Important to Jesus
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.
In the esteem of the disciples the people being brough to Jesus were not important and the people that brought them to Jesus were to be rebuked for their effort (Matthew 19:13). We can imagine the scene. Fathers are carrying children in both arms to Jesus. Mothers are leading their young ones by the hand to Jesus. But as they are coming near they are intercepted. Before they could get their beloved children to the Teacher His hand-picked men were catching them in the acts and then telling them not to waste the Master’s time with such matters. “What are you doing? The Lord has important things to do. Stop interrupting Him to lay hands on your kids!”
However, Jesus wanted what the parents were trying to do. Indeed, he desired to lay hands on them and people like them. It was not as the disciples had supposed; Jesus not only did not mind what seemed menial, he was speaking of the people being brought as the kind of people in the kingdom (Matthew 19:14). What does Jesus mean and what does it matter? Let us consider related verses from earlier in the gospel:
- Entering the Kingdom: Converted – (Matthew 18:3; See also Mark 10:15 and Luke 18:17) – 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted (στρέφω) and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
στρέφω – to experience an inward change, turn, change, pass. in act. sense. For the better: make a turn-about, turn around Mt 18:3 (JDupont, MBlack Festschr., ’69, 50–60); J 12:40 (Arndt, W. et al, 2000, pp. 948-949)
- The Character of the Kingdom: Teachable, Humble, and Capable of Being Blessed (Matthew 18:4) 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus says that entering the kingdom is conditioned upon a willingness to change position; the person who wants to enter must be converted from their position of defiance, indifference, or misplaced confidence. Consider the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. He was humbled as he entered Damascus to persecute Jesus followers. Prior to this time he was confident in his own righteousness and defiant toward those who tried to present the truth. But, by the grace of God, he became teachable and capable of being blessed. With a new willingness to listen (Acts 9:6), the Lord opened his eyes (Acts 9:17-18), gave him the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17, 19), began to teach him (Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and he became a great in the kingdom as he became last among men (1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:8; 1 Timothy 1:15).
Reflection Questions
- Whom am I tempted to regard as unimportant, inconvenient, or unworthy of Jesus’ attention?
- Have I ever discouraged someone from coming to Christ because of my attitude, assumptions, preferences, or behavior?
- In what area of my life am I still resisting the command to turn, humble myself, and become teachable before God?
- Do I approach Jesus with childlike dependence, or do I rely upon my accomplishments, knowledge, position, or perceived righteousness?
- What misplaced confidence must I surrender so that I can receive what Christ desires to teach me?
- How has the Lord used humbling circumstances to open my eyes, correct my direction, and prepare me to receive His blessing?
- Am I willing to ask, as Saul did, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” and then obey the answer?
- Who is presently trying to draw near to Jesus whom I should welcome, encourage, pray for, or personally bring to Him?
References
Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). In A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature. University of Chicago Press.