Parents of children should be ready to give time to promote the spiritual welfare of the little ones in their care (Deut. 6:7-9; Eph. 6:4). There are so many evils in the world, that we should not only pray that the Lord will deliver us from evil (Mt. 6:13), but we should also place the lives of our children into the Lord’s hands and pray earnestly that He will deliver them and bless them in the way of righteousness throughout their days. Little children were brought to Jesus that He would lay His hands on them and pray for them (Mt. 19:13). Jesus took time for children, but His disciples on this occasion wanted none of it. The disciples rebuked them. They thought Jesus had more important things to do than to be bothered by these children.

Jesus, however, placed importance on children, reversing the conventional values that the disciples had learned in their day. Jesus said to His disciples, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 19:14). While children have much to learn, they often possess simple trust and dependence that adults often lack. They also lack the pride, self-assertion, and brooding revenge that are often in the hearts of adults. In the previous chapter of Matthew, the disciples were wondering who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Mt. 18:1). Jesus taught them an object lesson. He placed a little child in their midst 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. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me” (Mt. 18:3-5).  While the child must have seemed small and insignificant in the midst of grown men, it is this very quality of humility that Jesus highlights as key to entering His kingdom. Each of us must possess humility if we are to have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5-8). A child possesses the humility to learn and grow that a self-sufficient adult often does not have. Children can be taught the gospel and can grow to become like God. Solomon said, “Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished” (Ecc. 4:13).

The church, Christ’s kingdom, values children. Sadly, many homes do not provide the environment where the welfare, especially spiritual welfare, of children is promoted. If the church is to practice pure religion, then we must care for the fatherless (Jas. 1:27). God’s righteousness includes being a father and helper to the fatherless (Psa. 10:14; 68:5). Those without natural affection, i.e. love for their own children, will meet God’s judgment (Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3). Some of the worst forms of harm in our world today are inflicted on children. God’s kingdom of light must overcome this evil darkness with doing good (Rom. 12:21; Phil. 2:15). We must open our mouths and stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Prov. 31:8). Let’s do all we can to provide a way for precious souls of little ones to come to Jesus and be blessed in this life and the life to come.

-Mark Day