“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10.13-16
This is not the first time Jesus speaks about the value of children. He does so earlier in Mark 9, and the Gospel of Matthew has several accounts of Jesus supporting and advocating for the value of kids.
His support for children was and is significant. Throughout history, they have received less value and support than deserved. In many countries, children are considered disposable. In others, child labor is supported because the lives of children have little value. And here in the USA, abortion advocates ignore that life begins at conception and even support partial-birth abortion.
Even though Jesus was speaking specifically about young children in this verse, children of all ages have value and are made in God’s image – including the unborn. Those who reject that all life matters miss the mark on what God thinks about all people, regardless of their age and status in life.
I did not intend for this to be a political statement, and indeed it’s not – but rather a human rights statement about the value of all people. We are made in his image and thus should be given the rights afforded to all humans. That being said, Jesus said all children are worthy to receive God’s Kingdom. And the kingdom, in turn, belongs to them. And unless one receives God’s love as a child, they will not inherit everlasting life.
Let’s make sure that all children matter to God. And even as adults, that we come to Christ with childlike faith.
“O Lord God, thank you for loving all people. Thank you for caring not just for adults, but for children too. Help us know the power of your love and to treat everyone with respect. I love you, Lord, and thank you for how you value life.”you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen