In Jesus’s day, those in authority regarded children as a burden until they could work. Sadly, today there are those who still regard children as a burden, especially those in the womb.

But there is hope! Read the clear words of Jesus about children. “Let the children come to me.”

Today’s passage is about children and seeking Jesus with the trust of a child. It’s for you and me.

 “Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

Why were they bringing their children to Jesus?

Could it be love?

It seems quite likely that loving parents wanted Jesus to bless their children. Some would have had sickness, others birth defects, while others were healthy. They all brought their children because they had seen what Jesus could do. Jesus loved them. Jesus healed them. He made them whole.

The disciples thought children wasted Jesus’s time. Jesus chided His disciples. He responded in a totally opposite way. “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them…for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

Think of it-why wouldn’t Jesus love children?

From the before the creation of the world Jesus has loved children. He gives them and us life! They are no burden to Him. But did Jesus mean only children would go to heaven? Can an adult become a child in order to enter heaven?

No.

But, an adult can trust like a child.

And God’s Holy Spirit continually speaks to every adult heart. He speaks to you and me now declaring,  “There is a safe place. You can be forgiven. Believe in Jesus.”

Children have an innocence adults have lost. The evil of the world strips innocence from us. We adults become cynical and mistrusting because of this. By adulthood, the sinful nature is fully in control. Yet, the heart of an adult can become “like a child.” God is willing to take a hard heart and make it childlike.

Let go of your “adult” doubt and cynicism. There really is a Rescuer…there is a REAL Super Hero. He never lets us down. He is always true. He loves children and adults. He is better than any fictional super hero. He has prepared an infinite kingdom for those who believe in Him. More powerful than any fictional super hero- He can clean us from all the bad things we have done…and others have done to us.

His name?

Jesus.

He says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them…”

Jesus, give us the faith of a little child. Wipe our doubts away.