Jesus Said, "Suffer the Little Children And Forbid Them Not To Come Unto Me" - Part 1356

Jesus had just left Galilee, venturing unto the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan. As was the norm, great multitudes followed Him everywhere. In the midst were the Pharisees, asking Jesus questions intended to tempt Him. For example, "Is it lawful for ...?" or, conversely, "Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?" (Matthew 19:1-9)

Like the Jews in John 5, the Pharisees remained stuck in the old covenant law, blinded to the new that stood in front of them. The vail still on their hearts, and so much so "that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished." (II Corinthians 3:13-17)

We see the consequence of a similar mindset when the little children were brought to Jesus that He should put His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the children. But what did Jesus say? "Suffer little children to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:14) And He laid His hands on them before departing thence.

But this is not the only scripture whereby Jesus references children. Remember the disciples' question to Jesus earlier? That is, "who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set the child in the midst of them, and said, "Verily, I say unto you. Except ye 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. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receives Me." (Matthew 18:1-5)

We also know that the apostles warned believers about those who would come and preach another Jesus whom the disciples did not preach. (II Corinthians 11:4) Apostle Paul went so far as to write, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8)

Thus, herein the question. If the very reading of the old testament brings back the vail that prevents people from receiving God's free gift of salvation and grace, why are we so willing to teach our children about Moses and the law? And similarly the ten commandments, a if they were life giving and could fill us with hope? Yes, I understand that the ten commandments are a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, but would it not be better to encourage our children to come directly to Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength -- as Jesus Himself said, "Suffer little children to come unto Me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 19:14)

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives. Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law ..." (Hebrews 9:15-19; Romans 6:10; Isaiah 53:10-12; I Peter 2:24; Matthew 26:28; Titus 2:13)

Why? Because God deemed it necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these "but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these -- for Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us, nor yet that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others. For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world; but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:20-28)

This being the good news gospel message of Jesus Christ which applies specifically to this current dispensation of grace in which we live. That is, "to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself not imputing their trespasses unto them and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:19; John 1:1-18)

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (I Peter 2:24-25)

It is for this reason that the life giving message of our Lord Jesus Christ needs to be extended to our children so that they too can be set free from the enslaving bondage of this world. And thus grounded in the precepts and doctrines that apply to the very time in which we live, and to let them come to our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- who willingly shed His precious blood on the cross.

For God so loved the world!

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness and shew unto you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested unto us) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, and these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." (I John 1:1-4)

And the children's joy as well! Stand in the offering plate.