5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:5-6 (KJV)
Bottom line: Children are dear to the Lord. They should be to us.
Teaching
Jesus showed us the mind of God as far as children are concerned. We can read from his words that children of all countries and all races mean the world to him and the Father.
13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16
Jesus literally says, for us to enter the kingdom, we need to have a heart of a child. What does that mean? In other words, we need to be as harmless as children are, as forgiving and compassionate as well.
Oftentimes, we relegate children to the back seat of society, whereas, they must be placed at the forefront. There are many communities where children are abused, kidnapped, forced into child labor, and more. The value of a human child has diminished in the eyes of our society today, so much that in some places, children are traded out as goods. The Lord’s anger is kindled against such. God has children right at the center of his heart, and so, if we mistreat them, we will have to answer to him.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:5-6 (KJV)
Jesus loves little children; therefore, we must protect them. We must fight for them with our lives and preserve them from every form of harm because it is the will of the Lord, and it is pleasing in his sight.
Further Study
- Matthew 18:10 [Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.]
Reflection
- What place do children have in your life? Are they always well-treated in your neighborhood?
- Is there anything you can do to help children in your neighborhood have a better life?
- The answer is surely yes. Then, engage in that today.
Prayer
Thank you, heavenly Father for the gift of children. I pray that you grant me the necessary wisdom, knowledge, and willpower to pursue a course for their protection in my society today, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
