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The Power of His Passion (31K)

Blessing the Children

Jesus was ever a lover of children. He accepted their childish sympathy and their open, unaffected love.

Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that he might lay his hands upon them in blessing; but the Savior's disciples thought His work too important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came to Him with their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased. The Savior understood the care and burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their children according to the word of God. He had heard their prayers. He Himself had drawn them into His presence.

When the mothers made known their desire, Jesus heard with sympathy the timid, tearful request. But He waited to see how the disciples would treat them. When He saw them send the mothers away, thinking to do Him a favor, He showed them their error, saying, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." He took the children in His arms, He laid His hands upon them, and gave them the blessing for which they came.

The mothers were comforted. They returned to their homes strengthened and blessed by the words of Christ. They were encouraged to take up their burden with new cheerfulness, and to work hopefully for their children. The mothers of today are to receive His words with the same faith. Christ is as verily a personal Savior today as when He lived a man among men. He is as verily the helper of mothers today as when He gathered the little ones to His arms in Judea.

Jesus knows the burden of every mother's heart. He who had a mother that struggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in her labors. In every grief and every need He will give comfort and help.

Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Savior's feet. He who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not" (Mark 10:14), still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mother's arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.



Copyright 1995 by Family Heritage Books.
Web page created: 05/18/05 Updated: 05/18/05