Who has not heard, and heard again, that “sweet story of old” about the mothers of Salem, who brought their little ones to Jesus to be blessed! Yet somehow we never seem to tire of the “old, old story”; for unlike the twice-told tales of earth, it never loses its charm.
Suppose in our lesson today we look at the picture of a group of ANXIOUS MOTHERS, STERN DISCIPLES, a LOVING SAVIOUR, and LITTLE CHILDREN.
A little group of ANXIOUS MOTHERS are hastening along the road, with their babes in their arms and little children by their sides, bringing them to be blessed by the Saviour. Yonder, not far from the Lord Jesus, but very unlike Him, are some of His STERN DISCIPLES, who want these mothers to go home and not trouble their Master with anything so small as a blessing for their little ones. Perhaps they thought He had too many things to look after without being troubled with little boys and girls.
But these were not the thoughts of the LOVING SAVIOUR. He was “much displeased”—not with the LITTLE CHILDREN, but with the disciples. They thought His mission in the world was to rule a kingdom; but He soon gave them to understand that it is just “such” as these little ones that enter that kingdom. So He rebuked His disciples, and taking the little children up into His arms, He blessed them. The words He spoke then are just as true now: “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.”
Just imagine how the mothers would press around Him with the little ones, and how the bigger ones would run up to Him, when they heard that sweet invitation. “He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.” Was not that worth coming for?
Well, you may have the same today. He is still “the very same Jesus,” and wherever boys and girls, even little ones, are brought to Him, He receives them, saves them, and blesses them.
Has He saved you? You must be BROUGHT TO HIM, before you can be BLESSED BY HIM.
ML 10/10/1965