The Gospels portray Jesus as a man who loved children. After all Jesus had entered the world from "the realms of glory" as an infant. As a result, He knew the challenges and disappointments which children face on a daily bases. Jesus knew the importance of childhood and how precious it is for a child to be loved and supported by his/her parents. He knew it was a time of growth both physical growth and spiritual nurturing.

Children were presented as model citizens of the Kingdom. So, when the disciples rebuked the children who were brought to Jesus for a blessing, He was greatly displeased. Unfortunately, the disciples underestimated Jesus' love and concern for all the children of the world. As the song says..."Red or yellow black or white they are precious in His site, Jesus loves the little children of the world."

I can only imagine how happy the parents of these children were when they saw the Master's response. He placed immeasurable value on the lives of the children. He saw what they could become and not necessarily what they were. He also views us as having potential to become someone greater than what/who we are today. Jesus captured the attention of all those listening when He said "Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of God....whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."

We too must become like children and trust Him unequivocally. As children hopefully, we will walk by faith and not by site. Perhaps as children we will attempt to overcome evil with good and not with verbal assault and weapons of mass destruction. Even for a night's rest we can pray in the words of a child.

     Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
     And if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.
     Amen.

As children of the King, let us depend upon Him and not ourselves.

Mark 10:13-16

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Article copyright (c) 2006, Focus on the Family.
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Rev. Alex Person managed the African-American pastoral outreach at Focus on the Family at the time this article was written. He previously served as an Air Force chaplain for 17 years, as well as a pastor. He and his wife, Tommie, live in Colorado Springs. They are the proud parents of two adult children and the grandparents of two young grandchildren.