LESSON XXV.
THE KINDNESS OF JESUS.
Matthew, xv. 21-28. Mark, x. 13-16.
I told you that the disciples were sometimes unkind; but Jesus was always kind. Once a poor woman came crying after Jesus, saying, O Lord, I have a little daughter who is very sick. Jesus did not answer her at first, and the disciples were unkind, and wished her to be sent away. She cried so loud, they said to Jesus, Do send her away.
The poor woman fell down at Jesus’ feet, and said, Lord, help me! And Jesus had pity on the woman, and said, I will do what you wish.
The poor woman was glad to hear this, and she went home, and found that her daughter was quite well.
Another time the disciples were unkind to some little children. Some poor women brought their children to Jesus, but the disciples were standing round, and they would not let the women come near. Go away, they said; you must not bring the babies here to trouble us. But Jesus heard them speak, and was very angry with the disciples. Jesus would not let the children go away.
He said to the disciples, Suffer them to come to me; do not send them away.
Then he took the children in his arms, and put his hands upon them, and prayed to his Father, and blessed them.
O happy little children, to be taken into the arms of Jesus.
Jesus loves meek and gentle children. They are Jesus’ lambs. Jesus is their shepherd, and he will take them to heaven when they die.