I have six students in my Sunday morning Bible class. The first Sunday of this quarter, I had four in attendance. Every week since, I have had two. Where are the other four? One has some health issues, but one just doesn’t come. I had his sister before promotion, and she came only two or three times.
That leaves two, both from the same family. Their mother often works on Sunday, and dad doesn’t bring them. So, the question is, “Why?” There could be lots of reasons: the availability of online viewing, sickness, being out of town, up too late on Saturday night, or just don’t want to go.
The second question is, “What to do?” How I wish I had the answer! There is nothing to do if it is sickness or being out of town, but what about the others? Like so many other issues, it is a heart problem. It is going to take a change of heart.
In Matthew 19, we find Jesus in Judea. He had been teaching about some serious subjects, and He was being tested by the Pharisees. Large crowds were following Him, and someone or a group brought children to Him. The hope was that they would receive a blessing from Jesus. The disciples didn’t like this interruption, and they rebuked the people. Jesus quickly responded, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14 ESV). He then took them in His arms and blessed them (Mark 10:16).
What does this say about how Jesus values little children? It says that He considers those fit for His kingdom to have the purity, simplicity, and obedience of little children. They are examples of what Christianity should be.
What does this say about those who prevent the little children from being brought to Him? It says that they will be rebuked just like the disciples were. Those who refuse children access to Jesus will not withstand the wrath of God.
Little children can’t get to Bible class without their parents, grandparents, or someone to drive them. They learn the importance of Bible class from those closest to them. They learn to love Jesus from the people to whom they have been entrusted. Children are a gift from God. We need to treat them like Hannah treated Samuel. She gave her son back to God. We don’t have to send them away to live with a preacher or some other Christian. We simply have to make the effort every week to take them to Bible study and worship.
Before you decide to go fishing, go to a ball game, sleep late, or just stay home from worship, think about Jesus’ rebuke to His disciples for forbidding the little children. If you fail to bring your children, rebuke it waiting for you.
Sandra Oliver