“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.”– Matthew 19:13 (KJV)
“One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.”– Matthew 19:13 (NLT)
“Let the children alone! Don’t get between me and them. These children are the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you will never get in.”– Matthew 19:13 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:13 Mean?
Matthew 19:13 brings forth a touching scene where children are being brought to Jesus by their parents. This passage is a great reminder that Jesus values and loves children dearly. In a time when children may have had little significance in society, it’s beautiful to see that parents felt compelled to bring their little ones to Him. The act of bringing children to Jesus is not merely one of physical presence; it shows a desire for spiritual guidance, blessing, and protection. The children’s innocence stands in stark contrast to the serious discussions adults often have about laws, rules, and discipleship. This scene illustrates the importance of faith that is simple, genuine, and trusting.
When the parents brought their children to Him, their main intentions were to have Jesus bless them by laying His hands upon them. In biblical tradition, the laying of hands symbolizes authority and blessing. It was customary for teachers and leaders during that time to bless children, which holds significance in our understanding of Jesus’ mission. When we think about Jesus’ ministry, it was characterized by care, compassion, and love for all – especially those who were vulnerable and often marginalized.
Yet, despite the good intentions of the parents, we see intervention from the disciples, who scold these parents for bringing the children to Jesus. This reaction may reflect a common view of that time, where adults were seen as more important than children. However, it also highlights a key teaching moment where Jesus teaches us how to value all individuals, no matter their age or status.
As we reflect on the overall meaning of this verse, we can conclude that the act of bringing children to Jesus is much more than physical proximity. It signifies a relationship with Jesus; it reminds us that He wants us to come to Him openly, without reservations or distractions. Just as children are innocent, trusting, and genuinely curious, we are encouraged to embrace these qualities in our own faith. Jesus also sees the heart behind our actions, and His desire for us extends beyond rituals – He seeks relationship.
Matthew 19:13 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we have an enlightening conflict between adults and Jesus. On one hand are the parents who recognize Jesus as someone who can bless their children. They desire their kids to experience the love and grace of Jesus. On the other hand, we have the disciples who, in their misunderstanding, attempt to prevent this from happening. They may have held a belief that Jesus had far more important matters to handle than engaging with children.
Through physical touch, Jesus was demonstrating acceptance and love. We see a characteristic of Jesus here that most certainly aligns with His overall ministry: He welcomed everyone, including those that society marginalized. The lesson is clear: God’s kingdom is for all, especially the vulnerable and those who often go unnoticed. It teaches us that love is never too busy to welcome those who seem insignificant.
Jesus’s response to the disciples shows His heart towards children. He instructs the disciples to let the children come to Him and highlights that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who have a child-like faith. In recognizing the importance of children, He was also illustrating how we must approach God – with honesty, humility, and trust. Children, in their innocence and simplicity, lead by example in faith. This is a call to all of us to consider our own hearts and to reduce the barriers we may place in our faith.
Each time we reflect on the scene depicted in Matthew 19:13, we should think about how we are welcoming others into our lives and into our faith communities. Are we acting like the parents who bring children close to Jesus, or like the disciples who want to push them away? Jesus invited the children to Himself, showing us how to embrace those who might be considered less important in society, and it challenges us to do the same.
We should consider the importance of our relationships with the younger generations. Just as parents saw the necessity of bringing their children to Jesus, we too should see the necessity of guiding and encouraging our children toward spiritual growth. Our actions and attitudes might speak concepts louder than words, and we can teach them by providing a welcoming environment for faith to flourish. With this verse, we are encouraged to examine how we can create such an environment in our homes, schools, and workplaces.
Context of Matthew 19:13
To fully appreciate Matthew 19:13, we need to consider the context in which it is presented within the Gospel of Matthew. This chapter directly follows a profound teaching by Jesus about marriage and divorce, where He emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and God’s original design for the relationship between a husband and wife. Immediately following this discussion on serious relationship dynamics, we see a confrontation with the disciples regarding children. This stark juxtaposition of subjects helps highlight Jesus’ approach to those who are vulnerable and often sidelined in adult conversations.
This context is essential because it allows us to see that Jesus intentionally transitions from serious adult subjects to a gentle reminder about the value of children. The disciples’ attempt to push the children away shows their misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and priorities. Children symbolize purity, untainted faith, and the essence of trust. When Jesus rebukes His disciples, He is not just affirming children but teaching them (and us) about the nature of His kingdom.
