Jesus’ disciples asked Him which of them would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1). Clearly they were still expecting an earthly kingdom and wondering what high positions they might hold.

In response, Jesus took a little child, who had no rights under the Law, and stood him in their midst.

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5, NIV

He cautioned the disciples that they needed to change their thinking, and take on the humility of a child.

By directing our service toward people, toward children in poverty, we honor the Lord.

But for anyone who might place a stumbling block before a child who believes in Him, “it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6, NIV).

Though little thought was given to children in those ancient days, Jesus did not overlook them. He treasured them. And we do too!

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I wonder, what impact it would have had if a child had been “in the midst” of different events in history?

What if a child had been in the room during the penning of the Declaration of Independence?

Do you think our founding fathers would have addressed the importance of children by adding a line stating they were seeking independence “for the future of our children?”

Look at John Trumbull’s famous painting of the signing of the Declaration:

Now imagine how that image changes if a child is added to the scene.

How many wars would never have started if a child had been in the war planning room.

Imagine a child asking, “But why? Why do you want to hurt those mommies and daddies?” … or better yet, “Are you going to hurt the children too?”

(Over the past ten years, more children have died as the result of wars than soldiers.)

What other moments in history might have changed, if a child had been “in the midst?”

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