Several disciples went fishing and a stranger called to them, “Children, have you any food?” (John 21:5). The stranger was Jesus and He was actually calling these men, “little children” as it has been elsewhere translated (John 13:33). He wasn’t calling them “guys”, or “lads” or even “boys” – he was calling them “little children”.
Think about it. By using that expression we know that these disciples were young and that Jesus, who was over thirty years of age, was quite their senior (Luke 3:23). Significantly, it also tells us that God desires to dwell with him who has the teachableness of a child and who is unpretentious. “The High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: (dwells) in the high and holy place with him who has a contrite and humble spirit” (Isa. 57:15 NKJV).
God isn’t looking for those who are brilliant theologians. He isn’t looking for those who delight in demonstrating a level of righteousness to others. He isn’t looking for the know-it-alls. He’s looking for the likes of you and me. Ordinary people with nothing to offer Him except our hearts. He’s looking for the ones who are aware that they are sinners and turn to Him for forgiveness.
In fact, God says that He will dwell with those who trust in His grace, and He will bring them peace and heal them (Isa. 57:18).”’I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,’ says the Lord, and I will heal him” (Isa. 57:19 NKJV). In case you missed that, that promise is for YOU. YOU are the one who is far off in time and distance from when Isaiah penned those words. Jesus has brought peace to you through His blood.
That’s a promise from God that cannot be broken. You have peace from sin and you have peace with God so that you will inherit eternity with God. “He who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land, and shall inherit My holy mountain” (Isa. 57:13 NKJV). This is partly what Jesus meant when He said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' (Matt. 19:14 NKJV).