But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
Mark 10:14

My earliest memories of attending Sunday school were being taught the songs: Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little Children. We listened to the Bible stories and then we acted it out or heard the story again as we moved the characters on the flannel-graph board. Almost always somewhere in the classroom was an artist’s depiction of children gathering around Jesus with Him taking them in His arms and blessing them. I really and truly believe our Sunday school teachers were most anxious for us to learn that lesson first. They wanted us to imagine ourselves in that scene … to feel Jesus holding us in His arms or patting us on our heads. They wanted us to know that Jesus loves all of His children whether a few months old or many years old.

I would say that message is the one I most wish to communicate today whether I am teaching our children or haring faith with our adults. Thank the Lord pictures of Jesus welcoming the children still find their way into classrooms. Flannel-graph boards and figures have been replaced by computers and software as advancements are made in the way we teach. We are grateful that the “old, old story” continues to be told and learned. Our task is to communicate that Jesus loves all of His children and that to such as them belongs the kingdom of God.

Prayer

Dear God, we thank You for all who have taught us that Jesus loves us and indeed loves all the children of the world. Help us to share with future generations this Good News. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.