Scripture: “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” – Mark 10:15
Examination: In the first part of this chapter, Jesus is teaching on various key topics involving the family, including marriage and children.
Application: One of the most wonderful moments in my life occurred when I sat with my eldest granddaughter as she prayed in her little girl voice asking Jesus to forgive her and be her Saviour. She was only five years old, but she had a clear understanding of the gospel, and later that evening, she was able to explain her decision to her dad and mom.
For me, I was a 12-year-old girl when I realized I was a sinner and needed the forgiveness Jesus offered. It was during a church service where a missionary was sharing his work, and as would be expected, he incorporated a gospel message. In my case, it was the Holy Spirit that spoke to my tender heart, opening my eyes to my need for Jesus. I will never forget kneeling at the altar quieting praying for Him to forgive my sins and accepting Christ as my personal Saviour, and I will never forget the joy of knowing I belonged to God forever!
Teaching children about the Lord is one of the most cherished ministries in which I serve. Working with 4-5 year-olds in Sunday school and 5-8 year-olds in AWANA, I have many opportunities to talk about salvation. Their young hearts are so open to the gospel, and when a child wants to know more about Jesus and how to be saved, it is such an honor to be able to share the truth of salvation with them.
The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”, and that includes children. It is so important to have a children’s ministry and plant, water, and even harvest the seeds of the gospel in their young fertile minds. Sometimes we adults complicate things with our preconceived notions of what should be said in a prayer or where we should be when we get saved, but Jesus said to come as a child in simplicity with an open heart.
Never refuse a child if he or she reaches out to be saved. If you’re not confident in helping a little one in their quest for Jesus, please reach out immediately to your pastor or children’s ministry worker for assistance. Also, if possible find the parents. Why? This is such a monumental decision for a child, and it establishes a strong bond with those who are present. Also, if the child is not really grasping the concept of forgiveness and salvation, it gives the parents insight on how to continue the conversation at home, hopefully leading to a full understanding at a later time and subsequent salvation for their child.
Never forget that children are so accepting of unconditional love, and when their heart moves toward God, it is our responsibility to help them find Him.
Matthew 18:6 cautions, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Stretching your thoughts:
1. To whom could you go if you were uncertain of how to lead a child to Christ?
2. If you are saved, what are your memories about the time when you accepted Jesus as your personal Saviour?
Memory Verse: “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world
(from “Jesus Loves the Little Children” by Clare H. Woolston & George F. Root )