World Changers

“Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it’” (Luke 18:15-17 ESV).

Jessie Buckley (the Academy Award-winning actress starring in Hamnet) said something in her Oscars acceptance speech that has echoed in my mind ever since. As she spoke on motherhood and her desire to have more children, she described the “beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.”

What a phrase.

The Complicated Side to Motherhood

If you’re a mother, you know that raising children often feels like existing in opposites. You count the minutes until bedtime and then miss your kids the moment they’re asleep. You long for five quiet minutes alone and then ache when the day comes that their little hands no longer reach for yours. You feel weary yet grateful, stretched to your limit yet overflowing with love, unseen yet deeply essential.

It’s the “beautiful chaos of a mother’s heart.” You live on both ends of the spectrum.

Jesus’ View of Children

Into that tension, Scripture gives us one of the most tender scenes in the Gospels, found in Luke 18:15–17.

Jesus was on the road to Jerusalem. The cross was before Him. Eternity was pressing in. It was a weighty hour. And yet, in that moment, He still made time for children.

As He passed, mothers brought their infants to Jesus so He might touch them and bless them. But the disciples rebuked the mothers.

“Don’t bother Him.” “He has more important things to do.”

If we’re honest, these voices have never fully dissipated. They still whisper in our ear, telling us that motherhood is small work, that raising children is secondary to “bigger goals,” that the unseen labor of nurturing souls somehow matters less than more public accomplishments.

But Jesus was greatly displeased.

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them” (Luke 18:16 ESV).

Jesus stopped and sharply corrected the disciples. He opened His arms. He welcomed them in. The children the disciples saw as distractions became a priority that revealed the heart of God.

A Mother’s Work Is Not Small, Contrary to Culture’s Belief

To every mother who feels overlooked, exhausted, or diminished: Your work is not small. In fact, your work is essential in the sight of God. Enough for Him to pause in one of His heaviest hours.

The world may applaud those who build companies, gain influence, and chase success. We celebrate entrepreneurs for changing the world. But we can’t forget that children change the world, too.

Those who courageously welcome, raise, shape, and love children are doing world-shaping work that will outlive any company or great dream of an entrepreneur.

How Jesus Views Your Motherhood

Heaven sees it. Jesus sees it. And He does not call it lesser. Instead, He calls the children near and honors those who bring them. He showers His blessings upon them.

Let me encourage you with the perspective of Jesus:

Your love matters.

Your labor matters.

Your presence matters.

Your prayers matter.

You may feel like the “beautiful chaos” is overwhelming and underappreciated. But in the hands of God, it is holy work. Treasured work. Precious in His eyes.

You are changing the world.

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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.