Sometimes, it is the simplest Bible truths that we need to revisit. I cannot think of any Bible truth so relevant to children’s ministry than Matthew 19:14-15, “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.’ And He placed His hands on their heads and blessed them before He left.”
These verses are so important to children because it teaches them that God loves them so much that Jesus even reprimanded His own disciples. In their minds, children were just in the way, they were just an afterthought. It doesn’t appear that the disciples even considered that children might have hearts that would be open to Christ’s message.
I believe that Jesus drew the children to Him because of their incredible faith. Even after years of serving children in ministry, I am still awed at the total faith of a child to believe the impossible. The Gospel message is simple and children receive it as such without all of the trappings we adults want to attach to it.
It is easy for a child to believe that God could be born as a baby and live on this earth. It is easy to believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, that Jesus, who was dead, could come back to life again. It is easy for them to believe that there is a place called Heaven for those who accept God’s gift of salvation, and an equally horrible place where God does not live called Hell for those who reject Him.
Kids understand about punishment for the bad things we do, asking for forgiveness, do overs, and second chances. Jesus knew what kids were about. He made them. He is God. And He loved them enough to make time for them, to say to those children on that day, “You are important to me.” Jesus even took the time to place His hands on their heads and bless them.
I hope this familiar passage will minister to you today, and be an impetus for a quick spiritual inventory. Sometimes we serve God for many years and we slip into complacency, forgetting our First Love.
Do you still have the faith of child to believe God for the impossible? Do you believe the truth of all of God’s Word, or do you simply live the parts that are easiest for you to follow? Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins? Or do you live your life in a way that says you think you are good enough all by yourself to get to heaven? Do you believe Jesus, who was dead, could come back to life again? If you do, is that same power evident in your life?
I have been in church long enough to know not to assume that everyone who serves in ministry believes the Gospel. That may sound shocking, but many years ago, I was shocked when I learned that a Sunday School teacher I served with did not fully believe in the existence of God herself. So, sometimes we just need to be reminded that the message of the Gospel is simple. God is REAL. God loves us. God sent His Son to save us. Those who believe in Christ will live forever with God.
It is not our service that pleases God, it is our faith. And just like Christ blessed those children, He is ready to bless those who believe.
Visitas: 3