The Meaning of Matthew 19:13-14: Jesus and Children

Matthew 19:13-14

13 Then were there brought to him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come to me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:13-14 reveals the deep love Jesus has for children and the essential role of parents and teachers in leading young souls to their Saviour.

The Invitation to the Children 🧒

Jesus gave a divine command to allow little children to come to Him because the kingdom of heaven is made up of those who possess child-like simplicity and trustCG 491.1+1. This invitation is a precious promise that youth is the very best time to seek the Lord, as young minds are not yet harassed by the heavy burdens and cares of lifeCG 491.1+1. Jesus loves children and desires them to be His "lambs," noting that even small children can comprehend His teachings and love Him with ardent affectionCSW 55.1+1. Because the Master has passed through the trials and griefs of childhood Himself, He knows their sorrows and is currently drawing their hearts to Him by His Holy SpiritRH December 17, 1889, par. 6+1.

The Rebuke of the Disciples 🚫

When mothers brought their children to Jesus, the disciples attempted to send them away, thinking the Master was too busy with important lessons to be disturbed by such an unimportant matterCSW 55.1+2. This narrow faith and mistaken zeal to preserve Christ's dignity actually grieved the SaviourST December 19, 1878, Art. A, par. 2+1. He was much displeased with His followers for suggesting His grace was limited or that children should be kept from HimRH March 30, 1897, par. 2+1. Christ rebuked them because He knew that these children would become the future heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdomT26 206.1.

A Lesson for Parents and Teachers 🏡

Parents have a sacred responsibility to bring their children to the Master, as parents stand in the place of God to their children in their early yearsDG 184.1+1. These verses serve as an encouragement for fathers and mothers to press even their restless and wayward children into Christ’s noticeAH 275.3.

• Education: Children should be taught that Jesus is ready to receive them today just as He did when He was on earth10LtMs, Ms 16, 1895, par. 27.

• Discipline: When correction is needed, parents should present the sympathizing Redeemer to the child, praying with them so that the child's heart may be broken in penitence rather than just through physical painAUCR September 6, 1909, par. 10+1.

• Sabbath School: Those who seek to gather children into the Sabbath school are doing a work that greatly pleases the MasterCSW 55.1+1.

The Example of the Child Jesus ✨

The childhood of Jesus Himself sanctified the experience of youth, as He grew in wisdom and stature while remaining subject to His parents Luke 2:40-5221MR 224.2+1. He did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools but learned from His mother, the scrolls of the prophets, and the great library of God’s created works in natureHLv 41.1+1. Following His example, children today can learn about the unseen God through the seen things of natureCG 47.5.

The Eternal Reward 👑

Faithful parents and teachers who sow the seeds of truth in young hearts will eventually see a harvest of soulsCSW 55.1. There is a beautiful promise that children who have died before the years of accountability will come again from the land of the enemy to their own border Jeremiah 31:16-17ARSH September 9, 1858, page 135.28. When these laborers see the children they helped save around the great white throne, wearing crowns and white robes, they will hear the music of the Master's voice saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:21CSW 55.1+1.