Then they also brought infants [*little children] to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, “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.” (Luke 18:15-17; *Matthew 19:13-14; *Mark 10:13-15) And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:16; Matthew 19:15)
Jesus had made a similar comparison previously, 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. (Matthew 18:3-5; Mark 9:36-37; Luke 9:48; see THE GOSPEL: Believe God and Leave the Consequences to Him)
Why do we have to take on the character of a little child to receive the kingdom of God and to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? Because that's how we prove that we are the people of God. Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (I Peter 2:1-3) Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. (I Corinthians 14:20 NLT)
Children are so innocent and they believe so completely what someone tells them and what they're taught. That's why we have to be so careful to teach them The Truth from the very beginning. Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15)
Adults, we are the first "preachers" the children of this world will ever "hear". We first have to make sure we know The Truth. Then, we have a responsibility to lead the children to Christ; Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them! Not only will He lay His hands on them, and bless them, but He will do the same for us also. If any of us have not accepted Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, don't wait any longer. Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)
Prayer: Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, or with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalm 131:1-2) Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11; Psalm 119) AMEN
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