The Gospel of Luke: Jesus is for everyone – Children matter

Luke 18:15-17

1. Babies are precious souls – Jesus teaching was radical. Babies and toddlers had no status. They were inconvenient until they were old enough to work and support the household. Infant mortality was high and babies were often neglected, rejected or even killed. This is why the disciples shooed the children away. They did not see babies and children as important. They were trying to protect Jesus and prevent Him from wasting His time on the children. Who do we shoo away from Jesus? Jesus welcomes everyone. No-one is excluded by Jesus. His love, attention and Gospel is for everyone. The Bible has many things to say about babies and children – Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41. Babies are important to God. The Bible teaches that babies in the womb are precious souls to God. Everyone of us have the ability to love, bless and encourage children. Who knows how God might use the way we might show love to children? God calls us to love and have an input into children’s lives.
2. Invest in children and families – Jesus taught His adult disciples that children are important. Do you love and care for children? Do you pray for them? Do you invest in them spiritually?
   1. Christian parents need the help and support of their wider Christian family. How can you help in church with the children’s ministries? Have you ‘adopted’ a church family?
   2. Are you praying with your children and reading the Bible with them? Are you showing your children how to live a Christian life? How and what are you teaching your children? Are you aware of what your children are being influenced by?
3. Be like babies – Are you hungry to be fed, eager to learn? How are you receiving the Kingdom of God. Are you humble before God (1 Peter 2:2-3). Are you always hungry for more of God?