Children, God’s Heritage

Today’s passage is a reminder to all and sundry that the eternal plan of God to save mankind does not exclude the little ones. The Psalmist says,“Behold children are a heritage from the Lord…” (Psa. 127: 3). Mothers crowded around the Lord Jesus with their infants in order that they also might receive blessings from Him. The reaction of the disciples shows that they were annoyed by this ‘intrusion’ into the Saviour’s time. Probably, they thought this action had interjected Jesus earlier discussion, or there was no room for children in Jesus’ ministry. However, Jesus rebuked the disciples, and tenderly called the little children to Himselfsaying, “Ofsuch is the kingdom of God“ (v.16).Parents must learn from Jesus’ tender action to the little ones as we celebrate them today. The first lesson is seen in Jesus’ response, “Permit little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for such is the kingdom of God.”This shows that the Lord welcomes children ministry in Christendom. It also teaches that children can be saved at a very tender age. No matter their age who wish to come to Jesus, they should be permitted to do so. This underscores the idea of infant baptism to the church. In verse 17, Jesus states that “Whoever will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will in no way enter into it.” Those who would submit to the kingdom reign of Jesus must be humble and childlike. Finally, little children do not need to become adults to be saved, but adults need the simple faith and humility of children to enter God’s kingdom.