Why does Jesus spend time with children?

Why does Jesus spend time with children?

He says it's because, "the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” (Mt 19:14) At City of Light, our vision for children flows from what Jesus told his disciples, “Let the children come to me." (Mt 19:14) The word for children in that verse actually refers to young children, even infants. "Bring me the babies.”

Jesus was blessing each child as they were brought to him. Children can know Jesus. They can worship him. On the day of Pentecost, St. Peter says that forgiveness of sins and the promise of the Holy Spirit is "for you and for your children and for all who are far off." (Acts 2:39) They can follow him and invite others to follow him.

In fact, children follow Jesus in a way that we’re supposed to imitate: “Unless you change and have faith like one of these children, you can’t enter the kingdom.” (Mt. 18:3) And again, “A little child will lead them.” (Is. 11:6) 

I want you to invite you to think about what it means to be with children in a different way: If you are present to children in worship, your faith will grow. We bring them to Jesus, but they also bring us to Jesus. 

Yes, it can be challenging to be with children in our homes, neighborhoods, and church. We don't romanticize that. But if we are truly present with children we will experience Jesus' transforming presence with us. This is what happens on Sundays in City Kids.
 
I want to invite you into worship with children in our City Kids ministry. Our City Kids team members regularly experience the life-changing presence of Jesus with and through our kids as they worship together. Come learn about the kingdom of God from our children as you teach them about the kingdom of God.