The March Of Truth - And Forbid Them Not (1948)

[Music] The children of Capernaam in Jesus day were much like the children of today in needing the kind and loving help of those about them. Come on, Nathan. We can't have a real big caravan without more camels in it. And you can't be the lead camel because Zedeka is. No, I won't do it. I'm going to be in the front. Look, Nathan, I want to be nice to you because you're my cousin and here on a visit, but I can't break a promise, Zakaya. Then I won't play. He doesn't know anything about caravans. Look at him. Does he look like a thirsty camel to you? [Music] What makes him think he knows more about caravans than us boys of Capernium? I don't know. That water hole ought to be deep enough now. Let the camels start to drink. Please get in line with the rest of the camels and drink. Then we'll be ready to start across the desert. Go on. Even though you travel all the way from Korea beyond the Jordan in a real caravan to visit us, there's no reason why I should make Zedekiah go to the end of the caravan and you take his place as a lead camel. Come on and play, Nathan. Father will give me a weapon if I'm not nice to you. Please, Nathan. [Music] [Music] Please, the master is tired. We've traveled far today. He can't be disturbed now. No, I don't agree. Well, I What was it you were disputing among yourselves along the way? Master, we were We were discussing which of us would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Which would be first? If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all. Verily I say unto you, except he be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name receiveth me. And whosoever shall receive me receiveth not me, but him that sent me. For he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were cast into the sea. [Laughter] What else did he tell you? Is he going to make you a king, too? Jonathan, don't. Can't you see what this means to him? It may affect his whole life. Come to bed, Nathan. You need rest. We'll leave before sun. Good night, Uncle Ezra. Good night, Nathan. I hate to see you go, brother. We have enjoyed every minute of your generous hospitality. I'm looking forward to another visit after our next harvest. The seed you have given me is of the finest, better than any I ever hope to plant. Grain well worth the hazards of the long journey. just to feel and see. I heard Nathan's prayers just now, Jonathan, and the things that man told him left a great impression upon him. I don't think you should have treated it so lightly. Oh, I just as soon have him forget about that man from Nazareth. Good enough teacher, perhaps, but goes around stirring up trouble. Yes. gets people excited about his being the Messiah and tells of loving everybody and being humble and his idea of the kingdom. Impractical, a dreamer. The way I look at it, it's a lot of silly notions that don't match up with the world we live in. Things like this seed, something that you can get hold of and feel. But Jonathan, an idea can grow like a seed, too. [Music] Father. Mother, where are you? Father. Father. Father. He's here. Oh, who's here? What do you mean yelling? So, who's here? The man I saw in Capernium. The man who talked to me. He's come to Perea. And you woke me out of a sound sleep just to tell me that. You know I haven't closed my eyes during the harvest. And now when I'm getting a little rest, you wake me with silly talk about some man coming to Berea. But father, it's Jesus. He's on his way to Jerusalem. And you can see him and listen to him. Mother, you remember the man we saw in Capernium the time we went to Uncle Lazarus for the seed and I talked to him? Yes, dear. I remember the man. He told us 6 months ago all I want to hear about that man. Now I want to rest. And let me tell you this. For the last time, I already know about that man. I already know the things he says. Mostly foolishness. No solid facts. Let the boy go, Jonathan. Let's all go to see the Nazarene. Jesus loves children, and surely he has a great deal to say to people like us. You and the boy can go, but I will not be disturbed. You understand? I know the sort of thing he teaches. And I know Nathan won't learn anything. He isn't being taught as well at home. You mean you are a greater teacher than Jesus of Nazareth? Oh, the tops of the Nazarene are all right for you women. They won't build a house with a roof over your head or plow a field or make any money. That's what counts. Father, please you come too. Hurry, because I promise some friends. [Music] And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were cast into the sea. [Music] When will he be coming out? Please, the master is very tired. Can't we see the master? I want him to bless my baby. He must realize that he has neither the time nor the energy to give just to children. Tell us when we can see him. [Music] [Music] Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. [Music] Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. [Music] I think I'm beginning to understand, mother. [Music]