Of Such Is the Kingdom Parts I and II—Christ and the Roman Empire

As they eagerly approached, they could hear him saying, with a tone of great authority, “He who humbles himself shall be exalted.”  A strange saying, thought Deborah, but true.

There were several other mothers who also wanted to bring their children to see Jesus.  To the dismay of all, the disciples were turning them all away.  “Don’t bother the master. He’s much too busy with his important teachings to be bothered with children.”

The hearts of the children sank when they heard this.  Had they come all this way for nothing?

But, just then, the strong voice of the master rose above the din.  “What are you saying?” He asked the disciples.  “Allow the little children to come to me and don’t forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Deborah was impressed, not only by the master’s compassion and concern for the children, but also by the deeper meaning which seemed to be implied in his words.  “‘Of such is the kingdom---.’  So", she thought, "in order to be in the kingdom of heaven, we must all come as little children.  And how do little children come?  Simply, humbly and unquestioningly with faith.  There is much truth in those few words.  O’ God, forgive us for being so complicated, and give us all the simple faith of a child."

Now the hearts of the children were joyful and hopeful again.  They waited in the line as one by one the master blessed the little ones.  When Caleb and Jason and the others reached the master, they blurted out, “master, we are so worried about our father.  He has been away from us for so long and we don’t know when he’ll come back.”

The master looked at them.  It was a deeply understanding and sympathetic look.  But then he said, “I know your concern, children, but I’m afraid I can’t promise you that your father will be home soon.  However, we must pray and hope for the best.”  With that, he laid his hands on them and prayed, saying, “father, if it be possible, bring these children’s father back to them speedily.  Nevertheless, let your will be done and let us accept your will.  Whatever be the case, bless these children and this home.  May your peace abound there.  In your holy name amen.”

They began their walk back to the house in silence.  Then one of the neighbor children spoke. “I wonder why he didn’t say anything definite about your father.”

“Yeah,” said Caleb. “I thought you said he was supposed to be such a great prophet.”

“Well he did cast seven demons outa that lady.”

“—if you can believe her.”

“Well why would someone make up something’ like that?”

“I don’t know, but why didn’t he say anything about our father?”

“Well,” ventured another neighbor child, “maybe there was nothing to say.  Sometimes it’s like that with prophets.  You never know.  Sometimes they tell you great things about the future, an’ sometimes they don’t. Depends on how the spirit moves ‘em.”

“Yes,” added an older, more intelligent child, “maybe, for some unknown reason, it’s supposed to be.  I mean that maybe it’s Jehovah’s will that your father is away from you for now.”

“Maybe!” sighed Caleb.

“So, then,” added little Ruth, “We jis’ have t’ ‘crept it.”

“---And pray,” added the neighbor child.

“---And have faith,” added Jake.  “He mentioned that.  Let’s not forget it.  Have faith . It means keep on believing, no matter what."

"Daddy will come back, he will!”

Deborah was silent, wondering at the wisdom her children were expounding, and also still thinking of the words the master had said.

Truly, “of such is the kingdom.”