Little Children Coming To Jesus
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
12/4/2011 PM
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Text:
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Mark 10:13-16
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Psalters: |
133, 241, 304, 359 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- The parents' desire.
- ?Little children? were being brought to Jesus.
- This word refers to a child from an infant to a more advanced age.
- The parents? purpose was that Jesus ?touch them,? i.e., to bless their children.
- To bring our children to baptism is an indication of an on-going activity of parents who believe in the Savior.
- ?The disciples rebuked them,? i.e., reproved, censured severely the parents.
- The Lord gives valuable instruction to all of His disciples concerning children.
- He declares, ?Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not.?
- First, He was ?much displeased,? i.e., deeply pained and grieved (a strong reaction).
- Second, He positively said that they were to allow the little children to come to Him.
- Third, He strengthens this point with: ?and forbid them not.?
- Godly parents are to hear this Word of Jesus about the rearing of the children God gives to them.
- God gives children to believing parents exactly so we might bring them to Jesus.
- We are to be careful that we are not barriers between our children and Jesus.
- Further, Jesus ?took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.?
- The reason Jesus gives for His instruction and actions is: ?for of such is the kingdom of God.?
- The kingdom of God is God?s rule, effecting salvation and effecting willing obedience to His rule.
- ?Of such? refers to the children of those who believing in Him desire His blessing on their children.
- Negatively, this is not every little child, and it is not even every child of believing, praying parents.
- Positively, to bring Hannah to baptism is our taking hold by faith of God?s promise.
- May God give you the grace to bring her faithfully to Jesus.