Matthew 19:14 - But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 19:14" mean?
This verse from Matthew 19:14 is a powerful statement about Jesus' view of children and the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But Jesus said, 'Allow the little children...'": People (likely the disciples) were trying to prevent children from approaching Jesus, perhaps thinking they were bothering him or were unimportant. Jesus strongly rebukes this attitude. He wants the children to come to him. He welcomes them.
"...and don’t forbid them to come to me...": This reinforces the idea that no one should prevent children from being in Jesus' presence or learning about him. It's a call to welcome and nurture children's faith.
"...for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.": This is the key statement. Jesus isn't saying that only children go to Heaven, but rather, that the qualities that make children special are essential for entering the Kingdom. What qualities might those be?
Humility: Children are generally humble and dependent. They recognize their need for help and guidance.
Trust: Children tend to trust easily and accept what they are told with a simple faith.
Openness: Children are often more open to new ideas and experiences than adults.
Sincerity/Authenticity: Children tend to be more sincere and less concerned with appearances. They are more genuine in their emotions and actions.
Teachability: Children are eager to learn. They are open to instruction and correction.
Freedom from Pretense: Children are less likely to be concerned with status or power.
Essentially, Jesus is saying that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, people need to adopt a childlike spirit of humility, trust, openness, and reliance on God. It is an invitation to strip away the complexities and pretensions of adulthood and embrace a simpler, more authentic faith.
In summary, the verse emphasizes:
The importance of welcoming and valuing children.
The childlike qualities needed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
A rebuke of any behavior that prevents people (especially children) from approaching Jesus.
The verse is not about children being inherently superior, but about the qualities they often embody that are crucial for a genuine relationship with God. It challenges adults to examine their own hearts and cultivate these childlike virtues.
Matthew 19:14 - But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
What does "Matthew 19:14" mean?
This verse from Matthew 19:14 is a powerful statement about Jesus' view of children and the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"But Jesus said, 'Allow the little children...'": People (likely the disciples) were trying to prevent children from approaching Jesus, perhaps thinking they were bothering him or were unimportant. Jesus strongly rebukes this attitude. He wants the children to come to him. He welcomes them.
"...and don’t forbid them to come to me...": This reinforces the idea that no one should prevent children from being in Jesus' presence or learning about him. It's a call to welcome and nurture children's faith.
"...for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.": This is the key statement. Jesus isn't saying that only children go to Heaven, but rather, that the qualities that make children special are essential for entering the Kingdom. What qualities might those be?
Humility: Children are generally humble and dependent. They recognize their need for help and guidance.
Trust: Children tend to trust easily and accept what they are told with a simple faith.
Openness: Children are often more open to new ideas and experiences than adults.
Sincerity/Authenticity: Children tend to be more sincere and less concerned with appearances. They are more genuine in their emotions and actions.
Teachability: Children are eager to learn. They are open to instruction and correction.
Freedom from Pretense: Children are less likely to be concerned with status or power.
Essentially, Jesus is saying that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, people need to adopt a childlike spirit of humility, trust, openness, and reliance on God. It is an invitation to strip away the complexities and pretensions of adulthood and embrace a simpler, more authentic faith.
In summary, the verse emphasizes:
The importance of welcoming and valuing children.
The childlike qualities needed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
A rebuke of any behavior that prevents people (especially children) from approaching Jesus.
The verse is not about children being inherently superior, but about the qualities they often embody that are crucial for a genuine relationship with God. It challenges adults to examine their own hearts and cultivate these childlike virtues.