The surrounding context illustrates how Jesus’ ministry unfolded during His time on earth. He continuously engaged individuals who were often marginalized: the sick, the poor, and yes, even children. By linking the discussions about the value of marriage with the acknowledgment of children, Jesus emphasizes that the fabric of relationships initiated by God starts with the family and extends outward. Children, being the next generation, represent hope and the continuation of these loving relationships.
This narrative serves to reinforce the notion that God’s intention for humanity includes the nurturing and spiritual development of all ages. When we read Matthew 19, we see that our God is one who desires to meet us where we are, bringing love, compassion, and hope into every element of life. We must recognize that our relationships, both with our peers and with our children, reflect our understanding of God’s grace and love.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:13
Breaking down Matthew 19:13, we approach several key components. The act of bringing children signifies the value that parents place on Jesus’ role as a teacher and healer. The instructions from the disciples express their misguided perception about children’s unimportance compared to adult concerns. Then we observe Jesus’s clear response to allow children access to Him.
In many respects, this verse champions the principle that all individuals can approach God. The invoking imagery of children illustrates not just a physical example of innocence but also a spiritual representation of faith. By laying His hands on the children, Jesus offers more than just a blessing; He shows deep compassion and a recognition of their worth.
The disciples’ actions further illustrate society’s general tendency to prioritize adult concerns and discussions. They likely believed that Jesus’ time was better spent elsewhere, meaning they missed the opportunity to learn from this interaction. Their misjudgment reminds us to remain cognizant of how we value contributions from those who might seem less significant at times.
Jesus does not simply suggest that children are valuable in God’s eyes; He elevates their status by stating that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who approach God with child-like faith. His admonition serves as a potent reminder for us. It beckons us to consider how we might cultivate a faith that looks to Him in complete trust, just as children do toward their parents. Embracing simplicity, honesty, and meekness illustrates the heart behind our relationship with God.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:13
As we consider Matthew 19:13, there are invaluable lessons for us to take to heart. First, it teaches us about the importance of children in God’s Kingdom. Children are not just future members of the church; they are vital participants in the present. Just as parents brought their children with the expectation of receiving blessings from Jesus, we must also nurture their spiritual journeys today.
This passage reiterates that faith is most accessible when approached with the simplicity and joy of a child. Our relationship with God should be grounded in trust, awe, and confidence, unhindered by the complexities often brought on by adult experiences. As we grow in our faith, we should strive to return to that child-like trust.
Another lesson revolves around our responses to those perceived as less significant. The disciples were attempting to protect Jesus from what they saw as distractions, revealing how we sometimes overlook the individuals who desperately need to feel God’s love. Rather than dismissing, we can choose to embrace those who may seem unimportant and look for ways to showcase God’s love through our actions. This reminds us that we are called to welcome everyone into our lives, especially those who might feel lost or ignored.
We also see the emphasis on community and relationships. The parents came together, speaking to the strength found in parenting solidarity. Together, they sought Jesus for assistance; we can glean from this how important it is to support one another in our spiritual growth. We all carry the responsibility of nurturing the next generation and equipping them with faith that serves as their foundation. This element of community leaves an imprint as we call upon each other to share the weight of these responsibilities, ensuring that no child is overlooked.
Finally, there is a call to action within this passage. We are reminded that we should not make excuses for why we cannot welcome others into our lives or church community. Instead, we should be diligent to open our hearts to meet others where they are, demonstrating the love of Christ in everything we do.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 19:13 reminds us of the profound love Jesus has for children and serves as a divine instruction on the value of approaching God with child-like faith. We are challenged to reconsider the attitudes we hold towards those we perceive as less significant in our community. Just as the parents passionately sought Jesus for their children, we must also make it a priority to introduce our young ones to Him.
This passage encourages us to be open-hearted and welcoming, regardless of status or age. Jesus’ response to His disciples creates a moving call for us in the 21st century. Are we presenting the grace of God to all?
It is essential to integrate the lessons from Matthew 19:13 into our daily lives, understanding that every interaction we have—especially with the younger generations—holds significance. Let us set an example of faith that draws others closer to Christ, creates an atmosphere of love, and nurtures those who look to us for guidance. We are entrusted with tasks that shape the hearts and minds of the children around us, and it is our blessing to show them the beauty of faith.
For further exploration of topics related to righteous living and spiritual growth, check out some insightful passages on biblical themes such as faith and reliance or delve into stories of God’s promises found in Genesis. Each offers invaluable lessons and guides our hearts toward deeper understanding and practice of God’s word.