In Jesus’ day, children weren’t thought of as equals with adults. They would be given chores to do. They would eat after their father had eaten. They weren’t allowed to speak when grown-ups were speaking. You would never see a child come in and interrupt adults. The family hierarchy was father, mother, and then the children. They were to be quiet and stay out of the way.
So it was quite a shock when people brought little children to Jesus, and He not only accepted them, but embraced and blessed them. He most likely gave them His attention, listened to them, and spoke encouraging words to them.
The disciples, aware of culture and social norms, quickly rebuked the parents for doing such a thing as encouraging their children to interrupt and approach Jesus.
Jesus’ words to His disciples would have shocked them. He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” What are the attributes of a child that makes Jesus say this?
- A child is pure – The Kingdom of God is for the pure in heart. A child is yet to be blemished by the world. Their thoughts, actions, and words are pure.
- A child is trusting – Children believe what you tell them because they have no reason not to. They haven’t been duped, tricked, or lied to early in their lives. They believe what they are told. Faith in Jesus Christ is necessary to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Trusting in God for your salvation is required to have eternal life.
- A child is dependent – Children depend on their parents or guardians for food, shelter, clothing, etc. They rely on someone else to meet all their needs. They don’t yet have their own resources to take care of themselves. We must rely on God to forgive our sins and save us so that we might enter the Kingdom of Heaven. We cannot do this on our own. Our own works will never save us. We must depend on Jesus and His work on the cross.
Jesus welcomed little children when others thought they should stay in the background, demonstrating the great value He places on them. While the disciples tried to turn the children away, Jesus used the moment to teach that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who come to Him with childlike hearts. Children remind us of the qualities God desires in all believers: purity of heart, simple trust, and complete dependence on Him. Just as children rely on their parents for everything they need, we must place our faith in Jesus Christ alone, trusting in His saving work rather than our own efforts.