October 16, 2006

Jesus Loves Children

Matthew 19:13-15

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them ..." Matthew 19:14

— 

In 1860 Anna Warner and her sister Susan co-authored a novel named Say and Seal, in which a dying child is comforted with the words of a poem about Jesus. The poem later became a famous hymn sung in more than 100 languages:

Jesus loves me, this I know,

for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to him belong;

they are weak, but he is strong.

    Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!

    Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Jesus encountered lots of children throughout his ministry. He understood their needs, fears, and pains, and he delighted in their simple faith. He took children in his arms and prayed for them. He used the gift of a child's bread and fish to feed more than 5,000 people. He said everyone must have trusting, childlike faith to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Caring for children is not easy, and it often goes unappreciated. But to everyone who lovingly cares for children and leads them to Jesus, his words remain precious and true: "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me" (Mark 9:37).

Jesus loves children. He invites us all to be the children of God, and we are safe in his love forever.

Lord Jesus, embrace all God's little children around the world, and plant within them (and all of us) a pure, trusting faith in your love and salvation. In your name, Amen.

About the author — Roger S. Greenway

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