22010.325 The Blessing of Jesus

“Then little children were brought to him for him to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ And he placed his hands on them and went on his way.” —Matthew 19:13–15

The compassion, kindness, and gentleness of the Lord Jesus towards the little children shine forth so brightly in this passage!

I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s charge to us in Colossians as well to demonstrate these virtues:

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” —Colossians 3:12

These virtues are also included in the listing of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” —Galatians 5:22–23

In our verses for today, not driven by any particular need other than the desire for Christ to bless them, we find parents bringing their little ones to Jesus simply in order for Him to lay His hands on them in prayer. Their actions demonstrate a great respect for Jesus as well as a high value on His favor and blessing. In other places in scripture, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus in dire need of healing. Yet it appears that the parents described here sought only His blessing.

We cannot do anything better for our children than to commit them to the Lord Jesus. It is His blessing that will guide, lead, and help them. There is no higher ground. We are to trust in the Lord and His direction. He alone can answer the prayers of the heart as well as fully satisfy all inward longings and desires.

King David writes:

“Trust in the LORD and do what is right! Settle in the land and maintain your integrity! Then you will take delight in the LORD, and he will answer your prayers. Commit your future to the LORD! Trust in him, and he will act on your behalf. He will vindicate you in broad daylight, and publicly defend your just cause.” —Psalm 37:3–6

The disciples frowned on the actions of these parents. They didn’t think Jesus had time for children. They saw these parents as being troublesome instead of seeing them with the eyes of Jesus. We are never to discourage any person from seeking the Lord Jesus! No one is ever a nuisance to Him. It displeases Jesus when we turn away anyone who is seeking Him. He remains ever ready to receive them!

Become More

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5–6

Further Reflections

“Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love Thou art.” —Charles Wesley

“For the love of God is broader than the measures of man’s mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.” —Frederick William Faber

“It is rare that Christians earnestly seek the Lord’s face when things are going swimmingly, when material blessings abound and we seem to be protected from the vicissitudes faced by others. But in the blackness of discouragement, when we are harassed and downcast, we may indeed turn to the Lord and acknowledge our helplessness apart from his grace; we may do so knowing that God is a compassionate God and that Jesus’ compassion was particularly directed toward the harassed and the helpless.” —D. A. Carson

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