Meaning of Matthew 19:14

This verse, spoken by Jesus in Matthew 19:14, directly addresses the attitude and disposition that are prerequisites for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is not merely advocating for kindness towards children; rather, he is using children as a paradigm for a specific spiritual posture. The "little children" represent those who possess qualities like humility, trust, dependence, and an openness to receive, unburdened by the self-sufficiency, pride, or complex theological arguments that often characterize adult understanding. To "hinder" them is to obstruct their access to Jesus, whether through misinterpretation of his mission, an attempt to protect him from perceived distractions, or by imposing human barriers to spiritual engagement. The core message is that the very nature of the Kingdom of Heaven is such that it is inherently accessible to those who approach it with the unadulterated faith and receptivity exemplified by young children.

Context and Background

This statement occurs within a larger narrative where Jesus is interacting with his disciples and with parents who are bringing their children to him. In Matthew 19:13, the disciples attempt to prevent the children from approaching Jesus, likely seeing them as unimportant or a disturbance to Jesus' more pressing ministry. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples immediately precedes this declaration, highlighting his intentional correction of their misunderstanding of his priorities and the nature of his mission. This event is situated within Jesus' ministry in Galilee, shortly before his journey to Jerusalem and his ultimate passion.

Key Themes and Messages

• Humility and Childlike Faith: The primary theme is the necessity of childlike humility and trust for entering God's kingdom. This is not about chronological age but about a spiritual disposition.
• Receptivity: Children are naturally open to learning and accepting what is presented to them. Jesus emphasizes this teachability and willingness to receive God's truth and grace.
• Inclusivity of the Kingdom: Jesus explicitly states that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these, indicating that this childlike quality is not just a prerequisite but a defining characteristic of those within it.
• Rejection of Human Barriers: The disciples' attempt to "hinder" the children represents human attempts to create barriers to God's grace, often based on worldly wisdom or perceived importance. Jesus dismantles these barriers.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in Jesus' redefinition of what it means to be "great" or "worthy" in the context of God's reign. Worldly notions of status, achievement, and intellectual prowess are superseded by qualities of dependence and trust. For believers today, this calls for a constant examination of our own hearts. Are we approaching God with humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him? Have we allowed pride, cynicism, or intellectual arrogance to hinder our simple trust in Christ? The application is to cultivate a spirit of surrender, recognizing that true spiritual maturity involves becoming like a child in our reliance on God's love and guidance.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This teaching aligns with Jesus' frequent emphasis on the marginalized and the overlooked. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus shows particular favor to the poor, the sick, and those considered insignificant by society. This verse extends that principle to children, framing them as exemplars of the spiritual state God desires. It also anticipates the broader theme of the New Covenant, which emphasizes a transformation of the heart and a spirit of adoption, reflecting a new relationship with God characterized by intimacy and dependence, much like that of a child to a loving parent.

Analogies

• A Doorway: Imagine the Kingdom of Heaven as a magnificent house. The disciples are standing at the door, trying to decide who is "important" enough to be admitted. Jesus, however, points to a small, simple gate beside the grand entrance, stating that this is where those with childlike hearts will enter.
• A Seed: A mature tree is impressive, but it begins as a tiny seed, requiring soil, water, and sunlight to grow. Similarly, the Kingdom begins in the heart with the simple, receptive faith of a child, which then matures through God's nurturing.

Relation to Other Verses

• Matthew 18:3: "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" This verse directly complements Matthew 19:14, explicitly stating the necessity of adopting a childlike disposition.
• Mark 10:14-15: A parallel account in Mark's Gospel echoes the same sentiment: "When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not keep them away, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'"
• 1 Corinthians 1:27: Paul writes, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." This verse resonates with Jesus' selection of children, often perceived as weak and foolish by worldly standards, as models for kingdom entry.