17:35
The word 'suffer' brought the phrase 'suffer the children to come unto me' to my mind.
I wasn't sure if it was a misquote, as it sounded archaic, like the King James versions that I haven't read for many years, so it started me to look and wonder what the phrase actually meant.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Matthew 19:14 (KJV)
A cartoon image of this scene in Matthew 19:14
The modern translations, rather than using the word 'suffer', say:
He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. ' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them."
So why would children have to be 'suffered'?
As I thought about, I actually know several people, who are not particularly fond of children and who therefore, on occasions when young children are present, they have to tolerate, or suffer them.
The archaic use of the word – meaning to tolerate, endure, or put up with – possibly describes many adults around the presence of children.
How many of us have seen people tutting and muttering because a certain toddler is having a tantrum in the middle of a church service, or is screaming havoc on a busy bus?
Personally I mostly love the presence of children.
I was a teacher of young infants for over 15 years and I still run a 'mums and toddlers' group each week. I love interacting with and watching the little ones. And if I begin to talk about my darling grandchildren….
But there are some occasions when I too have had to tolerate the presence of certain children, especially in environments or circumstances that are not particularly child-friendly. Children demand a level of patience and understanding that I do not always want to give.
It seems that Jesus' disciples also didn't want Jesus to be 'bothered ' by the little ones interrupting His important teaching and preaching.
Jesus had important things to do. The people wanted healing, they wanted to hear the Good News. The disciples wanted to make Jesus' ministry more comfortable and they didn't want Him to be bothered by mere children.
Children were not as important as the religious men.
But Jesus turned many things upside down.
He showed us that man's ways are not like God's ways. He showed us that God looks at the heart.
Man is interested in power, wealth, status, prestige.
Jesus showed special interest in those that society esteemed less favourably – the women, the poor, the children, the blind, lame and lowly – the beggars, the lepers, the misfits and cast offs in society; the sinners, prostitutes, tax-collectors; even the enemy: the Roman centurions, the pagans and gentiles.
Jesus showed us that God loves every person, whoever they are.
Jesus welcomed, accepted , served and loved those we consider unlovely. He not only tolerated, but He embraced and blessed them and held them up as an example of qualities to emulate.
He not only 'suffered' them, He welcomed them, chose them, enjoyed them and loved them.
This gives me great hope.
When I am unlovely and hard to put up with, He doesn't stop loving me either.
But it also gives me a very important mandate – because Jesus asked me to love others as He has loved me.
That love has to begin with myself. Jesus loves me, so I have to love me and with His love I can love others.
Who are they that I feel I have to tolerate and suffer?
Can you ask yourself that question?
Thank God that in His strength, in His love, and in His grace, I CAN tolerate, accept, serve and love the unlovely that He graciously sends my way.
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. The prompt this week is SUFFER
I do read through my script afterwards to correct my mistakes; to check scripture references and to find an appropriate image to illustrate the topic.
To read other FMF posts on this subject , see below.
HERE is the link to the link-up!
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