How can Matthew 19:13 guide our approach to children's ministry in church? Setting the Scene Matthew 19:13: “Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.” • The setting is public; parents approach the Lord deliberately. • The action is tangible—Jesus’ hands and prayers over children. • The disciples’ rebuke exposes an attitude problem that ministry must avoid. What We Observe in Matthew 19:13 • Children possess genuine spiritual value that warrants direct ministry from Christ. • Parents (or guardians) are the God-given conduit bringing children to Jesus. • Barriers can arise—even from well-meaning believers—when adults misread children’s importance in God’s plan. Timeless Principles for Children’s Ministry • Welcome, never hinder – Matthew 19:14 continues the thought: “Let the little children come to Me; do not hinder them…”. The command forbids any attitude or structure that blocks children’s access to Christ. • Ministry must be Christ-centered – Children need to meet Jesus personally, not merely absorb moral lessons. • Prayerful blessing matters – Jesus laid hands on them and prayed. Hands-on, Scripture-informed prayer is foundational, not optional. • Family partnership – Those who “brought” the children modeled Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These words… you shall teach them diligently to your children”. The church reinforces, never replaces, parental responsibility. • Protection from spiritual neglect – Proverbs 22:6 exhorts: “Train up a child in the way he should go.” A church that sidelines children contradicts clear biblical mandate. Practical Steps for the Local Church 1. Visible priority • Allocate prime space, budget, and staffing so children sense they are valued disciples. 2. Gospel clarity at every age • Present the full message of sin, grace, and faith using age-appropriate language (2 Timothy 3:15). 3. Prayer and blessing rhythms • Incorporate regular moments where pastors and elders lay hands on children publicly, modeling Jesus’ act. 4. Equip and include parents • Offer workshops, take-home guides, and family worship resources (Ephesians 6:4). 5. Train volunteers to guard against hindrances • Emphasize humility and patience so children’s questions or energy are welcomed, not rebuked. 6. Intergenerational fellowship • Plan services or segments where children participate alongside adults, reinforcing one body in Christ. 7. Safety and shepherding • Implement robust protection policies; honoring children includes safeguarding them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Encouragement for Parents and Volunteers • Your invitation matters—keep bringing children to Jesus, week after week. • Every lesson, hug, and prayer echoes Matthew 19:13’s picture of Christ’s hands-on blessing. • Trust the Lord’s promise: “Whoever welcomes a little child in My name welcomes Me” (Matthew 18:5). |
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