Introduction
The phrase “Please, sir, I want some more?” in Oliver Twist, the classic by Charles Dickens perhaps is a timeless saying that sums up the sufferings children of all times must endure in a sinful world. We learn from world history that the medieval ages and the biblical times were not the best periods for children. Especially in Jesus’ time, children were an insignificant and unimportant group. They were to be seen but not heard. They were more of a burden than a blessing. They were properties and less human. That makes Jesus’ sayings about children of utmost importance and deserves our undivided attention as we celebrate Universal Children’s Day. In the New Testament, we find at least four sayings of Jesus about children themselves or sayings linked to children. I want to draw your attention to some of these sayings today.