Verse of the Day
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Introduction
Matthew 19:14 stands as one of the most tender and profound moments in Jesus’ public ministry. These words, simple yet powerful, reflect the openness of Christ’s invitation and the radical nature of the kingdom of heaven. Often cited in baptismal liturgies, children’s blessings, and pastoral reflections, this verse expresses not only Jesus’ compassion but also His theological teaching on what kind of posture is required to enter the kingdom. Found in the midst of a chapter that discusses marriage, divorce, and discipleship, this verse underscores the value Jesus places on those society may overlook—especially the young, the humble, and the dependent.
Commentary
“But Jesus said…”
The conjunction “but” (Greek: de) marks a corrective or emphatic statement, contrasting Jesus’ response with the disciples' prior actions. He is about to overturn their assumption of who is worthy of His attention.
“Let the little children come to me…”
The Greek verb aphēte (“let” or “permit”) is an imperative, expressing urgency and authority. Jesus is not simply making a suggestion—He commands that the children be allowed access to Him. The phrase “little children” (paidia) refers not only to infants or toddlers, but can also include those up to the age of twelve. In Jewish society, children were cherished within families but held little status publicly. That Jesus prioritizes their presence is both socially radical and theologically revealing.
“Do not stop them…”
The Greek mē kōluete autous adds a strong prohibition. The disciples were actively hindering the children, likely thinking Jesus' time was better spent with adults or those more “important.” Jesus rebukes this line of thinking, indicating that such interference misrepresents the nature of His mission.
“For it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
This final clause is the heart of the teaching. The phrase toioutōn gar estin hē basileia tōn ouranōn can be translated “for the kingdom of heaven is of such as these.” The point is not that children automatically possess the kingdom, but that those who are like them—humble, dependent, trusting—are its rightful heirs. Jesus redefines greatness in terms of childlike openness to God.
Understanding the Context
This verse occurs just after the Pharisees test Jesus with questions about divorce (Matthew 19:3–12) and just before the encounter with the rich young man (Matthew 19:16–22). Sandwiched between conversations about adult moral responsibilities and wealth, Jesus’ blessing of the children offers a powerful contrast. The disciples, perhaps trying to protect Jesus from perceived distractions, attempt to turn the children away (v. 13). Jesus’ sharp response not only corrects them but highlights a central principle of His teaching: the kingdom of God belongs not to the self-sufficient, but to the receptive.
Theologically, this passage reinforces a theme found throughout the Synoptic Gospels: those who are lowly and powerless often represent the ideal kingdom citizen (cf. Matthew 5:3; Luke 18:17). In a Greco-Roman context where children were often seen as property or potential rather than persons, Jesus’ affirmation of their value was countercultural and deeply pastoral.
Application for Today
This verse has wide-reaching implications for Christian life and ministry. First, it speaks to the inclusion of children in the full life of the church. Rather than being peripheral, they are models of the kind of humble trust we should all embody. This affirms practices such as infant baptism, children’s formation, and active engagement in worship.
Second, it invites every believer to reflect on their posture before God. Are we striving to earn the kingdom by merit, or are we receiving it with the open hands of trust and dependence? The verse challenges cultures of performance and prestige, pointing instead to simplicity, vulnerability, and grace.
Third, it speaks to the ethics of hospitality and welcome. Just as the disciples were corrected for gatekeeping access to Jesus, so too must the modern church examine whether it is unintentionally turning away those deemed too young, too poor, too broken, or too unimportant.
Reflection
Matthew 19:14 confronts us with a gentle but firm reminder: in God’s kingdom, status and self-sufficiency have no currency. Jesus invites us to rediscover the beauty of childlike faith—not childishness, but the spiritual posture of receptivity, trust, and dependence. Whether in our personal walk or in our communal ministry, the question remains: are we making room for the ones Jesus welcomes? And more personally—are we coming to Him like they do?
This verse invites us to lay aside our pretensions and come to Christ with the simplicity of a child, trusting that in His arms we find belonging, blessing, and the open gates of the kingdom.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse, extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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