Revealed to Infants

This one’s for the parents and caregivers. Yes, we will give you a practice to do with your children, but sometimes those of us who are caring for little ones need some reassurance and reminders too. This passage comes right after Jesus has admonished people for ignoring or missing what’s right in front of them. He compares their lack of repentance to hearing music but not dancing to it - basically, failing to recognize God at work right under their noses. Then he says these words - some that speak right to the heart of the weary parent. It’s a reminder of God at work in our children and in our lives. Children have an openness and lack of logic that sometimes helps them to be more receptive to God. We grown-ups can easily reason away God’s gentle nudges, but when our son was 3, he saw angels and heard God’s voice. God reveals himself to children. And then there’s the beauty of the second part of the passage - “Come to me...and I will give you rest.” God’s yoke is easy and his burden is light. God doesn’t put these little people in our lives to be a burden. Their spiritual development is not one more thing on our to-do list, not one more lesson to drop them off at. It is, rather, an invitation for us to grow together. It is an incredible opportunity for us to see what God has “revealed to infants.” Abide in God, and recognize God in these precious little ones.
Read It
Matthew 11:25-30
     At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.  All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
     “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Do It 
It’s important to learn about God and to hear what grown-ups have to say about God, but God also is working in children. So invite your child to teach you. Here are some possible ways this can happen. Ask your child to:
  • Draw a picture of God, or of a way they experience God
  • Sing a song or make music that reminds you of God
  • Find something in the house that shows you how God feels, tastes, smells, or sounds
  • Using the senses, describe God.
  • Help us write a prayer list - what or who does God want us to pray for?

     All of this stuff has potential to turn wacky. Once when our son drew a picture of God, God was apparently a train. But there are moments within the wacky that are full of wisdom
     And an extra practice for the caregivers: Observe your child and let them guide play with you. Often we feel pressure to “do for” our children - give them craft projects, teach them something, show them their world. Release some of that pressure for yourself. Relax and let God give you rest! Sit or walk with your child(ren) as they play, listening to them and observing them. What do they have to teach you? What captures their curiosity? Let it intrigue you, too. What tasks do they give themselves in their play? What makes them laugh? Join in their play as they want you to, but do your best not to offer suggestions or guide it. And reflect - what does God have to teach you through this child? Try doing this as a practice often - whether for five minutes or 30. Your child(ren) will love your focused attention, will feel empowered by being allowed to guide play with you, and will reveal God to you.
Pray It 
God, thank you for revealing yourself to children. Thank you for working through them to bring us closer to you. Help us rest in your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Explore It 

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