Luke 9:37-45

Luke 9:37-45

1. We have an example of what a parent should do when he is troubled about his children.
2. We have an example of Christ's readiness to show mercy to young people.
3. We have an example of the spiritual ignorance which may be found even in the hearts of good men.

"The child of many prayers shall seldom be cast away. God's time of conversion may not be ours. He may think fit to prove our faith by keeping us long waiting. But so long as a child lives, and a parent prays, we have no right to despair about that child's soul."

"They supply us with an antidote to the common idea that it is useless to press religion on the attention of young people. Such an idea, let us remember, comes from the devil and not from Christ. He who cast out the evil spirit from the child before us, still lives, and is still mighty to save. Let us then work on, and try to do good to the young. Whatever the world may think, Jesus is well pleased."

"If Jesus could endure so much weakness in His disciples, we may surely do likewise."

Questions:

1. For those who are parents, if each prayer could be counted, how many would fill the throne room of grace for our children or grandchildren? Will we be found faithful in trusting our faithful God with these most precious gifts?

2. Ryle says that the notion of teaching young people religion is foolish is from the devil. For those who labor in Sunday Schools and, really any ministry to children – including parents - do we really believe Christ takes an interest in them and, as a result, speak God’s Word to them? Are we faithful to point them to Jesus in teaching and by example, or have we been influenced by this lie as well?

3. Jesus endured patiently with his disciples in their ignorance. Can the same be said of us with those around us, and especially with new believers?