Subject: did Jesus do something to children when |
Bible Note: I see this question much like the question about the siblings of Jesus Christ. But an interesting point that may (or may not) shed some light on the matter is from the culture of that day, and of generations before Jesus Christ walked the earth as a man. In Hebrew culture, children under the age of 12 years were not counted. Not in geneologies, not in censuses - young children simply "did not count." This very likely why the Gospels share nothing about Jesus' childhood, and I won't address what non-Biblical writings say, because you right to understand they have been "rejected." However, at age 12 - in the Temple, Jesus is likely being "confirmed" - a Hebrew custom of the day. NOW, we learn more about what Jesus is doing. NOW He "counts" and is recognized. Not before that. Make no mistake, however, that because children under 12 yrs were not counted doesn't mean they had no value. That would be a false assumption. But, given the perspective of the culture and kids under 12 yrs of age, now look at Matt 18:2-5. The disciples are trying to determine who among them is the greatest. Jesus responds by taking a "little child" (v.2) and telling His disciples, "unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." And in V.4 "whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." People often like to think of "little cutesy" encounters with Jesus and young kids - and because of His compassion and grace, I'm sure Jesus was adored by kids. However, this is not the point Jesus is stressing to His disciples. He's telling His disciples essentially, "hey look! Stop worrying about which of you is the greatest, and START becoming like one of these little kids that don't even count for anything." Humbling to be sure, but that's how He wants us! Abounding in His grace, XRing |