124. MAT 19:14. CHRIST’S ENCOURAGING OBSERVATIONS RESPECTING CHILDREN

Mat_19:14. Christ’s Encouraging Observations Respecting Children

"Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."’97Mat_19:14.

Notice the desire of the parents to bring their children to Christ. The opposition of the disciples. The kind attention and affectionate interference of Jesus. Let us consider,

I. To what, in Christ, little Children may and should be brought.

"For Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto me," &c.

1. They should come unto the know ledge of Christ.

For children to be ignorant of Christ is not good. Nay, it is injurious, dangerous, &c. Children may, at an early age, know much of Christ. Are very soon capable of this. Now there are two ways of effecting it. By teaching them to read Christ’s blessed history, and by bringing them to hear the preached gospel. Both of which should be accompanied by kind and simple explanations and illustrations.

2. They should come to the love of Christ.

And as soon as ever they are capable of knowing him, they are also capable of loving him. Many very young children have experienced what it is to love, and what it is to be loved of, Christ.

3. They should come to an imitation of Christ.

Jesus presents a model for universal imitation. His early piety’97his respect to his parents’ authority’97his devotion’97his holy conversation’97his goodness, pity, &c.’97all these, children are to be called upon lo imitate. And some children have imitated Jesus, and walked in many things as he walked.

4. They should be brought into the kingdom of Christ.

Into his church. For however early, when we have evidence of children possessing the knowledge and love of Christ, they are undoubtedly fit to be united to his people, and to enjoy fellowship in all the privileges and ordinances of his family.

II. The Reason Christ assigned why little Children should come unto Him.

"For of such is the kingdom of heaven."

1. Little children may be saved.

Many have been saved; and lived to be ornaments to his church, and blessings to the world.

2. Many children have died very happy.

How many very precious testimonials have they left behind, of their peace, and joy, and hope in the day of sickness and hour of death!

3. Little children will form a great proportion of the heavenly company.

We think it quite unnecessary to advance arguments in support of infant salvation: the opposite sentiment, though once popular, is now nearly exploded. Christ’s conduct, as expressed in the text, is more than a sufficient reply to all the reasoning ever advanced.

4. We must all be brought to a resemblance of little children, before we can enter the kingdom of God.

Mat_13:15; Mat_18:3.

Application

Let us learn to form a proper estimate of the value of children. 2. Let us consider well their capability for knowledge, happiness, and salvation. 3. Employ all our influence in promoting their best interests. Our love to them’97to Jesus’97to his church’97to the world, are sufficient incentives to this blessed work.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS