Matthew 19:13–14
Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Have you ever just watched little children? When they’ve been raised with loving, steady parents, you often see something beautiful and rare—simple trust. They believe what they’re told. They feel safe. They expect good. They can argue boldly about whose daddy is the best, because in their minds, their dad is strong and dependable.
Children also love easily, forgive quickly, and are usually ready to lend a helping hand. (Sometimes that “help” adds to your workload—but it’s still worth it.) And underneath it all is something Jesus points to: faith that isn’t complicated—faith that simply believes.
Jesus said, “For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
That same moment is described in Mark’s Gospel:
Mark 10:13–16
And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Let’s read that last sentence again:
“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
That is sobering—and also deeply hopeful—because it tells us God isn’t asking for perfection, performance, or polished spirituality. He’s inviting us to come to Him with a heart that is trusting, believing, and full of faith.
And that brings us to a gentle heart-check.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Are you letting the things of this world shape how you live, what you talk about, and what you think about? It’s so easy to be influenced by what we see—headlines, fear, noise, opinions, and stress—until our faith starts to feel smaller than our circumstances.
That’s why I love this reminder:
“Don’t let what you see make you forget what I said.”
My prayer today—and every day—is that you will find peace and comfort in the arms of Jesus. That you will live by faith and not by sight. And that you and I will simply believe God’s promises are true, and that the Bible is the living Word of God.
Reflective Questions
- When you think about “receiving the kingdom of God like a child,” what stands out to you most—trust, humility, dependence, or faith?
- What has been “hindering” your childlike faith lately—worry, fear, pride, disappointment, or distractions?
- Are you living more by what you see (circumstances, news, feelings) than by what God has said (His promises)?
- Is there an area of your life where Jesus is inviting you to come closer and trust Him more simply?
- Have you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior—not only with words, but with the daily direction of your life?
- What would it look like for you to “come to Jesus” today in a practical way—prayer, repentance, Scripture, worship, or asking for help?
- What burden do you need to place into His hands right now?
- How can you practice childlike faith today—choosing to believe God even before you see the outcome?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your tender heart toward children, and for inviting us to come to You with that same simple trust. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed fear, pride, or the noise of this world to hinder me from drawing near. Help me receive Your kingdom with a childlike heart—humble, believing, and full of faith.
Father, when what I see feels louder than what You’ve said, remind me of Your promises. Teach me to live by faith and not by sight. Quiet anxious thoughts, steady my heart, and place Your peace deep within me. I surrender every worry and every burden into Your loving hands.
Make my heart soft again, Lord—quick to forgive, ready to love, eager to help, and willing to trust You completely. And if there is anything in me that does not honor You, gently bring it to light and lead me in Your ways.
Today I choose to believe Your Word is living and true, and that Your promises will never fail. Wrap me in Your comfort, keep me close, and help me walk with You in childlike faith.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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