We’ve seen a lot of amazing things about Jesus. He healed people and cast out demons. He calmed storms and walked on water. He told stories and called disciples. Wherever he went, crowds followed Jesus. They wanted to see him, hear him, and be near him. Some wanted a sermon, or maybe a miracle. Others wanted him to put on a show, or maybe be their earthly king.

Everyone, it seemed, had a problem that they thought Jesus could fix.

So one day, when moms and dads started bringing their children to Jesus, the disciples were not happy. “Can’t they see how busy he is?” they probably said as they rolled their eyes. “He has a million things to do and can’t be bothered with these babies.”

The disciples thought they were helping Jesus. They thought they were keeping Jesus free for the important people. The disciples thought Jesus was too busy for little kids.

Boy, were they wrong.

Jesus was furious with his disciples. “Let the little children come to me,” he said. He was not bothered by kids. He’s not bothered by any little people or by any of our little problems. Jesus was eager to bless the children, and he’s eager to bless you!

“The kingdom of God belongs to people just like them,” Jesus said. That means kids can be on God’s team. Little children are welcome into his home. Even tiny babies can be a part of his family.

So Jesus took the children in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. This was the way God’s people had always known that God loved them, that God smiled upon them, that God was on their side.

In fact, Jesus said we can all learn a lot from kids. When we know that we are small and helpless—just like teeny, tiny babies—then we are ready to receive God’s grace. God’s kingdom is not for the strong or the proud. It’s for the weak and the humble. It’s a kingdom for nobodies, not for somebodies.

That’s bad news if we are trying to earn God’s love and really bad news if we think God loves the important people most. But it’s really good news if we are ready for God to do all the saving.

Jesus wants to hear from you! He’s never too busy, and you are never a bother. Don’t ever forget: the kingdom belongs to kids.