Ministry to Mothers and Children
As Jesus ministered in the cities of ancient Israel, mothers with their sick and dying little ones in their arms pressed through the throng, seeking to come within reach of His notice. Behold these mothers, pale, weary, almost despairing, yet determined and persevering. Bearing their burden of suffering, they seek the Savior. As they are crowded back by the surging throng, Christ makes His way to them step by step until He is close by their side. Hope springs up in their hearts. Their tears of gladness fall as they catch His attention and look into the eyes expressing such pity and love.MHH 17.7
Singling out one of the group, the Savior invites her confidence, saying, “What shall I do for you?” She sobs out her great want, “Master, that You would heal my child.” Christ takes the little one from her arms, and disease flees at His touch. The pallor of death is gone; the life-giving current flows through the veins; the muscles receive strength. Words of comfort and peace are spoken to the mother. And then another case, just as urgent, is presented. Again Christ exercises His life-giving power, and all give praise and honor to Him who does wonderful things.MHH 18.1
We dwell much on the greatness of Christ’s life. We speak of the wonderful things that He accomplished, of the miracles that He performed. But His attention to things considered small is even higher proof of His greatness. Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi that he might lay his hands on them in blessing, but the disciples thought the Savior’s work too important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came wanting Him to bless their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. They thought these children too young to be benefited by a visit to Jesus and concluded that He would be displeased at their presence. But the Savior understood the care and burden of the mothers who were trying to train their children according to the Word of God. He had heard their prayers. He Himself had drawn them into His presence.MHH 18.2
One mother with her child had left her home to find Jesus. On the way she told a neighbor her errand, and the neighbor wished to have Jesus bless her children. Thus several mothers came together with their little ones. Some of the children had passed beyond the years of infancy to childhood and youth. When the mothers explained what they wanted, Jesus heard with sympathy the timid, tearful request. But He waited to see how the disciples would treat them. When He saw the disciples reproving the mothers and sending them away, thinking to do Him a favor, He showed them their error, saying, “‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” Mark 10:14. He took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and gave them the blessings for which they came.MHH 18.3
The mothers were comforted. They returned to their homes strengthened and blessed by the words of Christ. They were encouraged to take up their burdens with new cheerfulness and to work hopefully for their children.MHH 18.4
Could the afterlife of that little group be opened before us, we would see the mothers recalling to the minds of their children the scene of that day and repeating to them the loving words of the Savior. We would see, too, how often, in after years, the memory of these words kept the children from straying from the “straight and narrow” path.MHH 18.5
Christ is today the same compassionate Savior as when He walked upon earth. He is as truly the helper of mothers now as when He gathered the little ones to His arms in Judea. The children in our homes are as much the purchase of His blood as were the children of long ago.MHH 19.1
Jesus knows the burden of every mother’s heart. He who had a mother that struggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in her many cares. He who made a long journey in order to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman will do as much for the mothers of today. He who gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and in His agony upon the cross remembered His own mother, is touched today by the mother’s sorrow. In every grief and every need, He will comfort and help.MHH 19.2
As mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities, they will find grace sufficient to aid them in the care of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Savior’s feet. He who said, “‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them’” (Mark 10:14), still invites mothers to bring their little ones to be blessed by Him.MHH 19.3
In the children who were brought to Jesus, He saw men and women who would be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom. Some of them would become martyrs for His sake. He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than would adults, many of whom were worldly-wise and hardhearted. In teaching, Jesus came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, answered their questions and simplified His important lessons to meet their childish understanding. He planted in their minds the seeds of truth that in after years would spring up and bear fruit unto eternal life.MHH 19.4
When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages—to officers of the church, ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, “Let them come,” as if He would say, They will come if you do not hinder them. Let not your un-Christlike character misrepresent Jesus. Do not keep the little ones away from Him by your coldness and harshness. Never give them cause to feel that heaven would not be a pleasant place to them if you were there. Do not speak of religion as something that children cannot understand, or act as if they were not expected to accept Christ in their childhood. Do not give them the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom, and that in coming to the Savior they must give up all that makes life joyful.MHH 19.5
As the Holy Spirit moves upon the hearts of the children, cooperate with His work. Teach them that the Savior is calling them, that nothing can afford Him greater joy than for them to give themselves to Him in the bloom and freshness of their years.MHH 19.6
The Savior regards with infinite tenderness the souls whom He has purchased with His blood. Because of His love, they are rightfully His. He looks upon them with unutterable longing. His heart is drawn out not only to the best-trained and most attractive children but to those who have objectionable traits of character by inheritance and through neglect. Many parents do not understand how much they are responsible for these traits in their children. They lack the tenderness and wisdom to deal with the erring ones whom they have made what they are. But Jesus looks upon these children with pity. He traces from cause to effect.MHH 20.1
Christian workers may be Christ’s agents in drawing these faulty and erring ones to the Savior. By wisdom and tact they may bind them to their hearts. They may give courage and hope, and through the grace of Christ may see these children transformed in character, so that it may be said of them, “Of such is the kingdom of God.”MHH 20.2