Jesus Drops the Mic

Kids in the Mainstream - Jesus’ Ministry 2

This is part 2 in a series of posts about kids belonging in the mainstream of church life. Part 1 is here.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13–15 ESV)

This episode comes just one chapter after Jesus told his disciples that they had to change and become like children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. That they had to humble themselves like children in order to be great. That when they welcomed children, they were welcoming Jesus.

But here the disciples rebuke and try to send away people who want to bring children to Jesus. Some folks are hard on the disciples here, but I don’t think they were bad guys. They probably observed that some “important” people were waiting to see Jesus. Or maybe a crowd was gathered to hear him preach. They wanted to prioritize and keep things moving.

Jesus famously scolds his disciples and welcomes the children, but that’s not all. The passage  says that after he laid his hands on the children, HE WENT AWAY! Yes, I just shouted. Because, after blessing the children, Jesus dropped the mic and left. 



Whoever was waiting to talk to him, whatever crowd had gathered to be healed or hear him teach--they had to come back another day. That’s how emphatic Jesus was about the importance of children.

This passage challenges me to be fully present with my own children and to prioritize ministry to children in my church. How about you?