JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven” Math. 18:2-3

Just a little story, not enough to really take much notice, but the impact is great.

Some parents were bringing their little children to see Jesus. I imagine the small ones running up to Him with adoring looks in their eyes and big smiles on their faces. Can you just see it? Jesus sits on the ground and with a gentle smile bends his face close to each child, touching their heads, putting His hands on their backs.   The children bounce up and down and clamber to get closer to Him. Some climb on His lap and one precious little girl puts her arms around His neck and squeezes tight.

The disciples, thinking how busy Jesus is and how tired He must be, scold the parents. “Take them away,” they say sternly, “the Teacher has no time for kids!”

Or maybe someone said, “They are too noisy, He can not teach when they are near. Keep them out of the way!”

I can see them shoeing the crowd of children away, telling them not to bother the Teacher. The parents frown and pull their children close.

But Jesus stands up and opens His arms wide, “No, no! Children come here.” Then looking at the disciples He says sternly, “Don’t stop them! Let them come to Me!”

Sitting down once again, He gathers the children close, taking several into his lap and circling many in His arms. He turns eyes full of compassion on the well meaning disciples.

“The Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”* (from Luke 18:15-17)

Earlier Jesus had told His disciples, “Unless you turn from your sins and become like little children you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.”

I always thought this meant that we were to be like children in the simplicity of their faith, believing as they do, without question and accepting Jesus as our Savior with eagerness. This is true, but today when I read this I was hit by another thought.

Anyone who does not receive Jesus like a child will never enter the Kingdom, or possibly living in victory.  So let’s look at children. Imagine children in line to see Santa. Most are so eager to be the one to sit on Santa’s lap they can’t stand still. They jiggle, they dance, they twirl in circles. Some talk non-stop. When they get there, and are sitting on his lap, some are so overwhelmed all they can do is stare in awe. Some might give him a kiss on his red cheek, some hug his neck, some jabber on about what they want for Christmas. Some tell him all their problems.

I imagine this is how the children were to see Jesus. He was a good guy who did good things. He had love in His eyes and healing in His hands. They were so eager to get close to Him they bounced up and down and pulled on their mother’s hands. They twirled and danced their way to His side. They held their arms out and leaned against Him. They climbed on His lap and held Him close. Some told Him all their problems.

Jesus said, “Unless you become as one of these little ones—.”

When was the last time you twirled and danced your way to see Jesus?