GOD'S WORD DAILY

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 59 SEPTEMBER 15, 2001

HOW JESUS LOVED, Part 14,
WORD OF THE DAY: "SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN"

Scripture reference:Matthew 19:13-15:

     "Then were there brought unto him little children,
     that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and
     the disciples rebuked [censured, admonished, forbid] them.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to
come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence."

Ok! Suffer kids! Gee! No, thanks! Suffering is no fun!

Does this verse fit with all the other verses in the Bible about God's loving
kindness and care, as a tender father loves his children? Are we supposed to
just suffer, as this verse seems to be saying? Let's take a closer look.

"Suffer" is from Greek words "apo" and "hiemi" (to send; an intensive form
of eimi, to go); to send forth, in various applications (as follow):--cry,
forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let
(alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up.

"Apo" is a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near),
in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)...
In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure,
cessation, completion, reversal, etc. [from Power Bible CD]

So then "suffer the children and forbid them not" means "send off, send
forth, forsake." In essence, Jesus is telling his disciples to chill out.
"Don't send away the kids! Don't put them off! Do not prevent the kids
from coming to me! Do not curtail them, punish them, hinder them, nor
keep them from me." Then Jesus laid his hands on them to bless them, before he left.

Jesus loved the little children. In fact, he taught the people quite a few
times using little children as an example how to come to God. Little kids are so meek!

Matthew 18:2

And Jesus called a little child unto him,
and set him in the midst of them,

     And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be
     converted, and become as little children, ye
      shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

     Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as
      this little child, the same is greatest
      in the kingdom of heaven.

And whoso shall receive one such
little child in my name receiveth me.

Romans 14:13

     "Let us not therefore judge
     [try, condemn, punish] one another
     any more: but judge this rather, that no
     man put a stumblingblock [offense]
     or an occasion [trap, snare]
      to fall in his brother's way."

Let us love as Jesus loved and hinder not the little children, (whether they
are literally little kids, or figuratively, children of God), from
coming to Him.

-Carol Kenreigh

COMMENTS

REQUESTS

Please pray for the family and friends of Dr. Larry Sevilla.
Please pray for the family of Gary Isebraun.

Dear Readers,
I have not heard back from any of GWD readers about the mystery
envelope that the post office returned to sender, which I thought
may contain another logo for the logo contest.

Please keep your votes for your favorite logo coming in. So far,
logo number one is ahead, with number two very close behind. It
could be a tie! It is so close! The deadline for voting has been
extended because I thought perhaps, because of recent events, many
may not be able to get out to the library to check their e-mail.
View the logos atlogocontestand
email your vote to cjl8e@yahoo.com

Let's give it another week. Friday, September 21 by 9 AM.
Thanks for participating.
Carol

God's Word Daily Back Issues 1-36
God's Word Daily BAck Issues 37-73
BACK TO What's New Page
BACK TO H₂Oart Home Page
BACK TO PFALgrad Home Page