Parents and Little Children
Introduction
The emphasis of this text is not on a single act, but something continuous.
Notice, the parents brought their children to Jesus. That is what all parents should do, but cannot unless they themselves have first come to Him. Have you come? And are you bringing?
This bringing may be regarded as an offering, for it is the same word as is used of the gifts of the Magi (Matt 2:11). Blessed indeed are they who thus dedicate their children to the Lord.
Mark speaks of “little children,” Luke has “infants”. They should be dedicated to God, and no children, from the dawn of intelligence, are too young to be told about the Savior’s love, and to trust Him.
But the Apostles did not understand; they were “rebuking” those who were bringing them. Why? They regarded their Master as a teacher and a healer, and these children required Him in neither capacity. Jesus is much more, He is the Blesser. Therefore, Jesus was moved with “indignation,” the only time that this emotion is attributed to Him; and, remember, it was on behalf of children.
Bottom line, we should be bringing our children to Jesus; in our dedicating of them, praying for them, by our example, by teaching them the Word, and by safeguarding their young hearts in every way possible.
I. WE BRING OUR CHILDREN TO JESUS TEACHING SANCTIFICATION.
Ephesians 6:4, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
Setting aside as a good steward. Acknowledging God as Creator, Sustainer, and Owner.
II. WE BRING OUR CHILDREN TO JESUS TEACHING SCRIPTURE.
2 Timothy 3:15, “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
ILL. Jim Law’s Granddaughter Elizabeth
memorizing Scripture.
III. WE BRING OUR CHILDREN TO JESUS TEACHING SONGS.
Great theology of our music, hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs.
Hebrews 13:15, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
IV. WE BRING OUR CHILDREN TO JESUS TEACHING STEWARDSHIP.
Hebrews 13:16, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
We teach our children to share and ultimately to sacrifice.
V. WE BRING OUR CHILDREN AND PARENTS TEACHING SALVATION.
Matthew 18:1-5, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘ I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.’”
Children come in simplicity, sincerity, and eagerness. We grow up, sophisticated, and worldly-wise and have to lay aside everything and come with child-like trust in Him.
A child’s heart is tender and impressionable. Children are great believers. They have not yet succumbed to the world and its ways.
v. 15 speaks of the kind of people who may enter the kingdom of God. A child represents a helpless person, a humble person; they don’t see themselves as so significant. Children are dependent.
v.15 “assuredly” – amen; “I’ll tell you the truth,” emphasizes the importance of the pronouncement.
The blessings of the kingdom are to be viewed as a gift, yet we enter the kingdom through responsive faith and obedience. A child receives what is offered him or her, totally dependent on the person giving it.
The “kingdom of God” is the sphere of God’s rule in Christ through gracious salvation.
GRATEFUL:
● For teachers that teach our Sunday School
classes
● For teachers that teach our Awana’s
● For teachers who teach our Bible Drills
● For teachers who teach our Children’s Choir
● Importance of our worship services
Charles Spurgeon , “Of such is the kingdom of heaven,” this is the banner of the Sunday School.
Dr. Hood Wilson’s mother said to him on the day of his ordination, “Remember this, my boy, every time you lay your hand on a child’s head, you are laying it on a mother’s heart.”