Jesus Blesses Little Children Jennifer Woodley
‘People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it.’ Luke 18:15 (NRSV)
As a school chaplain, I see first-hand parental neglect. Children who come to school with inadequate food, under-dressed for cold winter days and hungry for love and attention. Neglect of children, who have no strong voice to defend themselves, makes me both mad and incredibly sad. Children are no less equal in God’s eyes, but often they are treated that way.
Jesus opened His heart and His arms to welcome and bless children. Unfortunately, however, His disciples did not. The disciples may have felt Jesus had more important work to do, so they brushed the children aside. Perhaps they believed children were not worth paying attention to. Today that attitude is called neglect.
Jesus sets the right example here. No child is unimportant. His invitation that says ‘let the little children come to me’ and His warm embrace defies a cultural belief that children are insignificant and not worth investing in. Every one of us is called to be a chaplain to children: to let them know they are welcome and worthwhile, to listen to their stories, to show them the unconditional love of our Savior and above all, share with them the greatest story of redemption ever told.
‘Lord, show me what part I can play in welcoming children into your Kingdom, just as Jesus did. Forgive me for those times I have not offered children the same love that every person deserves no matter their age. Amen.’
Jennifer is an Australian freelance writer who enjoys encouraging others on their journey with Christ through writing and mentoring. Contact | 
