Scripture Reference: Matthew 19:13-15

Jesus teaches us by example that we should never look down on children or prevent them from coming freely to Him. In this interaction it is clear that it angers Him when people reject children and keep them from Him.

The fact that the parents brought their children to Jesus is a sign that they esteemed Him highly. The disciples, however, considered the children a nuisance and an interruption in the already busy schedule of Jesus. But He did not look at children that way. His response to the actions of His disciples makes that very clear. He is never too busy for the little ones.

Perhaps they thought it was beneath the dignity of their Master to make time for little children. They probably thought they were doing Jesus a favor by keeping the children away from Him, but Jesus changed their thinking. Their response reflects how little they knew of Jesus at this stage in their journey with Him. He says children are examples worth following, not interruptions to be sidelined. Children are trusting; they are willing to learn; they gladly accept a gift without questions asked and they don’t complicate life unnecessarily.

There are many churches today who preach these words of Jesus, “Let the children come to me,” and yet frown upon children as nuisances in their gatherings. A preacher with the heart of Christ will not disdain children, but welcome them. It is tragic that in many churches children are made to feel like they are in the way. This teaching of Christ is of course something that needs to be adhered to in all facets of life, at home, at school, wherever we find the lively voices of children.

I read the following quote this past week:

Children are not things to be molded, but persons to be unfolded.

Sometimes parents want to force children to be people whom they want them to be, instead of assisting in the unfolding of the person God created their children to be. As parents it is very tempting to want to see our unfulfilled dreams realized in the lives of our children, but this is wrong as those may not be the dreams of the child and we will stifle the unfolding of the beautiful, uniquely talented person God created that child to be.

Related articles

• Re-Thinking ‘Children’s Church’ (5ptsalt.com)
• Jesus Loves The Little Children * Matthew 19:13 – 15 [KJV] | Bible Resources (spiceofyourlife.wordpress.com)