Matthew 19:13–14- Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me

 “Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and
pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:13–14 KJV

Matthew 19:13–14 gives us a beautiful picture of Jesus welcoming children. Parents or caregivers brought little children to Him because they desired His touch and prayer over their lives. The disciples attempted to stop them, but Jesus corrected the disciples and made it clear that the children were welcome in His presence.

This passage teaches us about the heart of Christ toward children, the responsibility of adults to bring children to Him, and the qualities associated with receiving the kingdom of God.

“Then Were There Brought Unto Him Little Children”

The children did not simply arrive by themselves.

They were:

“brought unto him…”

Someone cared enough to bring them to Jesus.

This gives parents, grandparents, guardians, and other believers an important example. Children need adults who will intentionally bring them into contact with the truth of Christ.

We bring children to Jesus when we teach them His Word.

We bring them to Jesus when we pray with them.

We bring them to Jesus when we demonstrate godly character before them.

We bring them to Jesus when we teach them to pray and help them understand the gospel.

Adults have an important responsibility to help the next generation know the Lord.

“That He Should Put His Hands on Them”

Those bringing the children desired Jesus to place His hands upon them.

In the biblical world, laying hands upon someone could accompany blessing and prayer.

Mark's parallel account tells us:

“And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.” — Mark 10:16 KJV

What a tender picture.

The same Jesus who taught multitudes, confronted religious leaders, healed the sick, and proclaimed the kingdom made room for little children.

They were not insignificant to Him.

“And Pray”

The children were brought so that Jesus would:

“pray.”

This reminds us of the importance of praying for children.

Pray for their salvation.

Pray for their protection.

Pray for wisdom as they grow.

Pray that they will know God's Word.

Pray that they will develop discernment.

Pray that they will resist ungodly influences.

Pray that their lives will fulfill God's righteous purposes.

Children need more than material provision.

They need prayer.

“The Disciples Rebuked Them”

The disciples apparently considered the children an interruption or believed Jesus' attention should be directed elsewhere.

But Jesus saw the situation differently.

Sometimes people can become so occupied with what they consider important ministry that they overlook people whom Jesus considers important.

The disciples attempted to create a barrier between the children and Christ.

Jesus removed that barrier.

“Suffer Little Children”

The KJV word “suffer” here means allow or permit.

Jesus was saying:

Let the children come.

Do not stop them.

Do not treat them as though they do not matter.

Do not consider them an inconvenience.

Make room for them.

Children should never be treated as though spiritual things are only for adults.

They can be taught Scripture.

They can learn to pray.

They can learn about Jesus.

They can learn obedience, faith, forgiveness, love, and truth.

“And Forbid Them Not”

Jesus strengthens His command:

“and forbid them not…”

It is one thing to fail to bring children to Christ.

It is another thing to become an obstacle preventing them from coming.

Adults should therefore examine what their lives are teaching children.

Our words may say:

“Follow Jesus.”

But do our actions say the same thing?

Children frequently learn not only from what adults teach but also from what they observe.

A godly example can reinforce the truth we teach.

“To Come Unto Me”

The destination is important.

Jesus did not merely say:

Bring them to religion.

He said:

“to come unto me.”

The ultimate goal of teaching children Scripture is not simply that they know Bible stories.

We want them to know Christ.

Children should learn who Jesus is, what He taught, why He died, that He rose again, and what it means to believe in and follow Him.

“For of Such Is the Kingdom of Heaven”

Jesus then gives the reason:

“for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

Luke's parallel account adds:

“Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” — Luke 18:17 KJV

Jesus is not teaching that children are naturally perfect or sinless. Rather, He uses them to illustrate something important about receiving God's kingdom.

A child comes with dependence.

The kingdom cannot be earned through status, accomplishments, religious reputation, or human greatness.

It must be received.

Children Matter in the Kingdom

Jesus' treatment of children reveals their value.

They were important enough for Him to stop.

Important enough for Him to touch.

Important enough for Him to bless.

Important enough for Him to defend when others attempted to prevent them from approaching.

This should shape the way churches, families, and ministries view children.

Children are not merely the church of tomorrow. They are people who need Christ today.

Personal Application

Matthew 19:13–14 gives adults an important responsibility:

Bring the children to Jesus.

Teach them His Word while they are young.

Pray over them.

Answer their questions.

Model forgiveness before them.

Let them see you pray.

Let them see you read Scripture.

Let them hear you speak about God's goodness.

Do not assume they are too young to learn spiritual truth.

And be careful that our behavior never becomes the very thing that discourages them from approaching Christ.

Jesus said:

“Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me.”

May our homes, churches, and ministries never become barriers.

Instead, may we continually point the next generation toward Jesus Christ.