Jesus and Children
H. R. Haweis, M. A. Mark 10:13-16 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.… There was one thing about Jesus which no one could fall to notice — His great popularity with children. A certain fulness of humanity always seems to attract children. In Jesus this constituted an irresistible attraction. They ran after Him — they clung to Him — they shouted for Him. His must have been a joyous presence. Different from your sour-faced Puritan (who has his merits notwithstanding): your dried-up theologian (who is needful, too, in season): your emaciated ascetic (whose protest against sensuality is sometimes necessary and even noble). I think this power of attracting and interesting the little ones is one of the hallmarks of good men. The children's unspoiled natures seem to cling to unspoiled souls — as like cleaves to like. "They brought young children to Christ." Ah! there was no need of that, for they came to Him of their own accord — nor did He ever repulse them. How shall we bring the children to Christ — how shall we win them to love and follow Him? The best way of bringing our children to Christ is by being Christ-like ourselves. Let them see in us nothing but His kindness, wisdom, strength, tenderness, and sympathy, and they will learn to love their religion, and grow close to Jesus, as in the days when "He took them up in His arms, laid His hands upon them, and blessed them." (H. R. Haweis, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. WEB: They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.