Matthew 19:13, 14.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people; but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus referred to the children as lost sheep and it was the will of the Father that not one of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:14)

Children were not allowed to enter the synagogues at the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth. But Jesus calling to Him a child and putting him in the midst of His disciples said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2,3).

The Bible further records that after Jesus laid His hands on children and went away, a man came up to Him and asked, ‘What good deed must I do to have eternal life?’ (Matthew 19: 15-17).

Just before this question cropped up, Jesus had said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to little children and told His disciples – ‘do not hinder them’ (Matthew 19:14). Jesus expected His people to turn away from their selfish ambition and self-chosen goals and like a little child, simply accept and submit to whatever God prescribes. He did not recommend childish behaviour but child-like trust like little children in their earthly fathers.

The rich man was asked to sell all his wealth and follow Jesus - which meant that he no longer would be able to trust his wealth but only depend on Jesus for his every need (Matthew 19:22).

Thought for the day: Simple trust and submission to God is the way to eternal life.