19:14 KJV
“Matthew 19:14″ reads in the King James Version (KJV):
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
This verse, situated in the New Testament, presents a profound message delivered by Jesus Christ. It is a part of a larger narrative and speaks volumes about the nature of the kingdom of heaven, the place of children within it, and the attitude of believers toward children and faith.
The Context on Matthew 19:14
To fully grasp the meaning of Matthew 19:14, it is essential to examine the context in which Jesus spoke these words. This verse is part of a passage in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus addresses various aspects of life, discipleship, and the kingdom of heaven.
In the broader context, Jesus had been teaching about marriage and divorce, challenging the prevailing views of His time. Following this, people began bringing little children to Him, hoping He would lay His hands on them and pray. However, the disciples rebuked these people, possibly thinking that Jesus’ mission was too important to be interrupted by children. It is at this moment that Jesus utters the words in Matthew 19:14.
The surrounding verses, particularly Matthew 19:13 and Matthew 19:15, provide a fuller picture:
Matthew 19:13 – “Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.”
Matthew 19:15 – “And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.”
This context highlights a contrast between the disciples’ perception of children and Jesus’ inclusive and welcoming attitude. The disciples likely viewed children as unimportant in the grand scheme of Jesus’ ministry, while Jesus saw them as essential to the kingdom of heaven.
The Meaning of Matthew 19:14
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus’ statement carries deep theological significance and several layers of meaning. Let’s break down the key elements of this verse:
“Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me”:
Suffer: In the KJV, the word “suffer” means to allow or permit. Jesus is instructing His disciples to let the children come to Him without hindrance.
Forbid them not: This is a direct command to not prevent or obstruct children from approaching Jesus. It implies a welcoming attitude and an inclusive approach to the ministry of Jesus.
Come unto me: Jesus invites the children to come to Him, indicating that they have a place in His presence and ministry.
“For of such is the kingdom of heaven”:
Of such: This phrase signifies that the qualities or characteristics of children are reflective of the kingdom of heaven.
Kingdom of heaven: Jesus often spoke about the kingdom of heaven, referring to the realm of God‘s reign and the community of believers who live under God’s rule. In this context, it suggests that the kingdom belongs to those who possess childlike qualities.
Application in Life
Understanding the meaning of Matthew 19:14 is not enough; it calls for practical application in the life of believers. This verse has profound implications for how Christians live out their faith and interact with others, especially children.
Valuing Children:
Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:14 emphasize the importance of valuing and nurturing children. In a society where children were often seen as lesser members, Jesus elevated their status and affirmed their worth.
Christians are called to protect, educate, and nurture children, ensuring they have opportunities to grow in faith and understanding of God’s love.
See Also: Who Is the Sower in Matthew 13?
Childlike Faith:
Jesus highlights the qualities of children that are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven: humility, innocence, trust, and dependence. Believers are encouraged to cultivate these childlike qualities in their relationship with God.
Childlike faith is marked by trust and dependence on God, free from the cynicism and self-reliance that can develop in adulthood.
Inclusive Ministry:
The disciples’ initial reaction to rebuke those bringing children to Jesus serves as a cautionary tale. Churches and ministries must ensure they do not inadvertently exclude or marginalize any group, including children.
Inclusive ministry involves creating environments where everyone, regardless of age or status, can encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.
Welcoming Attitude:
Jesus’ welcoming attitude towards children sets an example for how Christians should welcome others. This includes being approachable, kind, and open to those who may be marginalized or overlooked.
By following Jesus’ example, believers can create communities that reflect the love and inclusiveness of the kingdom of heaven.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Matthew 19:14, it is helpful to compare it with other biblical texts that address similar themes. This comparison will highlight the consistency and depth of Jesus’ teaching on children and the kingdom of heaven.
Mark 10:13-16:
This parallel passage in Mark’s Gospel provides a similar account of Jesus welcoming the children. Mark 10:14 adds an emotional dimension by noting that Jesus was “much displeased” with the disciples’ actions, emphasizing His strong stance on the matter.
Mark 10:15 reinforces the idea of receiving the kingdom of God “as a little child,” underlining the importance of childlike qualities for believers.
Luke 18:15-17:
Luke’s account also parallels Matthew 19:14, with slight variations in wording. Luke 18:16 captures Jesus’ command to “suffer little children to come unto me,” and Luke 18:17 reiterates the necessity of childlike reception of the kingdom of God.
These synoptic accounts collectively affirm the significance of children in Jesus’ ministry and the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:1-6:
Earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus addresses the question of who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He responds by calling a child and placing the child among them, saying, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
This passage complements Matthew 19:14 by further emphasizing the virtues of humility, innocence, and dependence that children exemplify.
Psalm 8:2:
The Old Testament also reflects a high regard for children. Psalm 8:2 states, “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.”
This verse highlights the strength and praise that come from children, aligning with Jesus’ teaching about the value and significance of children in God’s kingdom.
Modern-Day Relevance
Matthew 19:14 holds timeless relevance and speaks powerfully to contemporary issues in society and the church. The principles embodied in this verse can be applied to various aspects of modern life.
Children’s Rights and Protection:
In a world where children are often vulnerable to neglect, abuse, and exploitation, Jesus’ affirmation of their worth calls for concerted efforts to protect and uphold their rights.
Churches, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to advocate for policies and practices that ensure the safety, education, and well-being of children.
Education and Discipleship:
Investing in the spiritual education and discipleship of children is crucial. Churches should prioritize children’s ministries and programs that teach biblical values and foster a personal relationship with Jesus.
Parents and caregivers play a vital role in nurturing their children’s faith, modeling Christ-like behavior, and providing a supportive environment for spiritual growth.
Intergenerational Community:
The church is called to be an intergenerational community where people of all ages can worship, serve, and grow together. This involves creating spaces and opportunities for meaningful interactions between different age groups.
By valuing the contributions of children and integrating them into the life of the church, believers can reflect the inclusive nature of the kingdom of heaven.
Childlike Qualities in Adults:
Jesus’ emphasis on childlike qualities challenges adults to examine their own attitudes and behaviors. In a culture that often prizes independence and self-sufficiency, believers are reminded to cultivate humility, trust, and dependence on God.
This involves approaching faith with openness and a sense of wonder, acknowledging the need for God’s guidance and provision in every aspect of life.
Welcoming the Marginalized:
Jesus’ inclusive attitude towards children serves as a model for welcoming those who are marginalized or overlooked in society. This includes individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
The church is called to be a place of refuge and acceptance, reflecting the heart of Jesus by embracing all people with love and compassion.
Conclusion
Matthew 19:14 encapsulates a powerful message from Jesus that transcends time and culture. By examining the context, meaning, and application of this verse, believers can gain a deeper understanding of the kingdom of heaven and their role in it.
Jesus’ words challenge Christians to value and nurture children, cultivate childlike faith, and create inclusive communities that reflect the love and acceptance of God’s kingdom. This verse also serves as a reminder of the timeless relevance of Jesus’ teachings, calling believers to embody the qualities of humility, trust, and dependence that characterize the kingdom of heaven.
As followers of Christ, let us heed His call to “suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me,” and in doing so, embrace the fullness of life in the kingdom of heaven.