Bringing Our Children to Jesus

“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:15-16 ESV

Mark 10 also tells us that “he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” (Mark 10:16 ESV)

As parents and as disciples of Christ, we have the great privilege and responsibility of bringing our children to Jesus, knowing he wants them close to him. And at times, we can face anxiety over the different ways we might be failing at this, or even hindering our children’s faith. But we serve a faithful, loving father, whose “steadfast love is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17)

We share Christ with our children, in many ways, when we share with them our own love for him. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children..” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 ESV)

The command he’s given us is to teach our children diligently, which seems sometimes like an impossible task. But Psalm 103 also encourages us that, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13-14 ESV) And in Isaiah 40:11, we’re comforted that, “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (ESV)

And so we fear the Lord, love his word, and place all our hopes for our children securely in the hands of a faithful, compassionate father who gently leads us, even as he holds our children close.

This first appeared as a devotional I wrote for the Women Encouraged podcast which you can listen to on iTunes. The shownotes and information are available on the website.