Raising Disciples Begins in Childhood

As Jesus’ earthly ministry was coming to its conclusion, He traveled with the twelve disciples through towns where He would heal the sick and teach the crowds the Good News of the Kingdom of God. His teachings challenged the religious leaders, but they also challenged His followers in their understanding of His message. And as they traveled, people desired to be near this miracle-working teacher.

Luke 18:15 records,

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.

During the time of Jesus, children were not highly valued in society. Some believed children needed harsh discipline to train them for adulthood. Others saw children as unworthy of much time or attention until they were old enough to work, serve in the army, or otherwise contribute to society. Even in Jewish culture, though children were considered gifts from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), they were often relegated to a lower status until they reached the age of twelve—“the age of discernment.” At this age, Jewish males were prepared to bear the weight of the law as they entered adolescence (age thirteen). This may have contributed to a lack of time and attention given to children during their early childhood years.

Luke 18:16-17 records,

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Notice in this encounter what Jesus did and did not do. Jesus did not summon the parents to come. Jesus summoned children. Jesus did not say that once a child matures, they become a disciple. Jesus said children are in the Kingdom of God now. Jesus did not keep children at arm’s length. Jesus rebuked the disciples and admonished everyone to not hinder children. Jesus did not say the disciples or religious leaders were the example to follow. Instead, Jesus said children are our example of how to receive the Kingdom.

Questions for Reflection

• How can you bring a child closer to a relationship with Jesus today?
• How can the example of a child’s faith encourage you to receive the Kingdom of God?