Questions for Family Bible Study: Exploring Matthew 19:14 on Children and the Kingdom

Guiding Families to Understand Jesus' Words on Children and the Kingdom of Heaven invites parents, grandparents, and children alike into one of the tenderest moments in the Gospels. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus rebukes His disciples for turning children away and declares, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” This longtail pursuit—guiding families to understand Jesus’ words on children and the kingdom of heaven—resonates deeply with the Bible’s consistent theme of God’s special regard for the humble, the dependent, and the trusting. From the Psalms’ praise that children are a heritage from the LORD (Psalm 127:3) to the prophetic promise that a little child shall lead them (Isaiah 11:6), Scripture portrays children not as peripheral but as exemplars of the very posture required to enter God’s kingdom. In an age that often undervalues or over-schedules the young, Jesus lifts them up, teaching every generation that childlike faith—trust, dependence, humility, wonder—is the doorway to eternal life. This passage calls families to gather around the Word, not merely to instruct the young, but to be instructed by the Savior who welcomes all who come with open, believing hearts.

Scriptural Exposition

Matthew 19:13-15 (KJV) provides the full context:

“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.”

The NKJV clarifies slightly for modern ears: “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.”

The verb “suffer” (aphiete) means “allow” or “permit,” carrying a sense of active permission rather than mere tolerance. The phrase “of such is the kingdom of heaven” indicates that the kingdom belongs to those who possess the qualities children naturally display—dependence, trust, humility, receptivity. Parallel accounts in Mark 10:13-16 and Luke 18:15-17 add vivid details: Mark notes Jesus was “much displeased” with the disciples and took the children in His arms, blessing them; Luke specifies that even infants were brought.

This moment follows Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce (Matthew 19:1-12) and precedes the rich young ruler’s encounter (19:16-22), creating a striking contrast. The children come empty-handed, dependent, and are welcomed; the wealthy man comes with possessions and self-reliance, and walks away sorrowful. Jesus uses children to illustrate the prerequisite for entering the kingdom: not achievement or status, but childlike faith.

Elsewhere Scripture reinforces this:

• Matthew 18:3-4 (KJV): “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
• Mark 10:15 (KJV): “Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”

Jesus’ actions—touching, blessing, embracing—reveal the Father’s heart: children are precious, worthy of dignity, and models of kingdom citizenship.

Reflective Insights

The authority of Christ’s words confronts every generation: the kingdom is not earned by strength, wisdom, or wealth, but received by humble trust. Job, stripped of everything, learned to depend wholly on God (Job 1:21). The Psalms repeatedly call the soul to rest like a weaned child on its mother (Psalm 131:2). Proverbs exalts the simplicity of the upright (Proverbs 11:3) and warns against self-reliance (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ecclesiastes exposes the emptiness of adult striving apart from God (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

In the Gospels, Jesus consistently elevates the lowly—the poor in spirit, the meek, the childlike—while humbling the proud. The epistles echo this: Paul urges believers to think of themselves with sober judgment (Romans 12:3), and James reminds us that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Revelation pictures the redeemed as a multitude from every nation, standing before the throne like children before a loving Father (Revelation 7:9-10).

Philosophically, this teaching subverts worldly hierarchies: greatness is measured by humility, not power. Morality flows from childlike trust—obeying without question, loving without calculation, believing without cynicism. Purpose emerges when we cease striving and simply come to Jesus, as children run to a parent. The cross itself is the ultimate display of divine humility; the resurrection invites us to receive life as a gift, not a wage. Families who ponder this truth together discover that teaching children the faith also re-teaches adults how to believe.

Practical Applications

Gather your family in a comfortable space—perhaps around the table after a meal or before bedtime. Read Matthew 19:13-15 aloud (let children take turns reading). Use these questions to spark discussion, reflection, and prayer. They are crafted for mixed ages, encouraging everyone to participate.

Guided Family Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for welcoming children and showing us what true faith looks like. Soften our hearts to receive Your kingdom as little children—trusting, humble, and open. Help our family come to You daily without holding back. Bless every child here, and teach the adults among us to become like them. In Your precious name, Amen.

Family Bible Study Questions: Exploring Matthew 19:14 

1. What were the disciples trying to do when they rebuked the people bringing children? Why do you think they did that?
2. How does Jesus respond? What emotions do you sense in His words—“Suffer little children, and forbid them not”?
3. Jesus says, “of such is the kingdom of heaven.” What qualities do little children usually have that adults sometimes lose?
4. Read Matthew 18:3-4 together. What does Jesus mean by “become as little children”? Give examples from everyday life.
5. Imagine you were one of the children Jesus blessed. How would you feel? What would you tell your friends afterward?
6. Why do you think Jesus was “much displeased” (Mark 10:14) with the disciples? Have we ever kept someone from coming close to Jesus?
7. Compare the children in this story with the rich young ruler who comes right after (Matthew 19:16-22). What differences do you see in how they approach Jesus?
8. How can our family show that children are important to Jesus? (Ideas: listening to them, praying with them, including them in decisions.)
9. What does it look like in your life right now to “receive the kingdom of God as a little child” (Mark 10:15)?
10. Close by sharing one way each person wants to trust Jesus more simply this week. Pray for one another.

Key Takeaways and Study Plan

1. Jesus values children highly and uses them as models of kingdom faith.
2. Childlike qualities—trust, humility, dependence—are essential for entering the kingdom.
3. Adults must turn from self-reliance and pride to receive the kingdom like children.
4. Forbidding or hindering others from Jesus displeases Him deeply.
5. Jesus blesses and touches those who come—He is approachable and loving.
6. Families grow when children and adults learn from each other’s faith.
7. The kingdom is received as a gift, not earned by status or achievement.

5-Day Family Study Plan

Day 1: Read Matthew 19:13-15. Discuss questions 1-3. Draw a picture of the scene.Day 2: Read Matthew 18:1-5 and Mark 10:13-16. Discuss questions 4-6.Day 3: Compare with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). Discuss question 7.Day 4: Brainstorm practical ways to value children as Jesus does. Discuss question 8.Day 5: Personal reflection on childlike faith. Discuss questions 9-10. End with family prayer and commitments.

Conclusion

Matthew 19:14 reveals the tender, welcoming heart of Jesus who opens wide the gates of the kingdom to all who come with childlike trust. In a world that prizes independence and achievement, He calls us back to dependence, humility, and simple faith. Let this truth reshape your family: welcome the little ones, learn from their trust, and together run to the Savior who lays His hands on you in blessing. No one is too small, too young, or too ordinary to be embraced by Him. May your home echo with the laughter of children and the quiet faith of adults who have become like them. The Lord Jesus keep you, guide you, and draw you nearer to His kingdom every day. Amen.