Matthew 19:14

In Matthew 19:14, Jesus delivers a profound statement that underscores the very nature of His kingdom and the qualities required to enter it. This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian humility and the value of children in God's eyes.

Context

This powerful declaration from Jesus comes immediately after His disciples attempted to rebuke parents who were bringing their children to Him for a blessing. The disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting Jesus' time or dignity, saw the children as a distraction or insignificant. However, Jesus' response sharply corrects their perspective, revealing a counter-cultural and deeply spiritual truth. This event is also recorded in parallel accounts in Mark 10:14 and Luke 18:16, highlighting its significance in the Gospel narratives.

Key Themes and Messages

• Unconditional Welcome: Jesus emphatically states, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me." The KJV word "suffer" here means "allow" or "permit," emphasizing that access to Jesus is open and unhindered, especially for those typically overlooked or considered least important in society. This challenges any notion that certain groups are less worthy of God's attention or blessing.
• The Nature of the Kingdom of Heaven: The core reason Jesus gives is, "for of such is the kingdom of heaven." This does not imply that only literal children inherit the kingdom, but rather that the kingdom belongs to those who possess childlike qualities. These qualities include humility, dependence, trust, lack of pretense, and a simple, unadulterated faith. This echoes Jesus' earlier teaching about becoming like little children to enter the kingdom in Matthew 18:3.
• Divine Value of Children: Jesus elevates the status of children, positioning them as examples for adult believers. They are not merely future members of the church but embody the very characteristics essential for spiritual entry into God's reign.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Suffer little children" uses an archaic sense of the verb "suffer," meaning "allow" or "permit." The Greek word is aphiēmi (ἀφίημι), which carries the sense of letting go, allowing, or sending away. In this context, it's a clear command to allow children to approach without hindrance. The term "kingdom of heaven" is characteristic of Matthew's Gospel, often used synonymously with "kingdom of God" found in Mark and Luke, reflecting Matthew's Jewish audience who might avoid direct use of God's name.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless applications for believers today:

• Embrace Childlike Faith: We are called to approach God with the humility, trust, and simple dependence characteristic of a child, rather than with adult cynicism, self-sufficiency, or intellectual pride. This openness allows us to fully receive God's grace and truth, much like a child receiving a gift without question.
• Welcome All to Christ: Just as Jesus welcomed children, we are to ensure that our communities and churches are places where everyone, especially the vulnerable, marginalized, and those who feel unworthy, feel invited and cherished. We must remove barriers that prevent people from coming to Jesus.
• Value and Nurture Children: The passage reminds us of the immense spiritual value of children. It encourages parents, guardians, and the church body to prioritize their spiritual formation and to recognize them as full participants in the community of faith, not just future members.

In essence, Matthew 19:14 is a powerful reminder that the path to God's kingdom is through humility, trust, and simple faith, qualities often best exemplified by a child.