27-32). For through the mouth of children and of those who are breastfeeding you have founded your glory, to confound your adversaries, to silence the enemy and the vindictive (Ps 8.3).
In the end, far from despising these little children, God responds to their weakness with special care. Because angels are charged to watch over them. And let’s not forget that the Lord Jesus came to save them(Luke 19.1-10); they are put to the benefit of his work if they die without having reached the age of responsibility. We learn from the parable of the lost sheep about the value of just one of these lambs to the good Shepherd. This is why it pleased the Father to make himself known by means of the Son. And, in contrast to what we usually say to children, “when you grow up you will understand this or that,” to whom has just such a revelation been made? To little children and to those who resemble them in the humility and simplicity of their faith. Let’s see if we meet these conditions.
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and put together for your better understanding.
- To look like a child, an essential element of Christian life:
Ps 131.2 But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content; Mk 10.15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luk 18.16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these; 1 Co 14.20 Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults; 1 P 2.2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
- Sweetness of God
Ps 18.36 You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way; Es 40.11He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young; Es 42.3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 2 Co 10.1 By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!
- Simplicity:
Ps 116.6 The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me; Mt 11.25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Luk 18.17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Rm 16.19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. 2 Co 1.12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.;
- Blessings pronounced by the Lord on people:
Gn 1.28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Gn 12.2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Luk 1.28 “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
From all of the above, we note that the Lord Jesus was indignant to see his disciples take back the people who brought the little children to him. Then turning to the men, he calls them: “Come to me”; come with that childish faith. No one other than me can reveal the Father to you. And learn not only by my mouth but by my example, for I am “meek and humble of heart”. Because angels are charged to watch over them. And let’s not forget that the Lord Jesus came to save them; they are put to the benefit of his work if they die without having reached the age of responsibility. We learn from the parable of the lost sheep about the value of just one of these lambs to the good Shepherd. This is why it pleased the Father to make himself known by means of the Son. Rather, things are revealed to little children and to those who resemble them by the humility and simplicity of their faith. Our prayers support you all in your efforts to meet these conditions.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite anyone who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me as follows:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you and ask forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as my Lord and personal Savior. I acknowledge that you died on the cross of Calvary and that you rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me each day to eternal life you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal to me and strengthen my heart and my faith so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me in your divine family so that I too can contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
To you all worship, power, and glory, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be glad to respond to your queries and comments if necessary, before sharing with you next week
the exaggerated request of the Zebedee’s sons to Jesus: “It is true that you will drink the cup which I must drink, …
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you profusely.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.