In Matthew 19:14, when Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” He wasn’t just welcoming children physically—He was revealing something vital about the heart of God and what it means to enter His kingdom. This simple yet profound statement challenges us to reflect on qualities like innocence, humility, and wholehearted trust—traits that children naturally embody and that Jesus holds up as essential for anyone seeking to follow Him. Far from being a sentimental moment, this passage carries deep theological meaning, showing how God’s kingdom operates on values often overlooked by the world.
By highlighting children as models of faith, Jesus invites us to strip away pride, skepticism, and self-sufficiency, and instead cultivate a pure, dependent, and trusting relationship with God. This message is as relevant today as it was then, calling us to nurture our faith, walk in humility, and pursue spiritual purity. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how you can apply these life-giving truths and draw closer to the heart of Jesus.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus placed such a high value on children? In the Bible, there’s a well-known verse where Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me.” This statement is more profound than it appears at first glance. Let’s dive into what Jesus meant by this and why it’s significant for us today.
The Biblical Context
The phrase “Let the little children come to me” comes from the New Testament in the book of Matthew 19:14. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” At this moment, Jesus was teaching, and parents were bringing their children to Him, hoping He would bless them. The disciples, thinking they were doing Jesus a favor, tried to send the children away. However, Jesus corrected them and welcomed the children with open arms.
Jesus’ Love for Children
Jesus’ love for children is evident throughout the Gospels. He not only welcomed them but also used them to teach important lessons about faith and humility. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Here, Jesus highlights the qualities of children—trust, innocence, and humility—as essential traits for anyone seeking to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Why Did Jesus Emphasize Children?
- Innocence and Purity: Children are often seen as symbols of purity and innocence. They’re free from the cynicism and doubt that adults often carry. Jesus emphasized that to truly follow Him, we need to embrace a child-like purity and openness.
- Humility: Children naturally exhibit humility. They’re dependent on others and open to learning. Jesus taught that we must humble ourselves and acknowledge our dependence on God, just as children depend on their parents.
- Trust and Faith: Children have a remarkable ability to trust. Jesus wants us to have the same unwavering faith in God. In Mark 10:15, He says, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
The Kingdom of Heaven Belongs to Such as These
When Jesus said, “for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” He was making a powerful statement about who is fit to enter God’s kingdom. The qualities that children possess—trust, humility, and innocence—are exactly what Jesus seeks in His followers. It’s not about physical age but about the state of our hearts.
Lessons for Today
Embrace Humility
Humility is a cornerstone of Christian living. Just as children are humble and reliant on their parents, we’re called to be humble before God, recognizing our need for His guidance and grace.
Cultivate Trust
Children trust without reservation. Developing a deep, trusting relationship with God is essential. When we trust God like a child trusts their parents, we can experience true peace and confidence in His plans for us.
Maintain Purity
In a world filled with distractions and temptations, striving for purity is crucial. Keeping our hearts pure and our intentions aligned with God’s will helps us stay on the path that leads to Him.
How Can We Apply This in Our Lives?
- Nurture Your Faith: Spend time in prayer and reading the Bible. Strengthening your relationship with God will help you develop the trust and faith that Jesus spoke about.
- Practice Humility: Recognize that you don’t have all the answers and that’s okay. Being humble means being open to learning and growing, just like a child.
- Seek Purity: Be mindful of what you consume—whether it’s media, conversations, or activities. Strive to keep your thoughts and actions pure.
Conclusion
Jesus’ words, “Let the little children come to me,” are a call to embrace the qualities of children in our spiritual lives. By doing so, we align ourselves more closely with the kingdom of heaven. Remember, it’s not about becoming childish but about adopting the child-like qualities of trust, humility, and purity. So, let’s open our hearts, trust God fully, and embrace the humility and purity that bring us closer to Him.
Reflect on how you can incorporate these principles into your daily life. In doing so, you’ll not only grow in your faith but also draw closer to the heart of Jesus, who loves and values each of us, just as He loves and values the little children.
FAQs: Why Did Jesus Say “Let the Little Children Come to Me”?
Q1: Where in the Bible does Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”?
A1: This phrase is found in Matthew 19:14. Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Q2: What is the significance of Jesus welcoming children?
A2: Jesus welcoming children highlights the importance of qualities like innocence, humility, and trust. He emphasized that these qualities are essential for anyone seeking to enter the kingdom of heaven.
Q3: Why did the disciples try to send the children away?
A3: The disciples likely thought they were protecting Jesus from interruptions or distractions. They may have believed that Jesus’ teachings were too important to be interrupted by children.
Q4: What does Jesus mean by “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”?
A4: Jesus means that the qualities children possess—such as trust, humility, and innocence—are what make someone fit for the kingdom of heaven. It’s a call for us to embody these child-like qualities in our faith.
Q5: How can we cultivate child-like qualities in our faith?
A5: We can nurture our faith by spending time in prayer and reading the Bible, practicing humility by recognizing our need for God, and striving for purity in our thoughts and actions.
Q6: Why does Jesus emphasize humility in His teachings?
A6: Humility is essential because it helps us recognize our dependence on God. Just as children depend on their parents, we need to depend on God for guidance and grace.
Q7: How does trust play a role in our relationship with God?
A7: Trust is crucial in our relationship with God because it allows us to have confidence in His plans and experience peace. Just as children trust their parents completely, we’re called to trust God without reservation.
Q8: What does it mean to maintain purity in a modern context?
A8: Maintaining purity involves being mindful of what we consume, whether it’s media, conversations, or activities. It means keeping our hearts and intentions aligned with God’s will.
Q9: How can reflecting on Jesus’ teachings about children impact our daily lives?
A9: Reflecting on these teachings can help us cultivate a deeper faith, practice humility, and strive for purity. By incorporating these principles into our daily lives, we draw closer to Jesus and align ourselves more with His teachings.
Q10: Is Jesus saying we should become childish?
A10: No, Jesus isn’t saying we should become childish. He’s encouraging us to adopt the positive qualities of children—trust, humility, and innocence—while maintaining maturity in our faith and actions.
