One day as we walked into worship we were met by a lady I had gotten to know a little who stopped to say hello. Almost immediately she introduced herself to Word Girl and began a friendly conversation with her. After a few minutes we said our goodbyes and Word Girl and I went to go take our seats. She had a big grin on her face and felt like she had just found a new friend.
Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there. Matthew 19:13-15
The word rebuke is defined "to express sharp, stern disapproval of; to criticize sharply; reprove; reprimand."
People were always trying to get to Jesus to be healed, to ask a question, even just to get a look at Him as Zacchaeus the tax collector was doing when he climbed a tree. Yet when parents tried to bring their children to Jesus to touch them, bless them or pray over them, the disciples were very put out. Jesus not only loved children but he paid attention to them. I imagine when the children were brought to Jesus He squatted down to their height, looked straight into their eyes with a big smile on His face and talked with them. He probably asked them their name, their age, and what they liked to do. I'm sure He listened to them with great interest in what they said and after He prayed for them He probably hugged them or jostled their hair.
The Bible doesn't give us all the details but no doubt, He met them at their point of need just like He did with everyone else, and I'm sure those kids left Him with a big grin on their face and feeling like they had just found a new friend.
We all need a little attention sometimes. Children are often overlooked in a crowd of adults even at church. When you are in church next time and they tell you to greet the people near you, see if there is a child nearby that you can talk to. Maybe you will make them feel like they found a friend, and it just might make an impact on them for life.
"Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me." Matthew 18:5
7 comments:
Good point Edie! I have been guilty of overlooking the children and focusing on the adults. Ouch. Thanks for the reminder.
Love!
Beth
I love this post Edie. I think it is so important to talk to children. It really makes their day and validates them. At the same time, of course, parents should teach children to be polite and patience when adults are talking.
I recently had to speak to an adult at church, while my 6 yr old waiting at my side. When we are done talking, the woman kneeled to my daughter and said "How old are you?" Then after my daughter replied she was 6, the woman said "I don't know any 6 years old that would have stood there so patiently and quietly while I talked to their mom. Thank you so much! I know your mom must be so proud of you."
Well, my daughter was bursting with pride after that! It also reinforced her good behavior. The woman could have just said good bye to me, but taking the time to speak to my daughter made a huge impression on both of us.
Great post, Edie!
I agree with the others, good post. Parents would often rather have us talking to their children, I think, b/c at least that way the parents are involved, too. wb
I love that the Lord shows no impartiality when it comes to ages. We, too must be like that. To make young kids know that they are important as much as the adults are. Great post sister and God bless. Have a great day!
Because my girls have needed special help in school, I have seen others go the extra mile to really reach out and understand who they are. I have been profoundly influenced by those folks.
Very often, I will speak to the child BEFORE the adult, now! Why do I have holes in the knees of my jeans?...getting down to see those kids. I know how important it is to them, how it builds them up.
You can't skim over that passage as just "Jesus did a nice thing." We need to pay attention when the Word calls us to what it means to be a child of God!
"...and a little child will lead them." Isaiah 11:6
Edie: I love your heart for the Lord and for His wee ones (and not so wee)! I think our words and actions and love make such huge impressions on children. For His glory.
Hugs,
Sharon
Thanks for sharing, Edie! What an important reminder to all of us. I'll be really mindful about trying to invest more time into my nieces and nephews (don't see them nearly enough), as well as others God places in my path. Have a blessed weekend!
Tracy
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