Today's Verse: Matthew 19:14

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
— Matthew 19:14

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus' love for children in an age when they weren't highly regarded is a powerful reminder. It is a reminder of God's love for what the world often abuses or abandons. We are called to love the unloved, the forgotten, the abused and neglected. Why? Because that is what Israel was in Egypt and that is what Jesus was at Calvary and that is what we were without grace (Romans 5:6-11). How can we claim to know salvation and not share it with others who need that grace!? How can we claim to be Jesus' disciples and not show love for those the world forgets?

My Prayer...

Father, I want to be more of a parent like you - a holy and loving parent to my own children and a tender parent to the forgotten children of today. Help me not only to be aroused by the neglect and abuse children suffer in my world, but to be moved to act in ways that bless them. In the name of Jesus, the great lover of all children I pray. Amen.

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14 Related Resources by Heartlight

Come to Me
Illustration of Matthew 19:14
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 19:14 -- Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
To the Least, Like Jesus
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Largely, in the days when Jesus came, children were only valued if they were wanted. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that we not only must become like children, but as Jesus' followers, we must value children.
Unrestrained Joy
Article by Tom Norvell
When's the last time you jumped up and down for joy? Tom Norvell talks about a returning soldier being greeted by unrestrained joy by his wife and children and asked when was the last time you did that with God.
Let Them Come to Me!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for..."
See All 14 Related Resources about Matthew 19:14

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 19:14 — Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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