Make Room for Children to Come to Jesus
Make Room for Children to Come to Jesus: an original Matthew 19:13-15 KJV devotional with biblical context and practical application.
“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. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.”
Matthew 19:13-15 KJV
The disciples treated the children as an interruption. Jesus treated them as people who should be received. The correction is brief, but it exposes how easily adult priorities can crowd out those with less ability to insist upon a place.
Read the passage carefully
Welcoming children involves more than a friendly statement. It requires safe environments, understandable teaching, patient listening, and adults who take their welfare seriously. Children should not be expected to navigate inappropriate conduct or keep troubling secrets in order to preserve someone's reputation. Responsible safeguards support the welcome Christ commands; they do not undermine it.
Teach the gospel clearly at a level a child can understand. Use exact Scripture, explain unfamiliar words, and allow honest questions without pressuring a performance of belief. A child needs personal faith in Christ, not confidence that a family's church attendance automatically supplies salvation. Give time for learning and keep the distinction clear between biblical accounts and fictional illustrations used to explain a principle.
Carry this truth into the day
The Lord's attention also corrects our impatience with small, repeated needs. A child may require an explanation again, help with a simple task, or an adult willing to notice a quiet fear. Offer that care within healthy boundaries and shared responsibility, with dependable adults who understand the trust involved. Christ's kingdom does not assign worth according to age, usefulness, or the ability to remain convenient. Let your home and church reflect that truth. Make room in the schedule, train those who serve, and listen when a concern is raised. The children Jesus welcomed were not distractions from His compassion. They were among the people toward whom that compassion was rightly directed.
Why the setting matters
People bring children to Jesus, and the disciples rebuke them. Jesus corrects that response, welcomes the children, and gives them His attention.
Continue in the Word
Read further: Matthew 19 in the King James Bible.