Lesson 191 Jesus receives little children Matthew 19:13-15 Monday November 4, 2013 ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** Then were there brought unto him little children that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence [Authorized King James Version]. ================================================== Good morning from Theodore. As I introduce this lesson, I want to turn back to Matthew 18, verses 1- 4. In this passage our Lord is teaching his disciples to be humble. These disciples came to Jesus and wanted to know who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus then calls a little child unto him and set him in the midst of them and said, “Verily I say unto you, except you be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” I believe that the greatest lesson we as born again believers could ever learn, is humility. In our lesson today let us observe Christ’s attitude toward children. ============================================================= Verse 13 THEN WERE BROUGH LITTLE CHILDREN TO CHRIST, AND HE PUT HIS HANDS ON THEM AND PRAYED. BUT THE DISCIPLES REBUKED THEM. Probably these were brought by some of his followers, who desired not only to devote themselves to Jesus, but all that they had - their children as well as themselves. All the Jews were accustomed to devote their children to God by circumcision. It was natural, therefore, under the new dispensation, that it should be done. Luke says they were infants. They were undoubtedly those who were not old enough to come by choice, but their coming was an act of the parents. It was customary among the Jews, when blessings were sought for others in prayer, to lay the hands on the head of the person prayed for, implying a kind of consecration to God. See Genesis 48:14; Matthew 9:18. They had also much confidence in the prayers of pious men, believing that those blessed by a saint or a prophet would be happy. See Numbers 22:6; Luke 2:28. The disciples reproved them, or told them it was improper. This they did, probably, either: 1. Because they thought that they were too young; or, 2. Because they thought that they would be troublesome to their Master. ============================================================= Verse 14 BUT JESUS SAID, SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN AND FORBID THEM NOT TO COME UNTO ME, FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Mark adds; and he [Jesus] was much displeased at what the disciples said. It was a thing that was highly gratifying to him, and which he earnestly sought, that children should be brought to him. But Jesus said, suffer little children.... This he said to show his humility, that he was not above taking notice of any; and to teach his disciples to regard the weakest believers, and such as were but children in knowledge; and to inform them what all ought to be, who expect the kingdom of heaven. In Mark and Luke it is said Jesus immediately added these words: “whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter therein.” This in essence is what our Lord is telling his disciples; “do not drive away these children from my person and presence; they are lively emblems of the proper subjects of a Gospel church state, and of such that shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. By these I may instruct and point out to you, what converted persons should be, who have a place in my church below, and expect to enter into my kingdom and glory above; that they are, or ought to be, like such children, harmless and inoffensive; free from rancor and malice, meek, modest, and humble; without pride, self-conceit, and ambitious views, and desires of grandeur and superiority.” ============================================================= Verse 15 THEN JESUS LAID HIS HANDS ON THEM AND DEPARTED. Mark tells us that Jesus laid his hands on the little children and blessed them. This was according to the custom of the country; Jesus laid his hands upon them and wished all kind of prosperity to them, and then he departed out of the house where he had been, and his disciples with him, and headed toward Jerusalem. ******************************************************************************************** “Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein” – Luke 18:17. May the Lord richly bless you is my prayer. Have a great day -Theodore
Posted on: Mon, 04 Nov 2013 11:33:18 +0000
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