AT ONE time when Jesus was teaching the people, some women brought their children to him for a blessing. The disciples thought the women should not do this, and thought Jesus did not wish to be bothered with the children.

Jesus said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He loved them and held them upon his lap and blessed them.

At another time he said that unless people become converted and become as little children, they can not enter the kingdom of heaven. This means that it is necessary for them to have their sins forgiven and to be pure and innocent and free from sin in order to be in God’s church in this world and to go to heaven after they die.