Jesus' Acceptance of Children

Scripture Text

Matthew 19:13-15; 18:1-6

Intro: Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (ESV) ¹⁸ "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as front-lets between your eyes. ¹⁹ You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

God says in these verses that teaching our children about Him and His word is important.

I. Jesus accepts little children. Matthew 19:13-15 (NKJV) 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.

a. The bible has much to say about God's little ones. We are to permit them to come to Jesus and not forbid them according to these verses, and we are to encourage them in the things of the Lord so they can receive His blessings, favors and salvation. Many parents were bringing children... to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples felt this was a waste of Jesus’ time. They began rebuking those bringing their children. Jesus rebuked the disciples, telling them to let the little children come and not hinder them. The kingdom of heaven is not limited to adults who might be considered to be worth more than children. The implication in verse (15) is that Jesus had time for all the children, for He did not depart from the region till He had blessed them all. Anyone of any age who exhibits such faith and trust is promised access to Jesus and to the Kingdom. The disciples must have forgotten what Jesus had said about children earlier (18:1-6).

II. Jesus protects little children. Matthew 18:1-6 (NKJV) ¹ At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" ² Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. ⁶ "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

a. The disciples were still anticipating an earthly kingdom and wondering what great positions they would have. In response Jesus took a little child, who had no rights according to the Law, and stood him in their midst. He told the disciples a change in their thinking was necessary. Greatness in the kingdom was not based on great works or words, but on childlike humility of spirit.

b. Jesus’ reply indicated they were asking the wrong question. They should have been concerned about serving the Lord, not asking about positions in the kingdom. Their service needed to be directed toward people, including children, for Jesus spoke about welcoming a little child... in His name. Little thought was directed in those days toward children, but Jesus did not overlook them. In fact, He gave a stern warning concerning any who might place a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in Him. (Notice what Jesus said. He said Little children can—and do—believe in Him!) Whoever Causes one of these little ones to sin translates the verb “to offend, or cause to fall.” It would be better for such an offender to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. A truly humble person does not concern himself with position or power, but is concerned about active service, especially toward those who are most in need which includes children.

Conclusion: Think of the children who are not brought to Christ. The result is tragic: they never come to know Christ and the life and security He brings to the human heart and soul. They will never know salvation and the eternal life that Jesus can bring.

May we as a church do all we can to help children come to know Jesus.

 Invitation: God desires that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. There is only one God and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who gave Himself as a ransom for all. Have you been saved? Where will you spend eternity when this life is over? Ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you today! Then be baptized to show you are sincere!