Jesus and Children

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
     - Luke 18.15-17

Jesus was radically welcoming, even to little children. At that time in history, children were not considered very important, and certainly were not given the attention of important political or religious figures. So the disciples were not out of line at all - they were just treating children the way that their culture said they should.

Jesus goes up against culture. He constantly is turning values upside down, focusing attention on those who are 'outside' the traditional views of important, power, and prestige. Jesus, instead, treats everyone the same. Everyone. Can you imagine never giving preference for one kind of person or another? 

As Jesus today to see children the way he does. And then ask him to see celebrities and politicians the way he does. And then pray about those people in your life who may not feel like they 'belong' - pray that Jesus would care for them and that he might even use you to help them experience his radical welcome.