We Are All God's Children

Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.” LUKE 18:16 NLT 

I’ll confess – kids who misbehave annoy me. (Boys, if you’re reading this, I’m talking about other people’s kids, okay?) Don’t get me wrong, I love silliness and playfulness, but as a fireman, I also appreciate a bit of paramilitary parenting, especially in social situations. Seriously, I had to stop working in our church’s kids ministry because I told our pastor, “I’m not going to look these kids’ parents in the eyes and lie by saying, ‘Your children are so well behaved!’” Obviously, I was partially joking. Partially.  

But sometimes it really can feel like kids are getting in the way of the “real” business of the adults.  

Something similar happened with the disciples in today’s verse. A group of rug rats was trying to climb all over Jesus, so His disciples decided to become security guards! I think they figured the children’s excitement would get in the way of the work Jesus was doing. After all, if a bunch of kids were tugging Jesus’s beard and asking Him if He had any dried fruit, how could He do the work of His Father? 

Jesus had other priorities, though. Namely, loving on those kids, and teaching all of us about the Kingdom of God! 

Jesus actually scolded His disciples. “Don’t stop them!” He exclaimed. Shocking everyone who was nearby, Jesus actually invited the children to His side. 

Now, I know for a fact that people have tried to place barriers between you and Jesus. Maybe you’ve been told that God can’t love someone with your past. Or that you needed to be perfect, day in and day out, in order for Jesus to hear your prayers. I wonder if a Christian relative hurt you in the name of God. 

Today’s verse shows us that nothing can stop us from approaching Jesus. After all, we are all God’s children! Remember that regardless of the walls people try to place between us and Jesus, they can never succeed. Because of what Jesus chose to do on the cross, there is no barrier between us and God the Father.  

Not even the powers of hell can keep us away from God! Jesus is always inviting us to His side, and He is always glad when we choose to spend time with Him. 

Takeaway: Keep running to Jesus with the excitement of a child! 

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for always parting the waters, moving mountains, and tearing down the walls that have tried, but failed, to keep me from You! Please don’t allow anyone or anything to keep me from You. 

This is an excerpt from Jesus is All We Need by Jason Sautel – a devotional now available for pre-order on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.