How Jesus Treated Little Children

        “People brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” (Mat.19:13-15)

         Jesus said, “You... know how to give good gifts to your children.” Mat.7:11

        Jesus said, “You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” Mat.11:25

        Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Mat.18:3

        ‘The children [shouted] in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”’ “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” Mat.21:15-16

    These Scriptures are very clear in themselves in showing how we should deal with, talk to and generally appreciate children.  In our first passage, the disciples got in the way— the children couldn’t see Jesus. The disciples completely blocked Him off.

        So how do we relate these few thoughts to today’s world and today’s church?  First off, we would have to say that anything we do that blocks a child’s vision of Jesus, is a sin. Do they see us angry? spiteful? rude? unfair? unjust? Do they hear us lie? gossip? be hurtful?

        What should children see in us? The first thing they should see in us is Jesus. We should be easily approachable by them. We should be able to give them “good gifts”, and communicate with them on their level (“become like little children”). After all, they are children, not small adults.

        On the other hand what should we see in them? In some way “the kingdom of heaven belongs” to them. Something has been revealed to them that has been hidden “from the wise and learned.” We want to learn what that is. Finally (in this little study), we see the children praising the Son of David when adults missed Him. It almost seems like the heartfelt singing from a little Cubbie can surpass our best attempts at praise! Ì