15. Using a young child for an illustration, what did Jesus say about one’s receiving others?

¹⁵ Our being considerate of others, regardless of how inferior they may be outwardly, plays an important role in the matter of getting along together well. To impress this point, Jesus went on to illustrate. Just how he did so, the account in Mark 9:36, 37 tells us, saying: “And he took a young child, stood it in their midst and put his arms around it and said to them:

16. How did Jesus display love of children even in his home in Nazareth?

¹⁶ There are cases on record to show that Jesus loved young children. As the eldest son of his own earthly family, he doubtless had to do a lot in caring for his younger half brothers (James, Joseph, Simon and Judas) and his two or more half sisters, there in Nazareth of Galilee. (Matt. 13:53-56) He did not despise these because of their imperfections and shortcomings. He gave them no cause for stumbling over him because of any failure to share in supporting the family, but worked diligently as a skilled carpenter. (Mark 6:3) He learned how to appreciate the innocent qualities of children and also the childlike qualities in full-grown persons. Nicely he used children in his illustrations.

17. What question arises respecting childlike persons in the matter of one’s being approachable?

¹⁷ When we are deeply occupied with work, we may not want to be bothered with children. Persons who feel self-important or who sense the weight and dignity of their responsible position may consider themselves above paying attention to simple-minded children, or to childlike grown-ups. But what if such childlike persons are Christians or intelligent persons who want to become Christians? Shall we who are already disciples of Christ make ourselves approachable to them and attentive to their needs?

18. Why would such a receiver be receiving Jesus also?

¹⁸ If we refused to aid the childlike ones, we would lose a great privilege and blessing. If mature Christians like Jesus’ apostles refused to receive a newly baptized Christian who is figuratively like the young child about whom Jesus put his arms and used as an illustration, they would not be receiving Jesus himself.