Matthew 19: Kingdom Counsel (3)
Pray Psalm 28.1, 2.
To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock:
Do not be silent to me,
Lest, if You are silent to me,
I become like those who go down to the pit.
Hear the voice of my supplications
When I cry to You,
When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.
Sing Psalm 28.1, 2.
Angel’s Story: O Jesus, I Have Promised
I cry to You, our Savior, O, be not deaf to me!
LORD, speak to me with favor, lest I should dying be.
Hear now my supplications when for Your help I cry.
Receive these, my oblations, before Your throne on high.
Read Matthew 19.1-15; meditate on verses 13-15.
Who may know the Kingdom of God?
Prepare.
1. How did the disciples respond to those who were bringing children to Jesus?
2. How did Jesus respond?
Meditate.
This is the second time in as many chapters (18, 19) that Jesus has used children to illustrate the kind of people who inhabit the Kingdom of God. In chapter 18, He pointed out the humility of a child, and said that Kingdom greatness depends on nurturing such a humble and self-effacing way of life (Matt. 18.1-5).
In this passage, people were bringing children to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray (v. 13). They had seen the power of Jesus’ touch, and they gathered that He was very close to God. They sought for their children whatever blessing might flow to them by His touching and praying for them. Bringing people to Jesus is always a good thing to do.
The disciples—undoubtedly meaning well, and wishing to guard Jesus from unnecessary interruptions—rebuked those who were bringing the children. Didn’t Jesus have enough to do already, without these parents and friends foisting their children on Him? Jesus did not rebuke them; instead, He merely instructed them to “Let the little children come” to Him (v. 14). We must not forbid any who want to come to Jesus, no matter how inconvenient we may consider their coming. The Kingdom of heaven belongs to those who come to Jesus, and to those who are brought to Jesus by those who love them. The children came expectantly, obediently, and humbly. They submitted to Jesus’ touch (v. 15), and thus became qualified as proper citizens of the Kingdom of God.
What can we learn here? First, we must come to Jesus as often as we may, to be renewed and revived in His grace. Second, we must receive His Word and carry it out to our full potential. Third, we must take every opportunity to bring others to Jesus, telling them of His grace and offering through Him the gift of eternal life. Those who come to Jesus to receive His grace are the kind of folk who inhabit His Kingdom.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
And fourth? We must understand, as Jesus did, that children are quite capable of knowing Him, and trusting Him fully. In fact, didn’t Jesus tell the grown-ups that they needed to become like little children? (Matt. 18.3).
Hannah brought her “young child” (1 Sam. 1.24) to lend him to the LORD for full-time service.
“Now the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD… and the word of the LORD was rare in those days…and the LORD called Samuel…And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears’” (1 Sam. 3.1-18).
Very impressive for a small child.
David, as a child, tended his father’s sheep. And as he said to Saul, “when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. Your servant has killed both lion and bear” (1 Sam. 17.34-36). Very impressive for a lad.
David was still young when he set out to kill the giant Goliath (1 Sam. 17.33). And we know that endeavor was as successful as was his tangling with the bear and lion. Very impressive for a youth.
The young Israeli servant girl, taken captive from her home to Syria, was courageous enough to suggest that her master, Naaman, seek out the help of “the prophet who is in Samaria. For he would heal him of his leprosy” (2 Kgs. 5.3). Very impressive for a displaced youngster.
Jesus, as a twelve-year-old, sat amidst the teachers of the temple, “both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers” (Lk. 2.46).
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Lk. 2.52). Yes, extremely impressive for a pre-teen.
God uses all ages of people in His Kingdom.
God blesses all ages of people in His Kingdom.
God saves all ages to live in His Kingdom (Acts 16.25-34).
If this is so, which it is, why does the Church choose the “acceptable” age:
for children to be useful members of the body?
for children to be deemed ready or worthy of baptism?
for the children to be understanding recipients of communion?
for children to be ready for discipleship?
Jesus said:
“Let the little children come to Me,
and do not forbid them;
for of such is the Kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19.14).
Maybe it’s time for the Church to rethink the value of children and their ministry potential—
and leave the pizzas and frisbees to other entities.
Reflect.
1. What are some reasons children are so important to the life of a church?
2. Do children have a Personal Mission Field? Explain.
3. How should church and home collaborate in making disciples of children?
It is well for us, that Christ has more love and tenderness in Him than the best of His disciples have. And let us learn of Him not to discountenance any willing, well-meaning souls, in their seeking after Christ, though they are but weak. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Matthew 19.13-15
Pray Psalm 28.3-9.
Seek the Lord’s cleansing, strength, and Presence to help you in seeking His Kingdom and righteousness today.
Sing Psalm 28.3-9.
Angel’s Story: O Jesus, I Have Promised
LORD, count me not among those who walk in sinful ways.
With words of peace their tongue glows while evil fills their days.
Your works they disregard, LORD, while evil fills their hands.
Destroy them by Your Word, LORD, and let them no more stand.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus, for He will hear our prayer.
His strength protects and shields us with mercy and with care.
In You our heart rejoices; You help us by Your Word.
To You we raise our voices to praise and thank You, LORD.
Our strength are You, O Savior, our strong defense and sure.
Anointed with Your favor, we rest in You secure.
Save us, and bless us, Jesus, upon us turn Your face.
With shepherd’s care, LORD, keep us forever in Your grace.
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest: This week: Our Read Moore podcast continues our readings from the book, The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart. Our Crosfigell teaching letter is pursuing a series on the spiritual poetry of the Celtic Revival. The ReVision column is working through a study of the role of reason in the life of faith. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
