Steven A. Bush - November 17, 2013
Jesus' Heart Towards Children
In a time and culture where children were more to be seen rather than heard, people were bringing their kids to Jesus for His blessing. The disciples rebuke these parents and Jesus becomes indignant that they would dare to scold and hinder children from coming to Him. In other passages we read how Jesus uses a child to demonstrate what kingdom greatness looks like and then in Matthew 18:6 He gives this dire warning: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in Me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." (NIV) Jesus is all about us welcoming children, helping children, and blessing children but He does not take lightly those who hinder children from coming to Him or causing them to stumble. Helping and hindering come in many different shapes and forms and therefore it behooves us to take heed. Ever tried swimming with a millstone tied around your neck?