“At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, 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, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matt. 18:1-6
“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms and blessed them. Mark 10: 13-16
But years pass and we grow up into adulthood, maturity, old age , and finally death. There are many changes: mentally, physically, emotionally, etc. as we live out our lives. How do we retain the qualities in the above-quoted verses all through life? Why were little children drawn to the Savior, and He to them? What qualities of character have to remain with us all through life just as they exist in children? There is grave danger in ignoring these questions, never seeking the answers and how they fit into all of life. They are binding and were placed there as our guideposts.
Most children respond to love and attention, and Jesus, according to Scripture, gave them both. They generally listen and learn from those who love them and show it. He did. They are eager learners. They are not convinced they know all the answers already, or even better ones. They are like little sponges, more than willing to learn from those who love them and show it. Jesus taught this emphatically. We would do well to put it into practice, both for our sake and the little ones.
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