Christian Art | Jesus And Children | Jesus Prayer | Kingdom Of Heaven
Matthew 18: 1-5, 10, 12-14 – Week 19 Ordinary Time, Tuesday (King James Audio Bible KJV)
1 AT the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
3 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.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Chapter 18 of Matthew’s Gospel records Jesus’ Discourse on the Church, or Discourse of the Community. This is Jesus’ teachings regarding how his Church is to be administered, how Christian communities are to conduct themselves. Jesus emphasises the humility that is necessary for Christian life, this in response to his disciples’ imperfect attitude, as they seek to know from Jesus who will be greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. This attitude, of pride and egotism, is completely contrary to life in Jesus. We are not called to try to be more important than other people, but to give ourselves in a spirit of poverty to a life of service.
Jesus presents a little child to his disciples as an exemplar of how the disciples must strive to be. Here is the opposite of pride, indeed of pure humility, which is the essence of Christian life. This overhaul of values recalls the Beatitudes, Jesus’ great promise that those who live their lives far from the riches and pomp and power of the world are truly blessed. Our life in the spirit demands a turning away from the allure of worldly goods.
Jesus identifies himself with the little children, and then with all little ones, all those people who do not seem to be of importance, when considered in worldly terms. Each one is important to God. Jesus our shepherd came to call each one of us. There is rejoicing in heaven when each little one of us is recalled to life in Christ. It is God’s intention, which is why he sent his Son, so that not one of us should perish.
Concluding Prayer
Almighty God,
who revealed to Peter your plan for the salvation of all men,
grant that our work may be acceptable to you,
and that, by your grace, it may further your loving purpose of redemption.
Through Christ our Lord.
King James Audio Bible | Endnotes
Except Ye Be Converted And Become As Little Children | Jesus Revolution Christian Faith
When the disciples ask Jesus who will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus responds by calling a little child to stand before them and saying, ‘Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven’ (Matthew 18:3, KJV). In this Gospel passage, Jesus teaches the disciples that humility and childlike faith are essential for entry into the kingdom of heaven.
Christians have written extensively about what Jesus said about children. Saint Augustine wrote in his Confessions: ‘For the one who is little in himself and lifted up in God, is truly the greatest of all.’ (Book 1, Chapter 20). Augustine understood that true greatness comes not from our own achievements or status, but from our relationship with God.
Similarly, Martin Luther wrote in his Commentary On Matthew, ‘Christ’s meaning, therefore, is that whoever would be great must become small, and whoever would be first must be last.’ (Chapter 18, Verse 4). Luther emphasized the importance of humility and selflessness in following Christ.
In recent times, Pope Francis has spoken about the importance of childlike faith and humility in his teachings. In a homily of 2013, he said: ‘The Lord tells us that in order to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven we must become like children, that is, we must have a heart that is simple, pure, and humble.’ Pope Francis understands that childlike faith is not a simplistic or naïve view of the world, but a humble and trusting attitude towards God.
So what does it mean to become as little children? Jesus gives us some clues in the passage itself. He says: ‘Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matthew 18:4) To become as little children means to approach God with humility, recognizing that we are not self-sufficient and that we need His guidance and grace in our lives.
Furthermore, Jesus tells us that ‘it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish’ (Matthew 18:14). To become as little children means to trust in God’s love and mercy, knowing that He desires our salvation and will go to great lengths to save us.
Children In The Gospels
In addition to this passage in Matthew, children play a significant role in other parts of the Gospels as well. For example, in Mark 10:13-16, people were bringing their children to Jesus so that he could bless them. The disciples rebuked those who brought the children, but Jesus said: ‘Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.’ (Mark 10:14) Jesus then took the children in his arms and blessed them. This story shows us that Jesus has a special love and concern for children, and that he welcomes them into his kingdom.
Moreover, in Luke 18:15-17, people were bringing their infants to Jesus so that he could touch them. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus’ words are again: ‘Suffer 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 shall in no wise enter therein.’ (Luke 18:16-17) This passage reinforces the importance of childlike faith in entering the kingdom of God.
Jesus speaks of children to teach about the nature of the kingdom of God. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says: ‘Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ Later in Matthew 21:16, when the children in the temple cried out, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2, saying: ‘Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?’ (Matthew 21:16) These passages suggest that children are not only welcomed into the kingdom of God, but that they have a unique role to play in praising and glorifying God.
In addition to these Gospel passages, children have played a prominent role in Christian tradition. The early Christian church saw children as symbols of innocence and purity, and many saints and theologians have written about the importance of protecting and nurturing children. For example, Saint John Chrysostom in the fourth-century wrote: ‘Let us take care of the children and bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, that they may become our crowns and our glory.’ (Homilies On Ephesians, Homily 20)
In the Catholic Church, the sacrament of baptism is often performed on infants and young children, as a way of bringing them into the church and initiating them into the Christian faith. The Catechism Of The Catholic Church teaches that ‘baptism is the sacrament of faith’ and that ‘through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God; we become members of Christ, are incorporated into the Church and made sharers in her mission.’ (CCC 1213)
In many churches, children are acknowledged as a gift from God and are encouraged to participate in the life of the church from a young age. Many churches offer Sunday school classes and youth programs as a way of nurturing children’s faith and helping them grow in their relationship with God.
