Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'”
Matthew 19:14
Recently, my friend Lindy shared this scripture with me. (Matthew 19:14)
She pointed out the word “suffer” in Early Modern English means to allow something or tolerate an action. This was really intriguing to me. So, I started researching it.
In studying the different versions of Matthew 19:14, I learned a few extra things.
Some translations used these different words. To name a few;
Don’t hinder, don’t tolerate, don’t stop, don’t forbid, don’t prevent, “But Jesus intervened: “Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom is made up of people like these.”
-Suffer; often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.
-Tolerate; suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.
-Tolerance; allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.
-Stand, emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.
-Abide; suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.
Unfortunately, we’re living in a time where things are more and more dangerous for our children, because more often now, our kids are being exploited, abused by adults and at times, taught complete nonsense rather than being protected.
This should not be happening!
God has given us these sweet, innocent babies (children) that we’re responsible for. We’re to protect them as best we can, with all our being. From conception!
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Psalm 127:3
Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.
It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves.
Luke 17:1-3
Christ gives a stern warning that to lead a child into sin, to stumble them, to abuse and harm them, will not be forgotten by God and it would be better for such a person to be drowned in the depth of the sea. That should scare us.
It seems that more and more , the world tries to tell us that in order to show love one must accept /tolerate sinful behavior.
But scripture clearly states that we are not to conform to this world, but to stay true to God’s word and live in holiness.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:2
So, whether it’s in our schools, playgrounds, or whatever the case may be, we are to protect our children from the evils of this world.
It is our responsibility to nurture them, protect them, and to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 18:10
God holds us responsible for the spiritual well being of our children and we should not take that responsibility lightly.
Many Blessings,
Connie