Jesus Welcomes Children to the Repair Shop 

To Jesus, nothing was more important than listening to a little child. The innocence and happiness of childhood brought gladness to Jesus’ heart. Similarly, Jesus would uplift everyone, and his smile and humor dispelled any worries. Jesus retained the heart and simplicity of a child his whole life. He had a special connection with children and those with a childlike trust in God.

As Jesus entered his twenty-fifth year, 19 CE, his periods of deep meditation were frequently interrupted by Ruth and the other children who were playing with her. Jesus was always prepared to put off thinking about his future work for the world and the universe in order to share in the childlike joy and youthful gladness of these children.

At the repair shop, the children were always welcome to have a look around. Jesus had sand, blocks, and stones by the side of the shop, and a large number of children found themselves there in search of entertainment. When they were bored with their games, the more daring ones would sneak a peek inside the shop. If Jesus was not busy, they would dare to go inside and ask, "Uncle Joshua, come out and tell us a big story." After that, they would lead him out of the shop by pulling on his hands until he was seated on a favorite rock by the corner of the store, with the children on the ground in a semicircle in front of him.

The children so enjoyed spending time with their Uncle Joshua. They never got tired of hearing him relate the experiences of his various trips to Jerusalem and found his tales about animals and the natural world to be very entertaining. They were learning to laugh and to laugh heartily. During the time that he was telling his stories, it was common practice for one or two of the children who were the youngest to climb up onto his knees and sit there, gazing up in awe at his expressive features. The children loved Jesus, and Jesus loved the children.

From the profound discussion of politics, philosophy, or religion to the lighthearted and joyful playfulness of these tots ranging in age from five to ten years old, it was difficult for Jesus’ friends to comprehend the breadth of his intellectual activities and how he could so suddenly shift from one to another. He paid a great deal of attention to these young children as his brothers and sisters grew older and as he gained more leisure time. However, he did not live long enough on earth to have the opportunity to take pleasure in the grandchildren.

Later in his life, during his public ministry, Jesus rebuked his apostles for attempting to forbid mothers from bringing children to him for his blessing. He told his apostles to allow the young children to approach, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like them. He emphasized that anyone who does not accept the kingdom of God with the innocence and simplicity of a child will find it difficult to enter.

The kingdom of children is one of hearing vivid stories, enjoying good humor, solving disputes with friends by giggling, and untrammeled laughter. Jesus said the angels watch over these little ones. Many children have looked up at the picture of the boy and girl crossing over a faulty bridge, protected by a shiny guardian angel, and fall asleep peacefully. Jesus reminds us that we all are children of our heavenly Father.