I don’t think I’ve ever thought about the passage of Jesus calling the little children to Him as a place to observe His communication skills, but I truly love how Jim Burns brought about that thought and meditation in our hearts on Sunday.
Jesus was the ultimate communicator. He knew how to reach people, and He so obviously had the Spirit of God working in and through Him to reach right to a person’s heart. A good communicator can read the room, but also, a good communicator can listen and understand the very person right in front of them.
What I noticed about this passage in particular is that Jesus wanted to give space and time and even His prayers to these little children — those who were considered “second class citizens” in that day and age. It’s hard to picture that isn’t it? Because we live in a society where children are highly valued in the family. But back then, they were on the same level as women…the second class idea ran deep throughout their culture and children were not to be disruptive of more important things like “ministry” - or so the disciples thought.
But Jesus saw these children as His prime ministry. He didn’t separate in His mind the “more important people” to talk to and the “less important” — all were important to Him. We see that throughout His entire time on earth…He talked to tax collectors, Samaritans, women, servants, and Pharisees. His heart was to open the eyes of the blind and set the captives free. It didn’t matter what society thought of this person, what mattered is that Jesus had a divine appointment with them.
In this passage, Jesus had an appointment with these little children. I would’ve loved to be there to hear what prayers He prayed over them…wouldn’t you? What did He say? What were the blessings He gave? Was it powerful, lengthy, short, or simple? Was it filled with joy and excitement, maybe a smile or a chuckle in his voice or a twinkle in His eye?
Jesus had a tenderness for these little ones. And we learned from him in this story that they deserve to be communicated to just as much as the adults in the room.
One thing that really stood out to me was the way Jim said, “these children were listening to what Jesus said about them.” And one thing I do know from being a mom is that they are always listening!
They are always hanging on your every word and they often catch things that you think are completely oblivious to them. Their little brains are constantly being formed, and our words matter. What we say about them in front of them matters. And Jesus took this opportunity to remind them of how important they really are.
“…the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14b, NIV)
He spoke about them in front of them. He lifted them up and then He prayed.
I pray that we can do this as well. Can we praise people in front of them? Can we take a moment to encourage them to another person as we are all talking and conversing? Can we follow Jesus’ example and lift one another up?
I had a few dear friends do that for me this week and it meant the world to me. As I was getting ready to speak at Bible study, our group text was buzzing with things like “Erika I am praying for you!” Or “I’m so excited to hear what God puts on your heart.” I am so thankful for these women God has placed in my life to support me. And it really reminds me of how Jesus held up these little children!
Let’s take the time to do that for our friends, for our children, for our spouses, for our coworkers and for our parents and family members. Let’s go out of our way to encourage, exhort, and strengthen people with what we say. We bring the aroma of Christ everywhere we go, so let’s not forget to spread it around to those who need it!
Jesus was the ultimate communicator. He knew how to reach people, and He so obviously had the Spirit of God working in and through Him to reach right to a person’s heart. A good communicator can read the room, but also, a good communicator can listen and understand the very person right in front of them.
What I noticed about this passage in particular is that Jesus wanted to give space and time and even His prayers to these little children — those who were considered “second class citizens” in that day and age. It’s hard to picture that isn’t it? Because we live in a society where children are highly valued in the family. But back then, they were on the same level as women…the second class idea ran deep throughout their culture and children were not to be disruptive of more important things like “ministry” - or so the disciples thought.
But Jesus saw these children as His prime ministry. He didn’t separate in His mind the “more important people” to talk to and the “less important” — all were important to Him. We see that throughout His entire time on earth…He talked to tax collectors, Samaritans, women, servants, and Pharisees. His heart was to open the eyes of the blind and set the captives free. It didn’t matter what society thought of this person, what mattered is that Jesus had a divine appointment with them.
In this passage, Jesus had an appointment with these little children. I would’ve loved to be there to hear what prayers He prayed over them…wouldn’t you? What did He say? What were the blessings He gave? Was it powerful, lengthy, short, or simple? Was it filled with joy and excitement, maybe a smile or a chuckle in his voice or a twinkle in His eye?
Jesus had a tenderness for these little ones. And we learned from him in this story that they deserve to be communicated to just as much as the adults in the room.
One thing that really stood out to me was the way Jim said, “these children were listening to what Jesus said about them.” And one thing I do know from being a mom is that they are always listening!
They are always hanging on your every word and they often catch things that you think are completely oblivious to them. Their little brains are constantly being formed, and our words matter. What we say about them in front of them matters. And Jesus took this opportunity to remind them of how important they really are.
“…the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14b, NIV)
He spoke about them in front of them. He lifted them up and then He prayed.
I pray that we can do this as well. Can we praise people in front of them? Can we take a moment to encourage them to another person as we are all talking and conversing? Can we follow Jesus’ example and lift one another up?
I had a few dear friends do that for me this week and it meant the world to me. As I was getting ready to speak at Bible study, our group text was buzzing with things like “Erika I am praying for you!” Or “I’m so excited to hear what God puts on your heart.” I am so thankful for these women God has placed in my life to support me. And it really reminds me of how Jesus held up these little children!
Let’s take the time to do that for our friends, for our children, for our spouses, for our coworkers and for our parents and family members. Let’s go out of our way to encourage, exhort, and strengthen people with what we say. We bring the aroma of Christ everywhere we go, so let’s not forget to spread it around to those who need it!
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.