According to UNICEF, 4 million newborns die each year within their first month of life and 8.8 million die before their first birthday. Nineteen million infants in the developing world are born underweight and 148 million children under age 5 suffer malnutrition. There are 101 million children who aren’t attending primary school and 2 million living with HIV. These huge numbers represent real faces and personalities.
Children also suffered during Jesus’ day. In Mark, children are depicted as either “sick” or “oppressed” (Mark 5:35-43, 7:24-30, 9:14-27). Moreover, a child of that era was often considered less important than an adult.
The disciples were quick to deflect children and their parents away from Jesus (Mark 10:13). Such an important teacher was not to be troubled by mere kids! But Jesus became indignant at their behavior, noting that children have a special place in His kingdom (Mark 10:14). He wrapped His arms around the children and blessed them (Mark 10:16).
This display of affection and compassion for children was controversial for a rabbi, but Jesus went further. He made children a role model for adults. “I tell you the truth,” He said, “anyone who doesn’t receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15). This was an unthinkable thing to say in Jesus’ day. Children were to be led—not followed.
Jesus’ radical love of kids means two things for those of us who follow Him today. First, we should work hard to see those UNICEF statistics change. Jesus rescued children from illness and oppression and welcomed them into His embrace. So should we.
Second, we should emulate the faith of a child. Jesus’ kingdom isn’t to be earned or accomplished but received like a gift. In this, Jesus says, children can be our guide.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 11:37-57
More:
Read the story of the synagogue ruler’s daughter in Mark 5:35- 43 and the healing of the demon-possessed boy in 9:14-27. Note how Jesus tenderly treated both children.
Next:
Jesus resented the poor treatment of children. How often are you troubled by it? To what degree do you trust Jesus?
tim gustafson on August 19, 2011 at 5:40 am
Sheridan, when I read statistics like these, it always turns my stomach. I try to make at least minor adjustments to my lifestyle so that I can help reputable organizations work to alleviate some of this deathly poverty. We contribute to relief organizations and directly to people who work in some areas in dire need.
I’d like to hear what other readers do.
sheridan voysey on August 23, 2011 at 5:35 am
After a few days moving house I’m coming in late on these comments.
Tim, I’m with you. I have to stop myself not wanting to turn away from such bad news. Having seen the work of some Christian aid and relief organisations on the field in some developing nations I am inspired to give more – whatever we spend is often multiplied four-fold due to exchange rates etc.
eppistle on August 19, 2011 at 6:08 am
Thanks Sheridan for bringing up this issue. We Christians often stand against abortion so that we can rescue the unborn children that are being led to death (Proverbs 24:11-12). But we should also rescue born children who are being led to death. I encourage people to consider supporting International Justice Mission. This organization helps free children from prostitution and slavery.
sheridan voysey on August 23, 2011 at 5:37 am
Spot on, Eppistle. We need to have a consistent right-to-life ethic, which means justice for the poor!
And I also love the work of IJM. I interviewed their founder/director Gary Haugen last year and was immensley impressed with the way they risk life and limb for the oppressed.
mike wittmer on August 19, 2011 at 8:45 am
The pictures that are coming from Somalia and Kenya right now are impossible to watch. Come quickly, Lord Jesus, and beat swords into plows and put an end to these senseless wars, wars that leave the most vulnerable and helpless without food and water.
sheridan voysey on August 23, 2011 at 5:37 am
Amen, Mike. Amen.
alli on August 19, 2011 at 9:34 am
it is because of the arrogance of men and women who think b/c children are not powerful and have something to contribute they are treated b/c they are of no value. The enemy likes to pick on those who are weak and try to destroy them..Why u think JEsus came as a baby. There was more power in a baby then the world leaders who knew they were about to be dethroned. It is easy to bully those you think you are better then, misusing their authority, when really the children are the ones we need to learn from.
loananna on August 19, 2011 at 10:02 am
I am the director of Angelfood Ministry at our church, and currently i am reaching out to our local community to promote their program, “No child goes Goes Without” I am trying to get people to purchase a box of food, $25.00 that has a large variety of food for kids. We have so far sponsored one school in our community that has approx. 1200 kids, elementary. Approx. 600 are deemed by district standards homeless…With this recession it really is the children who are hard hit. Go and look into this ministry in your local, as it not only ministers to the body but also their soul. We pray with each family we serve…The need is great, the workers are few but the Lord will prevail. Go to http://www.angelfoodministries.com and see how you can help children living in your hometown! Praise the Lord!
sheridan voysey on August 23, 2011 at 5:40 am
I’m amazed at the firgures for the ‘homesless’ the kids in your area, loananna. I pray your ministry receives the support it needs.
daisymarygoldr on August 19, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Children are a gift from God and they are at the heart of His redemptive plan. It breaks my heart to see them neglected, abused and abandoned, not just out there in Somalia and Kenya but right here in US of A!
Regarding children affected by food crisis, the reality is that today, there is an overproduction of food. There is “enough to provide everyone in the world with at least 2,720 kilocalories (kcal) per person per day.” That’s enough to make people obese.
According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, it would cost about $30 billion per year to eradicate world hunger. And it is also a fact; people spend around $ 45 billion per year on our pets. Please do not misunderstand me. I am an animal lover but where does it say we are to pamper beasts at the cost of human hunger and homelessness?
And of course how does one account for the gluttonous spending on wars, entertainment, and every other addiction. How did we get so mindlessly messed up in our priorities? Clearly, as long as we feed our greed there will not be enough to feed others’ need.
Our faith should grow and not be childish and selfish like children. To emulate the faith of a child means to be childlike in trusting God for our needs and share selflessly to meet the needs of others. Thanks Sheridan Voysey for the reminder to trust Jesus!
sheridan voysey on August 23, 2011 at 5:43 am
Sobering reflections, daisymarygldr.