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John 4:13-14 (KJV) ‘Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.’ Introduction to the Life of Saint Bernadette Saint Bernadette Soubirous, a humble peasant girl from Lourdes, France, lived her life of faith, humility, and divine grace. Born on January 7, 1844, in the small town of Lourdes, Bernadette was the eldest of nine children in a poor and struggling family. Her father, François Soubirous, was a miller, and her mother, Louise, a laundress. The family lived in a former prison cell known as the Cachot, a damp and cramped space, according to their dire financial situation. Despite their poverty, the Soubirous family was deeply rooted in their Christian faith, a foundation that would profoundly shape Bernadette’s life and spiritual journey. Bernadette’s early years were marked by significant health challenges. She suffered from asthma and other respiratory ailments, which often left her weak and unable to attend school regularly. This lack of formal education meant that Bernadette struggled with reading and writing, and her understanding of Christian doctrine was limited. Nevertheless, she possessed a remarkable simplicity and purity of heart, qualities that would make her an ideal recipient of divine revelations. Bernadette’s life changed irrevocably on February 11, 1858, when she experienced the first of eighteen apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the grotto of Massabielle. On that cold winter day, Bernadette, her sister Toinette, and a friend were gathering firewood near the grotto when she heard a rustling sound and saw a beautiful lady dressed in white with a blue sash, holding a rosary. The lady, who later identified herself as the Immaculate Conception, appeared to Bernadette over the course of several months, delivering messages of penance, prayer, and the need for a chapel to be built at the site. Despite initial skepticism from her family and the local authorities, Bernadette remained steadfast in her account of the apparitions, enduring intense scrutiny and even ridicule. The apparitions drew enormous attention. Soon, people from all over France and beyond began to visit Lourdes, hoping to witness a miracle. One of the most significant messages conveyed by the Virgin Mary to Bernadette was the instruction to dig in the ground near the grotto, which led to the discovery of a spring. This spring, believed to have healing properties, became the focal point of the pilgrimage to Lourdes. Many miraculous healings have been attributed to the waters of Lourdes, reinforcing the belief in Bernadette’s visions and the sanctity of the site. As the apparitions concluded, Bernadette’s life took a different turn. In 1866, she joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers, taking the name Sister Marie-Bernard. Her time in the convent was marked by continued poor health and humility, as she carried out menial tasks and lived a life of quiet service. Despite her physical suffering, Bernadette remained devout and accepted her hardships with grace, often repeating the phrase, “I am happier here in my little corner of the convent.” Her unwavering faith and dedication to her religious duties exemplified the depth of her spiritual commitment. Bernadette Soubirous passed away on April 16, 1879, at the age of 35, after a prolonged battle with tuberculosis. Her legacy, however, endured far beyond her earthly life. In 1933, she was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI, recognized for her humility, faith, and the miraculous events associated with her life. Today, millions of pilgrims flock to Lourdes each year, seeking spiritual renewal and physical healing at the site of her visions. Saint Bernadette’s life continues to inspire countless individuals around the world, reminding us of the power of faith, the virtue of humility, and the enduring presence of divine grace in our lives. To Visit Lourdes Visiting Lourdes, in the picturesque foothills of the Pyrenees in southwestern France, is an experience that transcends the physical journey, drawing pilgrims into a profound spiritual adventure. The small town, known for the Marian apparitions witnessed by Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, has become one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites. As we approach the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, the atmosphere is imbued with a palpable sense of reverence and anticipation. The grand basilicas, the tranquil Grotto of Massabielle and the gently flowing waters of the miraculous spring together create a sacred environment that invites reflection, prayer, and a deep connection with the divine. The focal point of any visit to Lourdes is the Grotto, where Bernadette experienced the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Here, pilgrims can touch the rock face, light candles, and drink or bathe in the spring’s water, believed to possess healing properties. The profound silence and sense of sacredness at the Grotto allow visitors to contemplate their faith, seek solace and find spiritual renewal. The Rosary Basilica, with its mosaics, and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, perched above the Grotto, offer spaces for communal worship and personal meditation. The nightly candlelight processions, where pilgrims from around the globe unite in prayer and song, highlight the universal bond of faith and hope that Lourdes represents. Beyond its physical beauty and historical significance, visiting Lourdes offers a deeply personal and transformative experience. Pilgrims often arrive burdened with ailments, grief, or spiritual crises, seeking comfort and miracles. The stories of healing and faith that emerge from Lourdes are testimonies to the enduring power of belief and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The communal aspect of the pilgrimage—sharing meals, prayers, and stories with fellow believers—fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual support. For many, the visit to Lourdes is a journey of healing, not only of the body but also of the soul, providing a renewed sense of purpose, peace, and spiritual clarity that lingers long after returning home. Prayer With Saint Bernadette Prayer for Intercession Dear […]
