Jesus and Kids

but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14, ESV)
There's no way around it. God loves kids. To be sure, God loves people of all shapes and sizes and from every age and tax bracket. But he holds a special place  in his heart for children. Why? I believe it is because of their vulnerability and their humble faith. All through scripture God is concerned with protecting the vulnerable and all through the Gospels Jesus honors children because they simply believe.
Sometimes we like to exploit their simple faith so we tell them stories of an obese bearded man in a red velvet suite who climes down disproportionately small chimneys and leaves presents for every child in the world in the span of a few hours one night each year.
But Jesus honored that faith. He pointed at them, looked at the disciples and said, "Let them be your example. Have faith like these little ones."
How humbling.
Here are a few more verses from the Gospel of Matthew that tell us a little more about Jesus and children.

•  He healed them (Matt 9:23-26)
• He fed them (Matt 15:38)
• He cast demons from them (Matt 17:18)
• He held them as an example of humility and faith (Matt 18:2-4)
• He promises judgment for those cause them to sin (Matt 18:5-6)
• Their angels see the face of God (Matt 18:10)
• He defends their right to come to him (Matt 19:13-15)
• He blesses them (Matt 19:15)