Jesus and the Children: "Let the Little Children Come to Me"
Among the many profound encounters recorded in the Gospels, few illustrate the heart of Jesus more tenderly and powerfully than His interaction with the children. While His disciples sought to keep the little ones away, Jesus, with divine insight and compassion, embraced them, declaring a truth that reverberates through the ages: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." This pivotal moment, recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, reveals not only the Saviour's love for the innocent but also a profound spiritual lesson about the nature of true faith and entrance into God's eternal Kingdom.
The Disciples' Misunderstanding: A Misguided Zeal
The scene unfolds as people brought their young children to Jesus, desiring that He would touch them and pray over them. This was a common practice, seeking a blessing from a revered holy man. However, the disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting Jesus from distraction or preserving His time for more "important" matters, rebuked those who brought the children. Their actions, though potentially well-intentioned, revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and character.
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
In their zeal, the disciples inadvertently placed a barrier between the children and the Christ. They may have viewed children as insignificant, noisy, or simply not worthy of the Lord's valuable time. This attitude, unfortunately, is not uncommon, even in religious circles, where the value of the young can be overlooked in favour of those perceived as more influential or mature. Yet, Jesus' response would dramatically correct this misconception, revealing a divine perspective that transcends human biases.
Jesus' Loving Correction and Invitation
Upon seeing the disciples' actions, Jesus was "much displeased." This strong reaction underscores the gravity of their error. He did not merely tolerate children; He welcomed them, cherished them, and saw in them a purity and receptiveness that many adults lacked. His subsequent command became a timeless invitation:
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
The word "suffer" here means to allow or permit. It was a direct command to remove any hindrance. Jesus' invitation was clear and unequivocal: children were to be brought to Him, not kept away. This declaration was revolutionary, elevating the status of children in a society where they often held little regard. It showcased Jesus' boundless compassion and His unique ability to see the inherent worth and potential in every soul, regardless of age or social standing.
The Kingdom of God and Childlikeness
The most profound teaching from this encounter is encapsulated in Jesus' declaration: "for of such is the kingdom of God." This statement is not merely about children inheriting the Kingdom, but about adults needing to possess childlike qualities to enter it. Jesus expanded on this truth in another context, stating, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).
What are these childlike qualities that are essential for entering the Kingdom? They are not childishness, which implies immaturity or foolishness, but rather childlikeness:
- Humility: Children naturally exhibit dependence and a lack of self-sufficiency. They are not burdened by pride or the need to earn their worth.
- Trust: A child's faith in a loving parent is simple and implicit. They trust in provision, protection, and love without complicated analysis.
- Dependence: Children understand their need for others. They are not self-reliant but lean entirely on their caregivers for everything.
- Receptivity: Children are often open to new ideas and experiences, without the cynicism or preconceived notions that can hinder adult learning and spiritual growth.
- Lack of Pretense: Children are generally honest and transparent, lacking the masks and facades that adults often wear.
To receive the Kingdom of God "as a little child" (Luke 18:17) means to accept it as a free gift, with humble dependence and simple trust, without attempting to earn it or complicate its simple truth. It is to acknowledge our spiritual bankruptcy and rely solely on God's grace, just as a child relies on a parent.
Blessing and Example: Jesus' Tender Touch
After His profound declaration, Jesus did not merely speak; He acted. "And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:16). This physical act of blessing underscores Jesus' personal care and affection for these little ones. He did not delegate the task; He personally embraced and blessed them. This was a powerful demonstration of His love, not just for humanity in general, but for each individual, even the smallest and seemingly least significant.
Beyond the blessing, the children served as a living example to the proud and self-sufficient adults, including the disciples. They were a vivid illustration of the very qualities necessary for salvation and entrance into God's reign. The children, in their simplicity and vulnerability, became teachers to the wise, revealing the path to true greatness in the Kingdom of God, which is found in humility and dependence.
Lessons for Believers Today
The encounter between Jesus and the children holds timeless lessons for believers in every generation:
- Simple Trust: Believing God's Word without complicated doubts or intellectual arrogance.
- Humble Dependence: Acknowledging our complete reliance on God for salvation, righteousness, and daily sustenance.
- Receptivity to Grace: Receiving God's Kingdom as a gift, not something earned through works or merit.
- Genuine Humility: Being willing to be taught, to admit wrong, and to put others before ourselves, just as a child is often more willing to learn and obey.
Conclusion: The Enduring Invitation
The tender scene of Jesus embracing the children is more than a heartwarming anecdote; it is a profound theological statement. It reveals the very heart of God – a heart that welcomes the humble, the dependent, and those who approach Him with simple faith. It reminds us that the pathway to the Kingdom is not through intellectual prowess, social standing, or religious achievement, but through a childlike trust in the Saviour.
Jesus' invitation, "Let the little children come to me," extends far beyond the youngsters of His day. It is an enduring call to every soul, young and old, to cast aside pride and self-sufficiency, to humble themselves, and to receive the glorious Kingdom of God with the open, trusting heart of a child. In this simple yet profound truth lies the essence of salvation and the blessed entrance into eternal life with our loving Lord.