LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME

“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.  But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me.  Don’t stop them!  For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’  And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left (Matthew 19:13-15, NLT).” 

I grew up at a time when it was universally understood that children were to be seen and not heard.  Even though I had a religious upbringing, the prevailing thought of the secular world had largely infiltrated the value system of the religious world.  Children were viewed as being the least important in society.  There was a definite hierarchy of importance in society, and those with important positions in government, the media, arts and entertainment, education, business, politics, the medical field and the like, were those of importance.  Most of those in top positions in these fields were rich and famous.   

In Jesus’ day, it was no different!  Even the religious leaders did not want their schedules to be interrupted by the needs and presence of children!  When parents came to Jesus to have Jesus lay hands on and pray for their children, the disciples became indignant!  These parents were interrupting the Master with trivial, non-essential matters!  Jesus astonished the disciples by correcting them, and letting them know just how important the children were to Him.  He took time to lay hands on them and pray for them.   

Then Jesus said something that really amazes me.  He told the disciples to let the children come to Him.  He told them not to stop the children from coming to Him.  Then He laid the bombshell on them by telling them that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children!  I have pondered the meaning of this statement for quite some time!  What did Jesus mean by this?   After years of pondering the meaning of this statement, I have come to understand that He was referring to characteristics of children.  Children believe what parents and adults tell them is true.  They have great imaginations, and unless abused or traumatized, they love to laugh, play and have fun!  They find joy in the simplest of things and activities.  They are trusting, and innocent of evil.  They are also humble and know that they are powerless to accomplish a lot of things.  If their parents tell them that they are going to do something for them, they believe it!   

The Lord Jesus was trying to communicate to His disciples that His followers must have these same characteristics in order to operate effectively in His Kingdom!  As Christians, we cannot expect to experience the signs, wonders and miracles of God in our life unless we have faith in His Word and the truth of His promises.  We must trust Him when we don’t understand what He is doing, and believe that He is working all things out for our good and His greater honor and glory.  Only when I have believed His Word and trusted in Him, have I seen God do amazing things in my life!  He has proven Himself to be faithful to me, and has carried me through good times and bad.  He has healed my body, and healed my broken heart!  Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and I have surrendered my life to His control.  I have found Him to be an amazing, loving father and friend who sustains and strengthens me every day to live for Him! 

PRAYER 

“Dear Jesus, I ask You to reveal Yourself to everyone reading this blog, as God Himself.  You are the eternal God who created and possesses all things.  You were willing to humble Yourself and be born as an infant into a human family.  You love everyone You created with a love that is beyond any earthly love.  Help those who are reading this to know that they are never alone, and that they can have a wonderful, dynamic relationship with You as their Savior and Lord, and see You miraculously transform their lives.”