Jesus Loves Me: Experiencing God’s Heart for Kids Primjer

The Value of a Child

All humans are equally important to Jesus, no matter their age, raceor ethnicity. Today’s passage is a beautiful picture of Jesus reaching out to a segment of society that was thought to be insignificant: children.

People were bringing little children to Jesus so he could pray for them. The disciples turned into bouncers and scolded them. They attempted to send the children away, but Jesus had a different plan.

Jesus responded beautifully: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14, NIV).

Children, in their weakness and vulnerability, have much to teach us as adults. As we grow, the hardness of the world often makes our hearts callous. Children have a humble openness to the message of Jesus and the salvation he offers. We can learn from their vulnerability.

Jesus presented a gentle openness to the children. He touched them with compassion and protected them from others. We’re called to follow Jesus’ example. Children are not irrelevant little beings to be discarded. They are to be valued, loved, and shown compassion.

Take time to care for a child who has been discarded, hurtor marginalized. Show a child that he or she has value in your eyes and in the eyes of God. If Jesus can welcome children into his arms, so can we.

Scripture: Matthew 19:13-14