Daily Word - Heaven Is Made Up Of People Like This - Matthew 19:13-15

Scripture:
Matthew 19:13-15 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Blessing the Children
13 Then children were brought to Him so He might put His hands on them and pray. But the disciples rebuked them. (A) 14 Then Jesus said, "Leave the children alone, and don't try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of heaven is made up of people like this." (B) [a] 15 After putting His hands on them, He went on from there.

Footnotes:
Matthew 19:14 Lit heaven is of such ones
Cross references:
Matthew 19:13 : Mk 10:13-16; Lk 18:15-17;
Matthew 19:14 : Mt 18:3; 1Pt 2:2;

Reflection:
Do you seek to help others draw near to the Lord? The parents who brought their children to Jesus wanted Jesus to lay his hands upon them. They knew of the healing power, both physical and spiritual, which came from Jesus' touch. Jesus, in turn, rebuked his disciples for hindering the children from coming. No doubt the disciples wanted to shield Jesus from the nuisance of noisy children. But Jesus delighted in the children and demonstrated that God's love has ample room for everyone, including children. No one is unimportant to God. He comes to each person individually that he might touch them with his healing love and power. Do you show kindness to the youth you encounter in your neighborhood, home, and church and do you pray for them that they may grow in the knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ?

Prayer For The Day:
Lord, may we never hinder our youth from coming to you to receive your blessing and healing power. Make our youth strong in faith and character that they may follow you zealously. And as we grow with age, may we never lose that child-like simplicity and humility which draws us into your loving presence.