Christ's Encouragement to Mothers
Jesus Blessed the Children. --In the days of Christ mothers brought their
children to Him, that He might lay His hands upon them in blessing. By this act
they showed their faith in Jesus and the intense anxiety of their hearts for the
present and future welfare of the little ones committed to their care. But the
disciples could not see the need of interrupting the Master just for the sake of
noticing the children, and as they were sending these mothers away, Jesus
rebuked the disciples and commanded the crowd to make way for these faithful
mothers with their little children. Said He, "Suffer little children, and
forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
As the mothers passed along the dusty road and drew near the Saviour, He saw
the unbidden tear and the quivering lip, as they offered a silent prayer in
behalf of the children. He heard the words of rebuke from the disciples and
promptly countermanded the order. His great heart of love was open to receive
the children. One after another, He took them in His arms and blessed them,
while one little child lay fast asleep, reclining against His bosom. Jesus spoke
words of encouragement to the mothers in reference to their work, and, oh, what
a relief was thus brought to their minds! With what joy they dwelt upon the
goodness and mercy of Jesus, as they looked back to that memorable occasion! His
gracious words had removed the burden from their hearts and inspired them with fresh hope and courage. All sense of weariness was gone.
This is an encouraging lesson to mothers for all time. After they have done
the best they can do for the good of their children, they may bring them to
Jesus. Even the babes in the mother's arms are precious in His sight. And as the
mother's heart yearns for the help she knows she cannot give, the grace she
cannot bestow, and she casts herself and children into the merciful arms of
Christ, He will receive and bless them; He will give peace, hope, and happiness
to mother and children. This is a precious privilege which Jesus has granted to
all mothers.
Jesus Still Invites the Mothers. --Christ, the Majesty of heaven, said,
"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of
such is the kingdom of God." Jesus does not send the children to the
rabbis; He does not send them to the Pharisees; for He knows that these men
would teach them to reject their best Friend. The mothers that brought their
children to Jesus did well. . . . Let mothers now lead their children to Christ.
Let ministers of the gospel take the little children in their arms and bless
them in the name of Jesus. Let words of tenderest love be spoken to the little
ones; for Jesus took the lambs of the flock in His arms and blessed them.
Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace
sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open
for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviour's feet. . . . He . . .
still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him.
Even the babe in its mother's arms may dwell under the shadow of the Almighty
through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we live in
communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mould our little
ones, even from their earliest moments.
Hearts of Young Are Susceptible. --He [Christ] identified Himself with the
lowly, the needy, and the afflicted. He took little children in His arms and
descended to the level of the young. His large heart of love could comprehend
their trials and necessities, and He enjoyed their happiness. His spirit,
wearied with the bustle and confusion of the crowded city, tired of association
with crafty and hypocritical men, found rest and peace in the society of
innocent children. His presence never repulsed them. The Majesty of heaven
condescended to answer their questions and simplified His important lessons to
meet their childish understanding. He planted in their young, expanding minds
the seeds of truth that would spring up and produce a plentiful harvest in their
riper years.
He knew that these children would listen to His counsel and accept Him as
their Redeemer, while those who were worldly-wise and hardhearted would be less
likely to follow Him and find a place in the kingdom of God. These little ones,
by coming to Christ and receiving His advice and benediction, had His image and
His gracious words stamped upon their plastic minds, never to be effaced. We
should learn a lesson from this act of Christ, that the hearts of the young are
most susceptible to the teachings of Christianity, easy to influence toward
piety and virtue, and strong to retain the impressions received.
"Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of
such is the kingdom of heaven." These precious words are to be cherished,
not only by every mother, but by every father as well. These words are an encouragement to parents to press their children into His notice, to ask in
the name of Christ that the Father may let His blessing rest upon their entire
family. Not only are the best beloved to receive particular attention, but also
the restless, wayward children, who need careful training and tender guidance.