Young People's Group

CARING FOR LITTLE ONES

April 20, 2014

A Sad Thing To See Little Ones Lose Their Fathers

His cries were the loudest as the casket of his father was being pushed into the incinerator. Little Andrew loved his daddy, the late Mr San Shang Shui. Daddy was someone who loved him, spent his time going prawning with him and cared for him in a special way. His daddy passed away just a few days ago. And it was really sad to see this little one crying his heart out at the funeral. Though he is only eight years old, he could understand a little what death is and that he would no longer see his father anymore on this earth. He said to his mother, “Who is going to look after me now?” Every night, it is his father who gently pats him to bed. Andrew will now miss this and many other things that his father used to do for him. It is truly a sad thing to see little ones losing their father.

Learning To Regard Little Ones Well

Young people, do we know how to feel and care for little ones like Andrew? Our challenge is to have a heart of love and concern for them. And this begins with the way we regard them.

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” 
Matthew 18:10

During the days of Jesus, some children were not specially cared for. They were generally not given much attention. Some were looked down upon by the people. The Lord taught His disciples that when people caused one of these little ones to sin, they will be dealt with by the Lord Himself. The Lord Jesus also taught his disciples to have a special regard for children because of the way God regards them. These little ones have angels specially watching over them and they have access to the presence of the Father at any time. God the Father has a special regard for the little ones. Even so, we too should have such a good regard for children and take heed that we do not despise them.

Learning To Receive Them Well

The Lord Jesus also has a heart of deep care and concern for little ones.

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” 
Matthew 18:5

He taught the disciples that they were meant to receive them with love and care. They were meant to receive little ones in the name of the Lord Jesus. When we receive them, love and care for these children, we are actually doing it to the Lord. We are receiving Him. The Lord Jesus explained further in the text of Mark 9:37 that ultimately we are receiving God who sent the Lord Jesus. There are many children in our midst who need to be loved and cared for … little ones like Andrew. Young people, let’s seek to learn how to receive them well and to care for them.

Learning To Reach Them With The Gospel

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” 
Matthew 18:11

Ultimately, the Lord Jesus wants these little ones to be saved. Each time, the Lord used the title “Son of Man”. He was referring to his humanity and humility in being a servant of the Lord. He came to this earth to seek the lost and to save them. The whole of heaven rejoices when one lost soul is won to the Lord. Even at a young age, little ones can come to believe in the Lord Jesus (Mark 9:42). As we celebrate Easter, may our hearts be moved by the Lord’s example in humbling Himself in reaching the lost and in saving them. Let’s respond by seeking to reach the lost too. Let’s humble ourselves in reaching out to the little ones with the gospel. They are precious in God’s sight. Junior camp is coming. Let’s do all we can to reach these little ones.

Back to Article Listing