Regarding Children

Regarding Children

Text: Luke 18:15-17 (NIV)

15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

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I.        Introduction:

II.      The Need of Children Recognized: A Petition of Jesus

A.      The Babies Brought: The Help of People Needed

B.      The Blessing Sought: The Hand of God Needed

III.   The Nuisance of Children Reckoned : An Obstruction to Jesus

A.      Identified As a Nuisance: A Matter of Insignificance

B.      Intercepted As a Nuisance: A Matter of Intolerance

IV.    The Nearness of Children Requested: An Invitation of Jesus

A.      Welcoming the Children

B.      Warning the Disciples

1.       Don’t Deny Children: Allow Access

2.       Don’t Dishonor Children: Appreciate Worth

V.      The Nature of Children Required: A Stipulation of Jesus

A.       A Requirement that is Definite: Heed to be Taken

B.      A Requirement of the Individual: Humility to be Adopted

C.      A Requirement for Entry: Heaven to be Gained

VI.    Conclusion:

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[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984.