“SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME.”
By Nannie B. Kellar
Jesus had been teaching the people of Galilee lessons of humility and forbearance from a little child, whom he had called unto him. Now, as he had finished his teachings in Galilee, he directed his steps toward the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan. Among the Jews it was customary to take little children to a rabbi, who would lay his hands upon them in blessing. Several mothers had heard of the work Jesus was doing, and desired his blessing to rest upon their children. They came near to the Saviour; but when the disciples saw them, they thought the children too young to be benefited by a talk with Jesus, and believed that he would be displeased to have them near him. Jesus knew why the mothers had brought their children, but wished to see how his disciples would treat them. Just as soon as they had sent the mothers away, the Saviour rebuked the disciples for their unwise course of action. “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little548children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Jesus knew their hearts. “He knew that these children would listen to him and accept him as their Redeemer far more readily than would grown-up people, many of whom were the worldly-wise and hard-hearted.” Jesus, the King of heaven, had time to simplify the important truths to meet the childish understanding, and to answer the many questions the children were always ready to ask. In those young hearts, he planted seeds of truth that afterward sprang up, yielding fruit unto eternal life. “It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received.” As Jesus called those little ones to him when the disciples were about to turn them away, so to-day he is still calling the children to come and learn of him. But why is it that so many drift out into the world, into sin and wickedness of all kinds, instead of sitting at the feet of Jesus and following his example? There are a great many things in the world to keep the children from becoming acquainted with Jesus. Many children meet with cold formality and harshness in their own homes. This destroys all the love and tenderness God has implanted in the young heart. Because of a lack of encouragement at home they choose evil associates; and, instead of asking their parents for advice, they go to these companions, who lead them further away from God. If we, by our indifference or wrong influence, are keeping the children from coming to Christ, he says also to us, “Suffer [or let] the children to come unto me.” We must not hinder them, but seek to remove those influences that will not let them come to Christ. Instead of being stumbling-blocks, let us arise and help the children. Let us bring them to Christ instead of turning them away.