Let The Little Children Come

Matthew 19:13-15

13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

It was a common Jewish practice for parents to take their children to a rabbi so that he might bless them. In the midst of healing the sick and being tested by the Pharisees, people took their children to Jesus. Although He was busy, He still made time to touch the children and pray for them. Jesus was not bothered by them, but the disciples were. In fact, they were so irritated that they rebuked them for disturbing the Lord. They didn’t know His heart. Jesus wanted the little children to come to Him. He loved them, and He didn’t want them to be hindered from drawing near to Him. In the previous chapter when the disciples argued over who was the greatest, Jesus told them they had to become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 18:3). Now He reminds them that the kingdom of heaven is comprised of such little children. Having said that, He continued blessing the children before departing from there.

Three different groups are mentioned in these verses. Most Christians fall into one of these categories. First, you have the unmentioned parents who bring their children to Jesus. Then you have the little children seeking to be touched and blessed by Jesus. Third, you have the disciples rebuking people as they get near the Lord. Which group best describes your current condition? Are you content to remain unnamed and bring people to Jesus so they can be touched and blessed by Him? Do you find yourself wanting to be near Jesus so He can lay His hands on you and pray for you? Or have you become so rigid that seeing someone approach the Lord in a manner you do not approve of causes you to rebuke them so they move further away from Him? It is good if you bring people to Jesus, but don’t get so busy with that that you neglect the blessing of being with the Lord yourself. Set time aside to be with Jesus. Become like a little child. If you are a disciple who has spent a lot of time with Jesus, don’t rebuke the immature believers who are drawing near to Him. Encourage them. They are children in their knowledge of the Lord, so motivate them to spend time with Jesus. And let the little children come.