Through his teachings and his miracles, Jesus had shown himself to be loving and kind, powerful and wise. Who wouldn’t want to be in the presence of someone like that? And so the children came, hardly imagining that they might receive anything more than a few moments with this rabbi whom their parents had spoken about so enthusiastically. So it must have been a great blessing—and completely unexpected—to be welcomed so warmly by Jesus and to have him pray with them.
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them” (Matthew 19:14). With these words, Jesus rebuked his well-meaning disciples. They were trying to protect Jesus, to keep him from being bothered by “the little things.” But in Jesus’ eyes, the children weren’t a bother. They weren’t “little” at all. They were models of the kingdom of God for all the grown-ups. They had come to him simply, humbly, innocently, and he was eager to receive them and bless them.
Jesus’ actions here went against the prevailing philosophy of the age. First-century Mediterranean cultures were highly patriarchal, and that meant that children were often seen as little more than the property of their fathers. But here was a teacher who valued children for who they were in and of themselves. Here was someone willing to welcome the little ones, listen to their concerns, and pray with them just as he prayed with grown-ups. Once again, Jesus proved himself to be counter-cultural! Once again, he shows us how to treat everyone in our lives, big and small alike.
You too have great value and dignity in Jesus’ eyes. You are not a “little thing” or unimportant. You are never a bother to him. So don’t be afraid to come to him. Set aside your list of needs and wants and just sit with him. He will always be glad to receive you. He always has time for you. Let him affirm your dignity and worth, even—especially—during those times when you struggle to see it yourself!
“Jesus, thank you for welcoming me into your presence today. Help me to see myself the way you see me: as a treasured, valued child who is worth your time and attention.”
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32 Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19