17/05/2026
Date:17th May 2026
Preacher: Rev’d Canon Godwin E. Ifejika
Topic: Let the Little Children Come to Me
Text: Matthew 19:13–14
Introduction
Today, we celebrate Children’s Day, a special day set aside to appreciate and pray for our children. In many parts of the world today, children are often ignored, neglected, underestimated, or not given the attention and love they deserve. But in our Bible text, we see a different example in Jesus Christ. Jesus recognized children, valued them, welcomed them, and blessed them.
Matthew 19:14 shows us that children are important in the sight of God. They are not too small to be loved by Jesus, used by God, or taught His ways.
Things That Prevent Children from Coming to Jesus
a. Bad Examples from Adults
Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear. When adults live carelessly, fight, lie, or behave ungodly, children can become discouraged from following Christ.
Parents, teachers, and church leaders must live lives worthy of imitation.
b. Abuse and Neglect
Many children today suffer from rejection, harsh treatment, lack of love, and neglect. Some are wounded emotionally and spiritually. Such experiences can make children feel unloved and distant from God.
As believers, we are called to protect, nurture, and care for the little ones God has entrusted to us.
c. Lack of Spiritual Guidance
Some children grow up without prayer, Bible teaching, or godly instruction. Without guidance, they may easily follow the wrong path.
Proverbs 22:6 says:“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”.
Children need spiritual support from both the home and the church.
d. Our Responsibility as Adults
God has given adults the responsibility to lead children closer to Christ, not farther away. We must:
• Teach them the Word of God.
• Pray for them regularly.
• Show them love and patience.
• Encourage them spiritually and morally.
• Create an environment where they can grow in Christ.
Conclusion
Jesus still says today, “Let the little children come to me.” Children are precious gifts from God, and we must do everything possible to help them know Christ and grow in Him.
May we never become obstacles to the spiritual growth of the younger generation. Instead, may our words, actions, and lifestyle lead them closer to Jesus.
