Let the Little Children Come to Me

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Matt 19:13-14 ESV ​ This past weekend on our program with Texas Baptist Children’s Home at Colorado Bend State Park, we worked with a younger group of kids than is typical for us. I was struck by how unassuming, trusting, and innocent these children were. One of the little boys walked up to our staffer, Nick, on the first day and asked him, “Can we be friends?,” to which Nick responded, “Of course!” “Can I follow you around then? Because that’s what friends do!” The little guy then proceeded to follow Nick pretty much everywhere! ​ In his classic book Christ and the Young People, Francis E. Clark had this to say: “We get the impression from the Gospels that Jesus was completely approachable. He was available and open to interruptions. His disciples sometimes tried to stand between him and the people, but He wouldn’t allow it.” Children need adults in their lives who are approachable like Jesus, who will stop whatever they are doing to just be friends with them and care about what is going on in their lives. Sometimes as adults we can get so caught up in our busy lives that we don’t take time for the little children God puts in our path. It doesn’t really take a lot of talent or ability to bless a child, just humility and a gentle spirit. It is my hope that you will find opportunities in the coming days and weeks to gently lead little children towards Jesus, for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven.