“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”– Matthew 19:14 (KJV)
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’”– Matthew 19:14 (NLT)
“Jesus said, ‘Let the children alone, and don’t get between them and me. These children are the very center of life in the kingdom. To be in the kingdom, you must resemble one of these children.’”– Matthew 19:14 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:14 Mean?
In this powerful verse, Jesus highlights the importance of children and their relationship with God. By saying “Let the children come to me,” Jesus teaches us that no one is too young or insignificant to have a connection with Him. Jesus values the innocence and faith of children, setting a standard for how we should approach our own faith. He emphasizes that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who have childlike faith, filled with trust and openness.
Children are often seen as pure, honest, and trusting. When we think about their faith, we notice they believe without the doubts that often plague adults. When Jesus calls us to be like them, He invites us to cultivate simplicity and sincerity in our own faith journeys. We are challenged to shed the barriers that separate us from God, reminding us that we can always approach Him with an open heart—just like a child.
Matthew 19:14 Explanation and Commentary
To understand the depth of what Jesus is saying in Matthew 19:14, we need to look at the context of the moment. Jesus was teaching and healing, and His popularity was growing. In this particular scene, people were bringing their children to Jesus so He could bless them. However, some of His disciples tried to stop the children from approaching Jesus. They believed that Jesus’s time was too valuable and should not be wasted on children.
In response, Jesus rebuked His disciples. His strong words make it clear that He placed high value on children and their simple faith. Jesus illustrates that children, often overlooked by society, are incredibly important in God’s eyes. He not only welcomes them but emphasizes that they play a significant role in the Kingdom of Heaven. By doing so, He challenges conventional views about who is worthy to enter or participate in God’s kingdom.
This verse also speaks volumes about our faith journeys. Think about how many times we may have felt unworthy, insignificant, or judged as we approach God in prayer or worship. Jesus’s message is comforting: He desires our presence and welcomes us in our vulnerable and authentic state. No one is too far for Him, and no one is too little to receive His love. This is the essence of the gospel—the inclusivity and grace that God extends to us all.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of faith that illustrate childlike trust. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We can take a lesson from children who often have an inherent trust in what they cannot see. By embodying this faith, we witness the beauty of God’s grace and learn to trust Him more deeply.
Context of Matthew 19:14
To appreciate the significance of Matthew 19:14, we must explore the surrounding verses and events. Chapter 19 begins with Jesus in Judea, gaining attention for His teachings. The Pharisees approach Him with questions, trying to trap Him in His words regarding divorce (Matthew 19:3). Jesus, however, redirects their focus to the sanctity of marriage and the creation order established by God.
Following this discussion, Jesus emphasizes love and commitment in relationships. It is within this serious adult conversation about moral living that children are brought forth for blessings. The contrast is stark: while adults engage in complex discussions and laws, children embody simple faith and purity. In the midst of deeper theological discourse, Jesus reminds everyone present of the need to maintain simplicity in faith.
In our lives today, it’s common to get caught in moral debates or intense religious discussions. This verse encourages us to remember the essence of our faith—the simplicity of trusting in Jesus. He desires us to embrace childlike trust rather than overcomplicate our relationship with Him through rigid rules or expectations. It teaches that God’s love is for everyone, especially those who come to Him with sincerity.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:14
Understanding Matthew 19:14 involves breaking down its integral messages. Firstly, Jesus’s directive to “let the children come to me” signifies an open invitation for all to experience His love. It encourages us to think about how we, too, can approach Jesus without fear or hindrance. He is always waiting with open arms, ready to receive us.
Secondly, the phrase “for of such is the kingdom of heaven” is a striking declaration. Here, Jesus hints at the characteristics of faith that should be mirrored in our lives. Traits like trust, humility, and innocence are hallmarks of true faith. His emphasis reinforces that the qualities children display naturally—trust, openness, and honesty—are the very attributes that God desires from us.
When we see children being welcomed, it’s a profound act that conveys God’s love for all, regardless of their status or past. God’s kingdom is not limited by human understanding or social constructs. We are reminded that those who approach with childlike faith are invaluable, which redefines our understanding of what it means to belong to God’s kingdom.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:14
As we consider the messages of Matthew 19:14, numerous lessons come to light for us to reflect on. One crucial teaching is that simplicity in faith is essential. Often, we feel the pressure to have everything figured out, or we worry about the right words to pray. Jesus invites us to shed those worries and approach Him as we are, just like children. This encourages open conversations with God, where we can share our hearts without pretense.
Additionally, we learn that everyone is valuable in God’s kingdom. Whether we feel big or small, young or old, our presence matters. Jesus’s call is for us to invite others into the faith community without judgment, allowing all to feel loved and welcomed. It compels us to foster a sense of belonging amongst each other, just like Jesus did for the children. We should remember that we all have a place at God’s table.
Another vital lesson we are reminded of in this passage is the need to cultivate childlike faith in our lives. This means letting go of skepticism and embracing trust in God’s plan. Just as children believe in their parents, we must learn to believe profoundly in God’s promises and His goodness. Matthew 18:3 says, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This not only calls us to be humble but also challenges us to reflect on our beliefs and motives concerning our faith.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 19:14 is a beautiful reminder of how Jesus values the innocence and faith of children. As we reflect on this verse, we find comfort in knowing that God desires our presence and longs for us to come to Him without barriers. It teaches us the importance of childlike attitudes in our relationship with Jesus—trust, humility, and openness.
May we embrace every opportunity to connect with God, just like the children who approached Jesus. And as we gather as a faith community, let us extend that same invitation to others, welcoming everyone with grace and love. Our faith journey is enriched when we share our experiences together and encourage one another in the simplicity of our trust in Christ. As we move forward, let us remember to always come to God like children, knowing we are loved and cherished in the Kingdom of Heaven.
We encourage you to explore more about related biblical teachings and gain insights into faith through various passages that can help us grow in our walk with God. Check out Matthew 11 for more teachings or visit Genesis for foundational stories that shape our understanding of faith.