I’m sure we all remember Mark 9:36 where Jesus takes a small child up into His arms. What a story that child had to tell the rest of his or her life. Well, this morning I watched something just as good. I was in a Kindergarten supervising a student teacher. It was circle time and the children were all gathered on a rug while the student teacher read to them and taught them their lesson. Repeatedly the children had to be moved back. And just as soon as they were the student teacher’s magnetic charm automatically drew the children closer and closer. It was impossible for the children to resist the loving attitude and appeal. They all wanted to sit on her lap. If I had a small child, I would want him in that room.
There is no argument to be made against the principle that love attracts. We cannot help ourselves. We are drawn to it like children to a candy counter. There is no question that most of the people that flocked to see Jesus were miracle gawkers. These were the same ones who quickly turned on Him. However, the ones drawn by His love were the ones who stayed faithful. Just as soon as John got over the initial fright and confusion of the arrest in the garden, he got himself into the trial chamber and stayed as close to Jesus as possible all the way to the cross.
The very first song I ever learned was “Jesus Loves Me.” Many decades later I am still moved by the power of its simplicity. I know of very few debates over Jesus’ human/divine nature or the power of sin that have ever been as magnetic as that little song.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 9, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA
Rogerbothwell.org