Most kids are terrified to take photographs with the mall Santa or Easter Bunny. They hide behind Mom’s legs instead of hopping onto Santa’s lap. Their expectations of holiday heroes do not match up with reality.
Children were not intimidated by Jesus. Kids and teenagers flocked to his presence. They praised Jesus’ name in the temple courts (Matthew 21:15). They attended his sermons, including the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus blessed babies and encouraged the little children to come to him (Matthew 19:14). Except for Peter, the disciples were teenagers, not old enough to be required to pay Caesar’s tax (Matthew 17:27). Throughout his ministry, Jesus raised three people from the dead, one close friend and two children.
When the disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called a child over and explained: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2-4). Instead of picking a favorite disciple, Jesus praised the faith of a child. He elevated children into an example for us all to follow. Their enthusiasm, trust, and joy in the presence of God the Father are essential to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus gives the disciples both an encouragement and a warning regarding their treatment of children. Those who treat children with kindness and hospitality serve God himself: “whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:5). Jesus wanted kids to feel loved and cherished in the kingdom of God. His followers play a critical role in this process.
Jesus does not stop there. He also warns his disciples: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). This is a visceral and shocking threat from a man reknowned for his peace.
Jesus loves children. He takes their care seriously. As his disciples, we should love and serve all children, not just those in our nuclear family. The Psalmist reminds us, “Children are a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). We must endeavor to be worthy of these gifts.
All of us must care for the youngest and most vulnerable. This means ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met in big and small ways. Caring for children can mean giving out extra good Halloween candy or showing kindness to a teenager working at the grocery store. You might teach Sunday School or sponsor a confirmation class. You can volunteer at the Easter Egg Hunt or treat pediatric patients in Guatemala. As we love and care for these children, we serve Christ himself.
Prayer: Lord God of All, thank you for the gift of children. May we emulate their faith and trust in you. Help us to be good caretakers and mentors. Show us ways to serve the younger and strengthen our future. Amen.
