How does Matthew 19:14 connect with Proverbs 22:6 on raising children? Setting the Scene Matthew 19:14: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” What Jesus Teaches in Matthew 19:14 • Jesus personally welcomes children, affirming their full value in His kingdom. • His command “do not hinder them” places responsibility on adults to remove every obstacle between children and Christ. • The phrase “belongs to such as these” shows that child-like openness is the very posture God honors. Proverbs 22:6: The Parental Commission • “Train up” implies intentional, steady guidance—more than casual exposure. • “In the way he should go” points to God’s path, not merely cultural expectations. • The promise “he will not depart” underscores Scripture’s reliability: early formation imprints lifelong devotion. Threading the Two Passages Together 1. Access and Direction • Matthew 19:14—give children access to Jesus. • Proverbs 22:6—give children direction in Jesus’ way. 2. Present Welcome, Future Fruit • Jesus’ present embrace confirms children matter now. • Solomon’s proverb affirms future perseverance that grows out of that early welcome. 3. Adult Accountability • Hindering (Matthew) or neglecting training (Proverbs) equally violate God’s design for raising children. Practical Takeaways for Today • Clear the path: remove spiritual distractions—model repentance, love, consistency. • Build daily rhythms: Scripture reading, prayer, and worship as normal family moments (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Guard teachable hearts: correct firmly yet kindly (Ephesians 6:4); celebrate obedience; point every success back to God. • Keep the long view: results may unfold over years, but God’s promise stands sure (Isaiah 55:11). Other Scriptures That Reinforce the Link • Psalm 127:3—“Children are a heritage from the LORD.” • 2 Timothy 3:15—Timothy “has known the Holy Scriptures from infancy.” • Mark 10:14—parallel to Matthew, doubling the command not to hinder. • 3 John 4—“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” These passages together form a seamless call: welcome children to Jesus now, train them in His way daily, and trust God to secure their steps for life. |
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