N the Salvation of All Dying Before the Age of Accountability
Mark 10:13-16
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.…


I. THE CONDUCT OF THE PARENTS WAS VERY NATURAL AND COMMENDABLE. "They brought young children to Jesus," etc. Just as Joseph brought his sons to Jacob, that he might lay his hands upon them and bless them. His blessing would be sure to make rich in one way or another. These parents did not send their children to Jesus, but brought them; example better than precept. Let us not stop short of the Saviour. Morality good: but they must be born again.

II. THE SPIRIT AND DEMEANOUR OF THE DISCIPLES WERE VERY REPULSIVE — "They rebuked those that brought them." What if the parents had judged of the Master by the spirit of His servants? There is love in His heart infinitely transcending all that exists in the hearts of His most devoted people.

III. THE CONDUCT OF JESUS CHRIST WAS A PERFECT CONTRAST TO THAT OF HIS DISCIPLES. "He was much displeased." Christ may be angry with His own people, even when they think they are doing Him service. It is not enough to mean well. Is it any wonder that Christ should feel an interest in little children when He voluntarily became a little child Himself? "Of such" — in years — "is the kingdom of heaven." All infants go to heaven. The lost will go away into "everlasting punishment," but an infant cannot be punished, for that would imply personal criminality and conscious guilt: but an infant can neither do good nor evil. But may they not be annihilated? This passage kindles light in their little sepulchre and says, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." They live unto God. The only difference between the salvation of an infant and others, is this — the infant is saved without faith, by the direct agency of the Holy Spirit, in consequence of the finished work of Christ; others are saved by believing the gospel, and being sanctified through the truth. See the condescension of Christ. We cannot bless them as He did; we can plead for the Divine blessing upon them.

(R Bayne.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

WEB: They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.




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