Matthew 19:13 Then were there brought to him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. It is difficult for us to conceive of the good man who does not love flowers, song, spring time, and children. We might be quite sure that the "best of men who e'er wore earth about him" loved the children. But in the East all children are kept in the background; female children are despised by their fathers, and even male children are in the women's hands until quite big. So our Lord's interest in children seemed new and strange to his disciples. At this time, his mind was filled with the thought of coming sorrows, and it was relief and comfort to be made to think of simple, guileless childhood. If Jesus honoured the children, it is also true that the children comforted Jesus. Beware of exaggeration in representing Christ's dealings with children. Very few instances are recorded. On one occasion he "set a child in the midst" of the disciples; then there is the incident of the text; and also the "hosannah" of the children at the triumphal entry. Fixing attention on the persons prominent in the incident of the text, see - I. WHAT THE MOTHERS WANT FOR THEIR CHILDREN. 1. Their physical health. Subtle connection between health and character. Relation of health to success in life. Importance of laying foundations of health in early years. 2. Their mental culture. Age of education; danger of overstrain; and of thinking learning more important than character. 3. Their social position. So they try to secure for them right companions, good society, advantageous connections. 4. Their moral character. This ought to come first. Beginnings of character and piety are reverence, truthfulness, obedience, trustfulness. II. WHAT DISCIPLES MAY WANT FOR THE CHILDREN. These disciples, in their conduct on this occasion, may represent all who have narrow and limited views of the sphere of God and religion. They wanted these children to run away and play, and not trouble or hinder the Master. Deal with the once prevailing idea that religion is only the concern of grown up folk. There has been over pressure of the idea of "conversion." There is an unfolding into the service of Christ. III. WHAT THE LORD JESUS WANTS FOR THE CHILDREN. 1. To come to him for their own sakes. And "coming to Christ" is simply this - setting our love upon him. 2. To come to him for their mothers' sakes; because, through them, he can get a gracious influence on the mothers. 3. To come to him for the sake of what he can teach with their help. Bring out the reproofs and lessons, for the disciples, involved in our Lord's act. - R.T. Parallel Verses KJV: Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. |
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