Day by Day with Martin Luther

Read: 2nd Kings 11:1-18:12 Acts 20:1-38 Proverbs 18:6-7

“Jesus Blesses the Children”

“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”
[Mark 10:13-14]

Interpret these words of Christ as you please, but we must conclude that children are to be brought to Christ and are never to be hindered. And then, when they are brought to Him, He compels us to believe that He blesses them and gives to them the kingdom of heaven. It is proper for us to act and behave in no other way, as long as the words stand: “but Jesus said, ‘let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” [Matthew 19:14]

Jesus will embrace them, lay His hands on them, bless them, and give them heaven. Who can possibly ignore this text? He is just as present in Baptism now, as He was when He walked with His disciples. Because we Christians certainly know this, we dare not keep Baptism away from children. So also, we dare not doubt that He blesses all who come to Him, just as He blessed those children on His lap, according to the Gospels.