Knowing The Word in Luke 18:15-17

Let the Children Come to Me

18:15 Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 17 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Comments

“They” is masculine in the Greek, suggesting mothers and fathers brought their children to Jesus for him to lay hands on them for a blessing. They brought them into the direct presence of God. One wonders why the disciples rebuke these parents? Perhaps the disciples thought Jesus was busy enough and had no time for these children. Yet Jesus commends these children with their whole-hearted trust in him, which is the antithesis of the Pharisee in the previous parable. They show us the way into the kingdom of God in their utter dependence and natural spirituality.

Application

Children are born with a natural spirituality that can either be developed or squashed by their parents. Recent research shows that children whose spirituality is encouraged and developed do much better as adults. Most people come into faith in Jesus by fifth grade. After that point, the conversion of people to Christ falls off precipitously. As followers of Jesus, we should never stand in the way of children but always encourage their participation in all aspects of church life. Have you volunteered in some aspect of Family Ministry as a Sunday school teacher, mentor, or volunteer? Consider where God can use you in the life of young Christians.

Prayer

Father, you want the little children to come to your Son. Move my heart to love them as you love them.