“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18.15-17
If Jesus were walking the earth today, I think He might be putting on kids’ summer camps. I mean it. He loves children so much. Why would He not create opportunities for children to come and know Him better? I can certainly see Jesus hosting these camps overflowing with children.
This image is sealed for eternity: how Jesus feels about children. People loved Jesus and were thus bringing their children to Him. His disciples, who truly did not yet understand the heart of God, rebuked the people—most likely parents who wanted Jesus to bless their kids. But Jesus speaks directly to the children, bypassing the adults in the room, and says, “Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
What does it mean that “the kingdom of God belongs to them”? Kids do not contribute much to society economically when they are young. They can’t go to war and fight, buy and sell stocks or bonds, reach the gas pedals on cars, or hard-wire computers. Children are not yet full contributing members of society. But they are sponges—they are learning, growing, and soaking in everything around them. In school they are gathering information and being molded into who God is making them to be.
Jesus knows all this—He knows children because He created them. And this is what He loves about them: their innocence, their naiveté, their free-spirited love. Not all kids are like this—some have been wounded by adults. But naturally, children are sweet, playful, untarnished, and filled with joy. Kids look more like God’s original design than any of the rest of us! Perhaps this is why He says the kingdom of God belongs to them—because they represent the kingdom.
Lastly, Jesus tells us that anyone who does not receive the kingdom like a child will never enter it. This is God’s heart—to be like a joyful, happy, innocent, loving, playful child. This is why I love working with kids so much: they see life unlike any of us adults—they love life. Even those who have been wounded will begin to play, sing, dance, and laugh when given a chance.
So as we think about God’s kingdom this day and entering it with joyful obedience, let us be like children. Let us approach this day not weighed down by the burdens of this world but filled by God’s Spirit, joyfully awaiting whatever the day may bring. And even though this world has been tainted by sin, the Kingdom is here—surrounding us, filling us, and allowing us to walk fully in the light of the Lord.
“O Lord God, You are good and just. Thank You for allowing us to know the power of Your love and the strength of Your grace. Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with joy—let us be like kids, captured by an innocence and seeing You face to face. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good and Your love endures forever.” Amen.