Suffer the Children

All three synoptic gospels record the story of Jesus blessing children - Matthew 19.14-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18;15-17. We will focus on Mark’s account, except to note that Matthew and Mark’s accounts are immediately after his condemnation of divorce (except for marital unfaithfulness). *1

Jesus welcomed little children, arms wide open; he saw in them something that the disciples, and most of us, miss. It would not be pressing the issue to say he liked children, more, he loved children -  and children, him too. They would have felt loved and safe in his presence.  We can only wonder what became of the children he blessed? What were their futures? *2

Children were more desirably seen, not heard, much less brought into focus. And yet Jesus did. He pushed back on his disciples, who were indicative of community attitudes, telling them sternly not to stop children being brought to him - they aren’t secondary or unimportant to God. He was indignant at them for pushing the children and parents away. He said, shockingly, that it is to such that the kingdom of heaven belongs. This would have been so far from any expectations the disciples, or any person, held. What can Jesus possibly mean?

He wasn’t saying that heaven is the exclusive domain of little children, nor that children would dominate proceedings. What he did say it was such as these that the kingdom … belongs to.  Such as these, refers to more than just the children, but it does make it clear that their trust and acceptance is what Jesus is, in part, referring to; something adults aren’t easily inclined towards.

We are to receive the kingdom as a child does - believingly and trustingly, inviting the hand of Jesus to be upon us. We should welcome his blessing as children do. Children aren’t given to lengthy rationalisations about what they believe - they accept and embrace. Truth demands the same. 

We have pondered what more could be said - what being like a child means? We have imagined many things, some maybe true, some far fetched. Are children humble - some, but not all. Are children kind - some, but by no means all. We do know children are open with an eagerness and agility to be taught - to learn.  Maybe this is something Jesus was referring to? Whatever we come up with we mustn't lose sight of Jesus welcoming little children and that they model what it takes to enter God’s kingdom. Suffer the little  children. 

1)  Divorce and children are intimately related, one being the victim of the other (no matter the guilt or innocence of the parents). 

2 )As an aside I am hesitant/sceptical around people that easily dismiss children, having no room for them, even a hello. If someone is disinterested in my children I have little interest in them, as my children are me - in many ways. Dismiss my children - dismiss me.