Dia das crianças
As crianças são preciosas aos olhos de Deus. Jesus as acolheu, abençoou e ensinou que delas é o Reino dos Céus — modelos de fé, pureza e humildade.
Jesus e as crianças
Deixai vir a mim as crianças. Jesus abraçou, abençoou e honrou as crianças como modelo de fé para os adultos.
But He said, "Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Rank in the Kingdom
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" [Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48] He called a little child and set him before them, and said, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
"See that you do not despise or think less of one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven [are in the presence of and] continually look upon the face of My Father who is in heaven. [Acts 12:15; Heb 1:14]
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful and miraculous things that Jesus had done, and heard the boys who were shouting in [the porticoes and courts of] the temple [in praise and adoration], "Hosanna to the Son of David (the Messiah)," they became indignant and they said to Him, "Do You hear what these children are saying?" And Jesus replied to them, "Yes; have you never read [in the Scripture], ‘Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have preparedandprovided praise for Yourself’?" [Ps 8:2]
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."And He took the children [one by one] in His arms and blessed them [with kind, encouraging words], placing His hands on them.
Taking a child, He set him before them; and taking him in His arms, He said to them, "Whoever receives and welcomes one child such as this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives not [only] Me, but Him who sent Me." [Matt 10:40; Luke 10:16; John 13:20]
Instruir e proteger
Instrui a criança no caminho de Deus. Elas são herança do Senhor — presentes sagrados que devemos educar com amor.
Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],
Even when he is old he will not depart from it. [Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 3:15]
"And all your [spiritual] sons will be disciples [of the Lord],
And great will be the well-being of your sons. [John 6:45]
Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb a reward. [Deut 28:4]
Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings]. Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].
Family Relationships
Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise— so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth. [Ex 20:12]
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
The Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];
The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor],
And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];
The Lord lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],
And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’