Jesus Loves the Little Children

Matthew 19:13-14 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." ESV

Jesus loves the little children. They were precious to Him and He loved to be surrounded by them. Little children were not a nuisance, a burden or in the way to our Lord, but were like a spring of fresh water in a parched, arid land. In the actions and attitudes of the children, Jesus could see a glimpse of the kingdom of God. They were full of love, joy and peace. They were dependent upon their parents and full of trust. And it takes little to make a child happy. Little children simply enjoy life and love nothing more than being in the company of their parents. As Jesus observed little children in their innocent and carefree joy, He must to have thought to Himself, “There is a picture My Father’s kingdom. This is how He purposed for all His children, young and old, to live.” Yet, as adults we begin to take ourselves too seriously, become to independent upon ourselves, and become bound by the cares of this world and in so doing lose our joy and love for life. Therefore, we compromise and forfeit our witness for God’s kingdom. Lord, make us as little children.