The Soul of the Child (Luke 18:15-17) ~ Christine Malkemes

As we travel to Jerusalem, mothers rush with their infants to secure Jesus’ blessing. But, the disciples, like gatekeepers, try to keep them away. Jesus would have none of it. 

Now they were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them… Truly, I say to you whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter in. Luke 18:15 & 17

The life span of Children

Children, in the time of Jesus, had a short life span. Maybe the mothers were thinking that His touch would protect them from childhood sickness, premature death, or suffering. Every mother is desperate for their children’s health and well-being. 

Jesus received the little children.

When we read this passage, as mothers, we are reminded that there’s more to raising our children than meets the eye. 

What are the soul, body, and spirit?

We don’t have much trouble understanding the need to take care of our children’s bodies. It is the material part or nature of their being. However, the soul is another matter. The soul is immaterial – the moral and emotional part that represents their personality. More significantly, the soul is eternal. 

The soul of a child learns the blessing of obedience and the pain of disobedience. The soul of a child understands the value of forgiveness – it makes all things right. The soul of a child feels the pain of unforgiveness.  

Children are like a Garden

Like a good garden, we need to tend, weed, water, and protect the soul of a child. For such is the Kingdom of God. 

A child is trusting, innocent, and has a sense of adventure. The trust children have in their parents is absolute. 

Call to Action:

Hundreds of years ago, mothers would admonish their children with this: “Is what you’re planning to do worth taking to eternity?”

Read this poem from the perspective of your child’s soul.

The Soul of a Child

author unknown

The soul of a child is the loveliest flower

That grows in the garden of God

Its climb is from weakness to knowledge and power

To the sky from the clay and the clod.

To beauty and sweetness, it grows under care

Neglected ’tis ragged and wild

Tis a plant that is tender, but wondrously rare – 

The sweet, wistful soul of a child!

Be tender, oh gardener, and give it its share

Of moisture, of warmth, and of light,

And let it look for thy painstaking care

To protect it from frost and blight.

A glad day will come when its bloom shall unfold

In the sensitive soul of a child.