Jesus loves children

[Hubi]

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today we would like to open our hearts wide. For whom? For those who were particularly close to Jesus' heart - for children. Children, who reveal so much about God's love with their big eyes, open hearts and infectious zest for life. Our theme today is: “As loving as Jesus - A heart for children”.

Imagine the scene: Jesus is on the road, from place to place, healing, preaching, surrounded by crowds, harassed. He knows that the most difficult moment of his life is approaching - his agonizing death is imminent. And in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, parents arrive with their small children. Perhaps some mothers were carrying their babies in their arms, perhaps others were lovingly holding their children by the hand. Their only hope is that Jesus will bless their children.

But his disciples react very differently to Jesus. They say: “What are you doing? Leave the Master alone, he has important things to do!” - Perhaps they thought: “Children don't understand this anyway. They're just a nuisance.”

And how did Jesus react? Let's read Mark 10:13-16 together from the New World Translation:

“Children were brought to him so that he might touch them. But the disciples rebuked the people. When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said to them, 'Let the children come to me! Do not hold them back, for the kingdom of God belongs to those like them. I assure you: Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.' Then he took the children in his arms, laid his hands on them and blessed them.”

What a loving image. Jesus does not become impatient or dismissive. On the contrary: He gets angry - but with the disciples. He defends the children! And then - this is so touching - he takes them in his arms. Not just a fleeting pat on the head. No, he holds them close. He blesses them with a warmth that you can literally feel.

This moment is so unique that only Mark describes it with these loving words: “Then he took the children in his arms.” This expression shows: Jesus really loved them - from the bottom of his heart. Every single child was precious to him. Not because of their achievements or their understanding - but simply because they were there. How beautiful that is!

Illustration 1: Imagine a mother sitting on the sofa with tired eyes after a hard day. Her little son comes running up with a picture book and shouts: “Mommy, look!”

- And although she is exhausted, she takes him on her lap and looks at every single picture with him. Why? Because she loves him. It was the same with Jesus. He was physically and emotionally at his limit - but he still had a heart for children.

And this heart was not limited. Jesus didn't just have room for one or two children - his heart was open to all. For the shy ones and the loud ones. For the happy ones and those who looked sad. For every single child.

So what can we learn from Jesus' reaction? Jesus not only said: “Let them come to me”, but also explained why: “For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Why? Because children have a trusting, open, honest nature. They believe what they are told. They love without reservation. And they are incredibly quick to forgive. If you want to enter God's kingdom, you should imitate these qualities.

A little humorous interlude: Have you ever listened to a small child talk about Jehovah? You'll hear things like: “Jehovah lives on a cloud, but he can see through the floor!” - Children have their own logic, but what counts is their faith - and this is often stronger than ours. They believe with their hearts.

Illustration 2: A father picks up his little daughter and she laughs - she is not afraid that he will drop her. Why? Because she trusts him. We should trust Jehovah in the same way. Jesus wanted to show: It is precisely this childlike faith - this trust - that is the key to the kingdom.

And that is precisely why he took the time. He didn't look at the external value - he looked at the heart. Children often bring so much light and warmth to our gatherings. Their joy, their questions, their prayers - all of this is precious to Jehovah. And it should be for us too.

But Jesus didn't just want to illustrate something. He didn't just want to make a point about faith. No - he really loved these children. His heart was completely with them. When the parents only wanted to ask him to “touch” their children, Jesus goes much further. He blesses them in an intimate, tender way. How much this must have touched the parents. They certainly never forgot this moment for the rest of their lives.

Perhaps mothers stood there with tears in their eyes. Perhaps the children laughed when Jesus took them in his arms. Perhaps a seed was planted in this one encounter with Jesus that led to these children themselves becoming his faithful followers many years later.

Now we ask ourselves: Am I as accessible to others as Jesus? Do children feel comfortable with me? Or do I rather radiate: “I am busy”? Jesus was busy - and how! But he allowed himself to be interrupted - and that is precisely where his greatness lay.

And let's also think about those who have a particularly hard time. Fatherless children, girls who are looking for recognition, boys who have no male caregiver. We can show them through loving care: “You are valuable - Jehovah loves you - and so do I.”

Another humorous thought: children say what they think - sometimes with disarming honesty. One brother says that a child asked him during a sermon service: “Why do you have so little hair?” And he said with a smile: “So that Jehovah can recognize me better.” - Children make us laugh - and think.

Illustration 3: A sister shared how a child in the congregation regularly hugs her - even though she sometimes felt overlooked herself. This child gave her attention where she had not expected it. So children can also be a blessing to us - sometimes more than we realize.

Let's get to the point: Jesus exemplified what it means to have a heart for children. He showed love, even when it seemed inappropriate. He not only blessed them - he blessed them warmly. He taught us that we should not think we are too busy to give a child a smile, listen or give them a hug.

What can we do?

- Consciously take time for children in the assembly.

- Ask them how they are doing. Listen to them.

- Pray for the children in your congregation - especially for those without a father or with difficult circumstances.

- Be a role model for them in faith - but also in love.

- Let them feel that they are not just tolerated - they are welcome and wanted.

One final thought: if we act like Jesus, then our children - whether physical or spiritual - will feel: I am loved here. I am safe here. And I am important to Jehovah.

So let us be like Jesus: not distant, not overwhelmed, but with an open heart - especially for the youngest among us. For whoever lovingly welcomes a child in Jesus' name not only welcomes the child - but also him. (cf. Mark 9:37)

Thank you for opening your heart to this important topic today. And remember: sometimes there is more of Jehovah's love in a little child's smile than in a thousand words.