Let the Children Come to Me

Let the Children Come to Me

Reflection on Matthew 19:13-15

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“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, ‘Let the 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

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In this short but deeply profound passage, we are offered a glimpse into the very heart of Jesus—His tenderness, His inclusivity, and His regard for the lowly and innocent.

At first glance, this scene may seem simple, even quaint: children are brought to Jesus, the disciples try to prevent it, and Jesus gently corrects them. But there is more here than meets the eye.

Let us place ourselves in that scene. Parents—perhaps poor, perhaps weary—bring their children to Jesus. Maybe they had heard of His miracles, His teaching, or simply sensed the presence of something holy. And what did they want? Not wealth, not status—but just His blessing. Just His hand upon their children and a prayer from His lips. That is the heart of any loving parent: to entrust their children to God.

But then come the disciples, possibly thinking they are protecting Jesus from disturbance. Perhaps they felt the children were too noisy, too insignificant for someone so important. And yet, it is Jesus Himself who reverses their logic.

He says: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them.” This is not just permission—it’s a command. It’s a declaration that children are not only welcome in the presence of Christ, but that “to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

What does that mean? Why does the Kingdom belong to the likes of children?

Because children embody many of the virtues Jesus calls us to:

• Simplicity. They don’t overcomplicate faith.

• Trust. They believe without cynicism.

• Humility. They know they need others.

• Joy. They find delight in small things.

• Dependency. They recognize their need for care.

Children show us how to receive. And in the spiritual life, this is essential. We cannot earn grace. We receive it as a gift, just as children receive love, food, protection—not because they pay for it, but because they are loved.

Now, consider how this passage applies to us today.

First, do we bring others—especially the most vulnerable—to Jesus? Whether it’s our children, our students, our neighbors, the poor, or the forgotten—do we intercede for them? Do we make space in our lives to lead others toward Christ?

Second, do we ever act like the disciples—hindering others from approaching Jesus? Maybe unintentionally, by being impatient, judgmental, or closed off. Sometimes our attitudes, our indifference, or even our example can make it harder for others to believe in the love of God.

Finally, do we allow ourselves to approach Jesus like children? Or have we let pride, cynicism, or self-sufficiency build a wall between us and God? Jesus invites us not to impress Him, but to trust Him.

In this moment, Jesus’ actions speak as loudly as His words: “He laid His hands on them.” Imagine that scene—Jesus, the Son of God, gently placing His hands on children’s heads, blessing them. No performance. No speeches. Just the quiet power of love.

How many of us long for that same touch from God? We can receive it still—in prayer, in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, where Jesus continues to welcome, bless, and nourish us.

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Key Takeaway:
To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must reclaim the heart of a child—trusting, humble, and open. Jesus does not turn away the little ones, and He will not turn us away. Let us not hinder others—or ourselves—from coming to Him.