Why Jesus Said to Come to Him as Little Children

Last weekend I got a great picture of why Jesus said to come to Him as little children.

Why Jesus Said to Come to Him as Little Children

Last weekend our family gathered at a restaurant to celebrate my birthday. As we waited for everyone to get there, I needed to run back out to the car for a second. Our 5 year old granddaughter (Evelyn) wanted to go with me, so off we went.

A Sweet Greeting

As we were walking back to the restaurant, a little girl (Victoria) was waiting by the door. I noticed her watching us as we walked across the parking lot. As we got closer, she looked at Evelyn and said, “Do you want to be my best friend?”

Immediately, Evelyn responded, “Sure!”

I stood there with the girls as Victoria’s family got in line to be seated. Because they were now best friends, Victoria asked if Evelyn could sit with them. They each stayed with their own families of course, but they stayed in contact throughout the night. They were seated near us, so the girls chatted off and on while we ate. When we cut into the cake, Evelyn took Victoria a piece for dessert, because that is what best friends do.

Characteristics of a Child

This is what I noticed about these two sweet girls:

• They had no preconceived ideas about each other.
• They had no fear or reservations about becoming friends.
• There were no judgments.
• Even though they had just met, they seemed to trust each other.
• They were accepting of one another.

All I could think of was Jesus’ words telling people to come to Him like little children.  

Jesus’ Ministry with Children

In Luke 18, many people were coming to Jesus. Some of them, like the chief priests, were trying to trap Him.  Others truly wanted to meet Him.  They wanted to experience healing, see miracles, and hear teaching. Some of them truly wanted to know Him.

As they were coming to Him for various reasons, people began bringing their children. The disciples (I am sure they were trying to protect Jesus’ time), tried to send them away. Jesus taught them an important lesson. He said:

“Let the little children come to me, and don’t stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:16-17

Child-Like Characteristics

What an interesting thing – Jesus’ teachings included young children! As the adults were trying to dismiss them, Jesus was inviting them to be part of the family. As I thought about the children’s characteristics and what Jesus may have been referring to, I had with these thoughts:

• They had no judgments like the adults did.
• They came to Him humbly.
• At an early age, they knew they could trust Him.
• They accepted God’s love.
• They had child-like faith and trusted Him.
• They had no fear or reservations about going to Him.

Do these sound familiar? Evelyn and Victoria shared the same characteristics on an earthly basis. The simplicity of a child and their faith is the same today as it has been from the beginning of time.

Back in Luke’s account, we see where the news of this spread. Now we can learn these same lessons when we read God’s Word. Let us all “come to Him” as a child, trusting Him fully, not only for eternal life but also for a daily relationship here on earth. That is good news!

Other Bible Verses

“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 18:3

“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 19:14

As you go through this next week, I challenge you to observe the child-like faith of children. Watch them and learn. May we all “come to Him” in this same way, humbly and fully trusting Him.

On a Humorous/Side Note

At the end of the night, one of the restaurant employees took our picture outside of the restaurant. When I got home and looked, Evelyn was sticking her tongue out in every one of them! It is refreshing to see a sweet, trusting girl with a great sense of humor! 🤣

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Related Posts

What Have We to Fear?
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Come to God Like a Little Child

Until next week…

Have a Grace & Joy-Filled Day!
Susan