Jesus Welcomes the Children

Does Jesus have time for children? Here is a true story that gives us the answer.

Jesus was traveling from town to town, teaching people about God's love. Wherever he went, crowds gathered around him. Grown-ups came with their questions, and sick people came to be healed. One day, some families heard that Jesus was nearby. They had a wonderful idea. They would bring their little children to Jesus, so that he could touch them and bless them.

So off they went. Mothers and fathers carried babies in their arms. Little ones toddled along, holding hands. Some of the children skipped and hopped, too excited to walk. One shy little girl held on tight to her mother's hand. It was a long walk, on a hot and dusty road. But nobody minded. They were going to see Jesus! At last they came near the crowd. And there was Jesus!

But before they could reach him, the disciples stepped in the way. The disciples were Jesus' special friends and helpers. They told the families off, and tried to send them away. Maybe they thought Jesus was too busy for children. Maybe they thought children weren't important enough. The children's smiles began to fade. Didn't Jesus want to see them?

But Jesus saw what was happening. And he was not pleased with his disciples. Not one bit. He said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for God's Kingdom belongs to such as these."

That means, let them come, and don't ever stop them. God's Kingdom belongs to children like these! The children's faces lit up. Jesus wanted them after all! The shy little girl let go of her mother's hand, and took one small step forward. Then Jesus said something that surprised all the grown-ups.

He said that anyone who wants to belong to God's Kingdom must receive it like a little child. What did Jesus mean? Little children don't try to earn a hug. They just run into open arms. They trust the people who love them. And that's how God wants all of us to come to him, just as we are.

Then the Bible says, "He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."

Jesus scooped up the babies and hugged the little ones. He smiled at the shy little girl, and she smiled right back. He gently laid his hands on each child's head, and blessed them. That means he asked God to give them good things, and showed them how much God loved them. Jesus didn't say, come back when you're older, or come back when you're good enough. He said, let them come.

Jesus always had time for children. And he still does today.

The families went home with happy hearts. Jesus had welcomed every single child.

This story teaches us that Jesus always has time for us, and he welcomes us just as we are.

We don't have to be big, or grown-up, or perfect. We can come to him any time, even when we've made a mistake.