How can little children cause controversy? Here the Greek word “nepiois” is translated as “little children” by the ESV. Other translations use “babes” or “infants.” Why is this important?
Some Christians insist that babies cannot believe so they deny baptism to these little ones. This fact leads one to ask, “How little are these little children?” Are they school age children? Are they toddlers? Are they infants?
This word is often translated as “babies” or “infants” because it literally means “not speaking” i.e. little ones who cannot yet talk. So whether it is translated “little children,” “infants” or “babies,” it is clear Jesus intends for us to think of the very small children and babies.
Jesus’ high regard for the faith of little children is seen over and over in the Gospels. To deny them the Sacrament of Holy Baptism seems incredible, particularly when those who do so often claim to be absolutely faithful to the Holy Scriptures.
Notice from this verse that those who are deceived are not the infants but “the wise.” Little children readily receive the gift of faith given by the Holy Spirit. They simply trust the Savior. There is no need to try to use argumentation or human reasoning to prove to them the love of God in Christ.
May we never deceive ourselves through human reasoning but rather may we always trust the infinite wisdom of God and receive the gift of faith just as little children do.
Prayer: O Lord Jesus, thank you for loving and dying for little children. Grant that I may never grow too old to believe that you died for me. Amen.
God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus
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