Jesus Welcomes Little Children

‘People were also bringing babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”’ Luke 18:15-17

What can anyone say at a time like this? We’re all left stunned. We’re shocked that little baby **** is gone! It breaks our hearts. Why ****? Why not me? Why now? Why not when he was 100 years old? Yes, what can anyone say that would bring us some little comfort at this time of our grief?

We read in the Bible that people were bringing their babies to Jesus. They wanted Him to bless their little children. They believed that there was something very special about Jesus. Some even believed that He was God in human form. Jesus believed Himself to be the Son of God.

The Disciples of Jesus, His close followers, tried to stop the parents from bringing their babies to Him. They were telling the people off. But what did Jesus say? “Jesus called the children to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’”

When I was training to become a minister I knew that as part of my job-description I would have to conduct weddings – and funerals. The thing I dreaded most is to conduct the funeral of an infant child! What will I tell the parents if they ask: “Where is my baby now?”

What would I say? Well, we just heard what someone far greater than me has to say: “The kingdom of God belongs to such as these!” I believe, therefore, that little **** has entered into the kingdom of God. To know that baby **** has gone to be with Jesus and is safe with Him in His kingdom should at least give us some little comfort.

What is the kingdom of God? Well, for a start, it belongs to God. And if it belongs to God we know that nothing can destroy it. But Jesus says that it also belongs to little children, like ****, and adults who receive it like a little child would, i.e, believing. Think about it: little children believe what their parents tell them.

According to what the Bible says, the kingdom of God is really just another name for Heaven. And though invisible at the moment, it’s a real place, where there are no more tears, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain and certainly no more death. It is a place of happiness, a place of everlasting bliss. It’s a place of safety. It is true Paradise!

I grew up in Scotland, and Scotland, a bit like New Zealand, is known for its sheep. I used to live next to a farm where they had cattle, chooks and sheep, lots of sheep! I went to school with the shepherd’s son. During the spring lambing-season we used to do the rounds with the shepherd, trying to make sure that the newborn lambs were safe. We would chase away stray dogs, foxes, crows and the like.

In the Bible, Jesus is called the Good Shepherd. He is a Shepherd who lays down His life to save His sheep! Even today He still looks after His flock, which includes His little lambs, such as ****. The shepherd’s son and I used to hear about Jesus, when, along with the rest of the kids at the school we attended, we would all be marched to the local church at Easter and again at Christmas.

At Easter we’d hear about how the Good Shepherd had laid down His life for His sheep, and perhaps we’d hear how the thief, who was dying on a cross next to Him, had said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And what did Jesus say to him? “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

We would also hear how Jesus was dead and laid in a tomb, only to be raised back to life again after three days! This, of course, points to our future resurrection when the, for the moment, invisible kingdom of God becomes visible.

At Christmas we’d hear about the baby Jesus in the manger, and we’d always get to sing the little children’s hymn, the words of which are:

“Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus, laid down His sweet head,

The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

“The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes,

I love You, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,

And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

“Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask You to stay,

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray,

Bless all the dear children in Your tender care,

And fit us for Heaven, to dwell with You there.”

It is hard for those of us who have never lost a child to know the pain the family is going through right now – especially as Christmas approaches. We all know that Christmas is a special time – especially for all the dear children.

So, what can we say? Well, it is my hope that God will wipe away the tears of grief by reminding us this Christmas and beyond that His only Son Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has wrapped His everlasting arms around one of His little lambs, ****. - In the arms of THE Angel!

For Jesus says, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

R.I.P. Lenyx Sydney Clarke 04 July 2016 - 01 December 2016.