Matthew 19:14
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Introduction
In Matthew 19:14, we encounter Jesus's profound teaching regarding children and the kingdom of heaven. This verse is part of a larger narrative in which Jesus addresses various societal and personal issues, highlighting His radical inclusivity and transformative views on the marginalized in society.
Commentary
In this passage, Jesus directly counters the disciples' attempt to prevent children from coming to Him. In ancient times, children were often seen as being on the lower rungs of social hierarchy, not warranting significant attention. Jesus’ insistence on letting children come to Him underlines a significant theological and ethical point: the kingdom of heaven is accessible to everyone, irrespective of social standing or age. His response indicates a welcoming and inclusive nature of God's kingdom, where the simple, humble, and even the overlooked are given priority.
Understanding Context
This teaching of Jesus occurs in a broader context where He is approached by various groups and individuals questioning Him about issues like marriage, wealth, and eternal life. By placing this episode with children within these discussions, Matthew highlights the contrast between human societal values and the values of the kingdom of heaven. The disciples initially rebuke the children, perhaps seeing them as distractions or not worthy of Jesus' time, reflecting a common societal view. However, Jesus’ rebuke of His disciples and His welcoming of children is a radical affirmation of His message that the kingdom is not about power and status but humility, receptivity, and openness—qualities often found in children.
Application for Today
This verse calls modern readers to reflect on their own perceptions of worth and status. It challenges churches and believers to be open and welcoming to all, particularly those who are often overlooked or undervalued in society. It asks us to consider how we, like the disciples, might be obstructing people from coming to Jesus, whether through our actions, attitudes, or the structures within our communities.
Reflection
Consider your own community and life:
Who are the "children" in our context, those who might be overlooked or undervalued?
In what ways might we be hindering people from approaching Jesus, and how can we remove these barriers?
Reflect on the qualities of children that Jesus praises. How can we cultivate such qualities in our own spiritual lives to better embody the values of the kingdom of heaven?
This reflection calls for personal introspection and actionable steps to make our communities more inclusive and reflective of the kingdom values Jesus preached.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
