Some issues seem like a no-brainer to us, while others cause us to struggle. We battle in our minds over what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes it’s even right there in front of us in our Bibles.
Here’s what might be a no-brainer to us.
Matthew 19:13-15 – 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.” After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.
First, let’s talk about the context. Jesus just finished discussing some difficult teachings about marriage starting in Matthew 19:4. He was asked if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. He answers the question by referring back to the beginning, noting that God made them “male and female,” quoting what Moses wrote in Genesis 1:27. Additionally, from Genesis 2:23, he mentions how “the two shall become one flesh.” He emphasizes, “What God has joined together, let no man separate,” and states that the only valid reason for divorce is sexual immorality. The disciples clearly understood Jesus’ lesson on marriage and divorce as they recognized the sanctity of marriage in the eyes of God. They even considered if remaining unmarried might be preferable. However, Jesus acknowledges that not everyone can live in that manner. He explains that some people are naturally born to be celibate, while others are prevented by external factors from experiencing marriage. Furthermore, there are those who, for the sake of Kingdom work, willingly choose to abstain from both sex and marriage. Both Jesus and Paul are examples of individuals who embraced such a lifestyle.
Then, in the next verse (Matthew 19:13), we have the text that I really want us to think about. Isn’t it amazing that right after Jesus’ teaching on such a controversial subject, parents were bringing their children to Him? It was the Jewish custom to bring a child to the elders on the Day of Atonement for him to pray and bless them. So this was not too out of the ordinary. What I find crazy is that the disciples rebuked them. It seems like a no-brainer to us, right? We should bring our kids to Jesus. End of Story. I’m unsure why they rebuked the parents, but I know how Jesus responded. “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me.” Jesus’ words and actions demonstrate something amazing about His personality and demeanor. He loved kids, and He wanted to pray for them and for them to be blessed.
I don’t think I have to tell you that you should bring your kids to Jesus. That’s a no-brainer.
But then again… Maybe that’s something you struggle with.
When your baby cries… it’s ok. Bring them to Jesus.
When your toddler wrestles around in the pew all service long… it’s ok. Bring them to Jesus.
When you feel like you did not hear one word of the sermon… it’s ok. Bring them to Jesus.
When your teen won’t hardly get out of bed on time and you’re late for Bible class… it’s ok. Bring them to Jesus.
When you have a million other things that might need to be done… it’s ok. Bring them to Jesus.
When you’re spiritually a babe in Christ, and you still need the milk of the Word… it’s ok. Bring yourself to Jesus.
Don’t forbid. It’s ok… Bring them to Jesus!
For the Lord,
Alex