Luke 18:15-17 - Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."

In this Bible passage from Luke 18, people were bringing infants and children to Jesus so that He could touch them and bless them. However, the disciples rebuked those bringing the children. Jesus corrected the disciples, saying "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." He went on to say that those who don't receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it. Jesus welcomed the children, even infants, and valued them. He wanted the disciples to allow the children to come to Him freely, not hindering them in any way. Jesus said the kingdom of God belongs to those like children, who likely represent innocence, humility, trust, and openness to receiving from God. Just as the children came to Jesus to be blessed and touched by Him without reservation, we must come to Jesus the same way, receiving His blessings through childlike faith.

This passage shows Jesus' great love and welcome for all children. Though the disciples tried to send the children away, thinking Jesus was too important for children, Jesus corrected them sharply. He wanted the children to come. Jesus values children highly and sees them as model citizens of His kingdom. As followers of Jesus, we must receive this rebuke from Him. We cannot block children from knowing and following Jesus. We must help clear the way for them to come freely to Him. And we must become like them - humble, trusting, open, and dependent on God. Getting to heaven starts with simple, childlike faith in Jesus. We don't earn our way there. Let's pray that God would give us childlike hearts before Him. May we become humble, trusting, receptive, and not blocked off from God's blessings. As we grow in our faith, may we retain our childlike dependence on God. And may we do all we can to help the children around us draw near to Jesus without hindrance.

Heavenly Father, thank You for welcoming all children into Your kingdom. Forgive us when we hinder them from coming to You. Give us childlike hearts, humble and trusting before You. Help us receive Your blessings through simple faith. Teach us to nurture the faith of the children around us. Remove any barriers that keep them from running freely into Your loving arms. Grow each of us in childlike dependence on You every day. In Jesus' name, amen.