Luke 18:15-17
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Why did the disciples try to stop parents from bringing “even infants” to Jesus?
Did they think it was beneath the dignity of their master to associate with children? Did it reflect the values of a culture where children, particularly young and dependent children, had no economic worth? Was it simply that they for some reason didn’t like children or thought that tarrying with these kids would hinder their progress to Jerusalem?
I think the answer is hidden in the hope of the people bringing the children that Jesus would “touch them.” Typically Jesus’ touch connotes healing. Which may mean that the infants weren’t the rosy-faced cherubs of so many stained-glass windows, but rather were sickly, and perhaps very sickly. For this reason, as Luke describes, people brought even infants – Jesus had healed all manner of people, and so heart-sick parents dared to bring even their most sickly children that Jesus might touch them.
And that may be why the disciples sternly ordered them not – because these children were ill, perhaps oozing disease, and so they sought to protect their master from such a sight as well as the risk of contagion.
Yet Jesus will not stand for it. “Let the children come unto me,” he commands. Even the sick children. Actually, make that especially the sick children. For it is to people just like this – diseased, vulnerable, and in need – that the kingdom of God belongs.
Should we be surprised? Jesus has spoken of bringing hope to the hopeless, healing to the sick, and freedom to those who are bound by all manner of things since his first sermon in Nazareth. At this point of his career, as he approaches the city of his destiny, he will not be hindered, even by well-meaning disciples.
All of this, of course, adds an important spin to Jesus’ final words on the matter: “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like someone in need, someone sick, someone with no other hope than the touch of Jesus?
Yes, exactly like that.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to acknowledge our need and so be touched and healed by you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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