Genesis 33:14
Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir. Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.
Genesis 33:14 shows Jacob refusing a rapid and difficult journey because the children are tender and the flocks and herds with young would die if overdriven in one day, resolving instead to move gently at the pace they are able to endure until he comes to Seir. He therefore led gently, marching softly and steadily at the pace the children and the cattle before him could endure while staying with them.
As Jacob did, Christ leads His people gently, for having shared human experience in all things but sin He knows human infirmities and has proportioned and prepared the way and path to life to human strength and capacity. He has made the path to life level even for children, with God appointing a path suited to the strength and capacity of children. He stays with His followers to comfort them with His company and to be their perpetual guide, never despising, neglecting, or leaving behind the children of the flock, never traveling hastily ahead, and never bidding parents or others to move forward and leave children or parents behind. This gentle leading keeps the weak from stumbling and falling through discouragement, whereas dealing with people as people often deal with one another and with children would cause them to stumble and fall through utter discouragement.
Jacob's regard for the weakness of his flock, including the weak, suffering, and lame among his sheep, illustrates the still greater knowledge and compassion of Christ as the chief Shepherd, who knows each burden and helps those most in need. Parents are therefore required in His name to lead their children along the narrow way in the same patient and gentle manner at a pace they can endure. A husband and father must show the same carefulness by refusing to press his family beyond their strength and adjusting his pace to what they can bear. A husband and father must go through life at the pace his wife as his fellow traveler is able to bear, holding back his steps amid the rush for wealth and power in order to comfort and support her.