Jesus Said, "Forbid Them Not" Understanding the Call to Embrace the KingdomIn the Gospels, Jesus often spoke with great clarity and authority, teaching profound truths about God’s kingdom and the way of salvation. One such moment occurs when He says, "Forbid them not" in response to His disciples’ attempt to stop children from coming to Him. This simple yet powerful statement holds deep meaning, both in its immediate context and its broader theological implications.
The Context of "Forbid Them Not"
The phrase "Forbid them not" comes from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, verse 14. In this passage, people were bringing little children to Jesus so that He might lay His hands on them and pray. However, His disciples rebuked them, perhaps believing that Jesus had more important matters to attend to than interacting with children. In response, Jesus rebuked His disciples and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
This statement is often remembered as a reminder of Jesus’ inclusive nature and His love for the least among us. The disciples, like many in society at the time, may have undervalued the significance of children, but Jesus saw in them a symbol of humility, trust, and dependence qualities that are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven.
The Message of Embracing the Kingdom Like Children
Jesus’ words, "Forbid them not," are not merely about children but also about the way in which all people should approach God’s kingdom. The phrase emphasizes the qualities that children embody innocence, purity, trust, and openness. In the broader context of the Gospel, Jesus often contrasts the humility of children with the pride and self-sufficiency of adults. In Matthew 183, He tells His disciples, "Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven."
This teaching underscores the need for believers to approach God with a childlike faith one that is not clouded by pride, self-reliance, or worldly wisdom. To be "converted" in this context means to let go of adult-like pretensions and to approach God with the simplicity, trust, and dependence that children naturally exhibit.
Jesus’ Rejection of Social Norms and Embracing of the Marginalized
When Jesus said, "Forbid them not," He was also challenging the social norms of His time. In Jewish society, children were often considered less important than adults. They had no status or voice, and their needs were frequently overlooked. By encouraging the children to come to Him and rejecting His disciples’ attempt to stop them, Jesus was demonstrating a radically different approach to societal hierarchies. He was showing that the kingdom of God does not discriminate based on age, status, or worldly importance.
This principle extends beyond children to the marginalized, the poor, the sick, and others who were often disregarded by society. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently reaches out to those who were considered "less than" by society. He broke down barriers and welcomed those whom others would have cast aside. In doing so, He illustrated that the kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of societal status or perceived value.
The Kingdom of Heaven and Its Inclusivity
Jesus’ command to "forbid them not" is a reminder that the kingdom of heaven is not for a select few; it is open to all who will come with humility and faith. By welcoming children, Jesus demonstrates that His kingdom is inclusive and that the barriers that people often put up whether based on age, social class, or any other factor do not exist in God’s kingdom.
In Matthew 1914, when Jesus says, "For of such is the kingdom of heaven," He is affirming that those who possess childlike qualities are not only welcome but are exemplars of what it means to enter the kingdom of God. Children, who often exhibit qualities such as wonder, trust, and an untainted belief in goodness, are a model for how believers should approach their relationship with God. These qualities are not seen as weaknesses but as virtues that align with the heart of God’s kingdom.
The Call to a Childlike Faith
In the statement "Forbid them not," Jesus is calling His followers to embrace a faith that is simple yet profound. A childlike faith is not one that questions every detail or demands proof before trusting. It is a faith that is willing to accept God’s promises without reservation, to trust in His goodness, and to rely on His grace. This kind of faith is essential for salvation, as it requires a surrender of the ego and a willingness to receive God’s love without conditions.
Jesus’ response also teaches that faith in Him is not reserved for those who are wise, educated, or powerful in the world’s eyes. Instead, it is accessible to anyone who comes to Him with the humility of a child. Jesus often lifted up those whom the world overlooked or rejected, showing that God’s love and grace are available to all who humbly seek Him.
The Power of Welcoming and Acceptance
Another important lesson from Jesus’ words, "Forbid them not," is the importance of welcoming others, especially those who may seem insignificant to the world. Jesus did not just permit the children to come to Him; He actively encouraged it. His command was a clear message about the importance of acceptance and hospitality within the Christian community.
This lesson remains relevant for Christians today. Just as Jesus welcomed children into His presence, so too are believers called to create spaces of acceptance and belonging for those around them. Whether in the church, the family, or the broader community, Christians are called to embody the love and acceptance that Jesus demonstrated. This includes welcoming people from all walks of life and treating them with the same respect and care that Jesus extended to the children He welcomed.
Living Out the Message of "Forbid Them Not" Today
As believers, we are called to embody the spirit of "Forbid them not" in our own lives. This involves approaching others with humility and openness, regardless of their age, background, or circumstances. It also means embodying a childlike faith in our relationship with God, trusting in His goodness and His promises without reservation.
Additionally, the message of "Forbid them not" challenges Christians to look beyond worldly measures of success and value and to recognize the inherent worth of every individual. Just as Jesus saw the value in children, we too should recognize that every person has intrinsic worth in God’s eyes. No one should be excluded from the love of God or the message of the Gospel.
The words "Forbid them not" are more than a simple invitation for children to come to Jesus. They serve as a profound reminder that God’s kingdom is open to all who come with humility and faith. Jesus’ message challenges societal norms, calls for childlike trust, and emphasizes the importance of welcoming others into the family of God. As Christians, we are called to live out these principles by embracing the marginalized, showing acceptance to all, and cultivating a childlike faith in our relationship with God. Through Jesus’ example, we learn that the kingdom of heaven is not a place for the self-sufficient or prideful, but for those who approach God with the heart of a child.