Matthew’s narrative moves quite naturally from a discussion about marriage to the matter of children. It was not uncommon in Jesus’ day for people to bring their children to a recognised holy man to receive his blessing. Why, then, were Jesus’ disciples so reluctant to let the little children come to him (v 13)? We can only speculate, but the fact that beforehand they made no attempt to prevent the Pharisees coming to Jesus (v 3), and later on will do nothing to deter the approach of a rich man (v 16), suggests that they judged the children as unworthy of Christ’s attention because they were powerless and insignificant. How might we effectively ‘close off’ Christ to people, as a result of blind adherence to the prevailing values and attitudes of our own societies?

Jesus’ welcoming of the children is a wake-up call to his disciples. The kingdom of heaven operates according to a completely different value system from that which has governed their lives thus far; and they now need to live out kingdom principles. To this end, they need look no further than the children before them. Jesus not only has time for them, but also holds them up as a model of the attitude required to receive his rule and so enter into true discipleship (v 14). 

‘O Lord God, loving, faithful and righteous, preserve all people and animals. With your priceless unfailing love, O God, may children take refuge in the shadow of your wings.’¹ 

In the previous verses, marriage was central. In today’s passage, the theme of family continues – focusing now on children. In Matthew 18:5, Jesus taught the disciples that to welcome a child is to welcome Jesus himself. Here, children are brought to Jesus for blessing. The disciples should have welcomed them warmly. Sadly, as we so often do, they fail the test. They reject the people with sharp rebuke (epitimaō). By failing to welcome the children, they reject Jesus himself. 

Jesus’ response is not rebuke but a more direct command never to prevent children from coming to him. They must always be warmly welcomed. Implied is Jesus’ deep love for the kids of the world. Furthermore, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such children. Showing how they are to be loved, Jesus laid his hands gently on them, blessing them. 
The disciples are shown graphically how they are to receive children into the church of God in the future.

We see here that children are precious, to be nurtured with gentleness. Each child bears God’s image and to welcome them is to welcome Jesus and the Father. We must adopt Jesus’ attitude towards children, from their conception to adulthood. We who are parents are reminded of the importance of parenting our children well. We must support other parents in this task. The most important ministries in the church are not those for the grown-ups, but those that show God’s love to children. Those of us with material resources must lavishly provide for these ministries and for missions that reach out to families and children. This is especially important where there is deprivation, since it is the children who feel it most. 

Pray, by name, for the children you know. Ask Jesus to lay his hands on them and bless them. Can you contribute to ministry to children and families? 

¹ Based on Ps 36:5–7