The compassionate kindness of Jesus has been unparalleled in human history. The attributes of compassion and kindness are illustrated by many scenes from His short ministry, but they perhaps find the best portrait in His relationship with children.
The Bible shows how Jesus welcomed small children into His busy schedule of ministry. He said to His disciples, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it” (NKJV; Mark 10:14-15). He healed children (John 4:46-52), cast demons out of them (Mark 7:25-30 and Mark 9:17-27), raised them to life again (Luke 8:41-55), and referenced them as examples of how we must participate in His kingdom (Matthew 18:2-4). A well-known song from the past century declares it so well: “Jesus loves the little children . . . they are precious in His sight!”
We live in a disposable age. There is throw-away packaging on nearly every item purchased; appliances now have much shorter lifespans; tastes, colors and fashions change in rapid succession; and, sadly, relationships follow this same pattern. Even children, the most vulnerable and innocent among us, are often viewed as disposable commodities by the sin-hardened culture around us.
Abortion, abuse, and neglect of children are scourges of our day, and they characterize the sinfulness and selfishness of a society estranged from God. Jesus taught us to love children, to care for them, and to mimic them in various ways. And He gave us the example we ought to follow by the continual ways He valued them. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us . . .” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Children are precious! Babies are precious, toddlers are precious, school-aged children are precious, and the unborn are precious. No matter what culture and no matter the gender or social status, children deserve to be loved and valued—every single one of them! They are God’s gifts to humanity, and He showed us how to care for them when Jesus welcomed them into His presence. “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Psalm 127:3).
