Welcome to General Chat - GAW Community Area
This General Chat area started off as a place for people to talk about things that are off topic, however it has quickly evolved into a community and has become an integral part of the GAW experience for many of us.
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Rules for General Chat
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Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and walk through Matthew 19:13–14.
Exegesis
"Then were there brought unto him little children…" In the flow of Matthew’s Gospel, this comes right after Jesus’ teaching on marriage. The crowd is still buzzing from His high view of covenant faithfulness, and now some parents decide to bring their covenant children to Christ for a blessing. This isn’t random—it’s very much in line with Old Testament patterns, where patriarchs blessed children as an act of covenant faith.
"…that he should put his hands on them, and pray" This is not “spiritual patty-cake.” In Scripture, the laying on of hands is a formal, covenantal act—setting apart, blessing, and invoking God’s favor. The parents weren’t just looking for a cute photo op. They wanted divine favor on their children.
"…and the disciples rebuked them" The disciples here are channeling the inner church usher who thinks Jesus is too busy for nursery duty. They assume the Kingdom is for the movers and shakers, not for the juice-box crowd. In other words, they don’t understand the nature of the Kingdom they’ve been following.
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me…" “Suffer” here means “permit.” Jesus is telling them to stop being spiritual bouncers. He doesn’t see children as distractions to ministry—He sees them as central to it.
"…for of such is the kingdom of heaven" This is not sentimental Hallmark fluff about childlike innocence. Jesus is making a covenantal point: the Kingdom actually belongs to those like this—weak, dependent, entirely reliant on grace. These little ones are not outsiders waiting to “grow into” the Kingdom; they are insiders already claimed by the King.
Picture this scene: parents are hauling their toddlers toward Jesus, probably with one wiping a runny nose on mom’s shoulder and another trying to eat a rock. The disciples step in like secret service agents—“Sorry folks, the Rabbi’s busy with important Kingdom work.”
And Jesus says, “Actually, you’ve got it backward. This is the important Kingdom work.”
Here’s the point: the Kingdom of God is not a gated community for the spiritually accomplished. It’s a nursery for the helpless, the needy, and the wholly dependent. And if you think you’re too important to stoop down and deal with sippy-cup people—whether literal kids or the spiritually immature—you’ve misunderstood the Kingdom entirely.
The disciples saw a distraction. Jesus saw heirs. The disciples saw the future. Jesus saw the present.
And here’s the kicker: when Jesus says, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven,” He’s telling grown-ups, “If you don’t come like this—dependent, trusting, unable to earn your keep—you don’t come at all.” That’s not an optional sermon illustration. That’s the passport control for the Kingdom.
So, the next time you see a child toddling into church with mismatched socks, remember—God says, “This one belongs here.” And if the King says they belong, our job is not to block the door but to fling it wide open.
Wow fren appreciate you sharing your heart. it's truly a blessing to read. Keep it up.
My name is Ryan. Please let me know if I can ever pray for anything with you.
Together through Christ we have endless potential.
I also wanna make sure you know about c/Christianity God has brought together a great group. Lots of different views and personalities yet Jesus is working through it all. Hope to see you there. God WINS much love
Thanks ryan,
I could use some prayer... My dad very recently passed but we haven't gotten the death certificate yet because the PD opened up an investigation and even though the autopsy is come and cleared it's still delaying the whole process of being able to have his military services. My brother who was his caregivers really having a hard time.
Just join me in praying that this process would be expedited and that my brother, who's a Christian but has strayed away from the faith significantly, into depression and can do well in the absence of his father around. Besides me he doesn't have anyone else.
Aww fren I'm so sorry to hear. I know death is never easy. Not to mention when the systems and people add even more grief. I will pray and continue to pray for both you and your brother. Thanks for sharing so I can walk along side you through prayer. I might not be able to help in other ways but I will be with you in spirit fren. Much love
Amen fren! I post to honor Him in hope that frens do what you've done here and then in real life with faith like a child.