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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’s embrace of the children highlights that the kingdom isn't just for those who actively seek it, but also for those who are presented to God, showing divine grace extends even before conscious faith. His action also underscores that the disciples' understanding of his kingdom was too limited, focusing on earthly power rather than divine humility.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The disciples are trying to keep mothers and their little children away from Jesus, thinking he's too important for them. But Jesus, seeing this, calls the children to him and rebukes his disciples, insisting that the kingdom of God is truly for those who are like these children. He then goes on to say that anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
The disciples tried to shield Jesus from the children, but they completely missed the point. What were they thinking?
When mothers brought their infants to Jesus, hoping for a touch or a blessing, the disciples intervened, rebuking them. Their reaction shows a fundamental misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and the nature of God's kingdom. They saw Jesus as a great rabbi, too important to be bothered with small children. This perspective reveals how easily we can judge based on worldly status and power, rather than divine purpose. Jesus, however, saw these children not as insignificant, but as prime examples of the very people His kingdom was for.
Jesus used these children to teach a profound truth about entering God's kingdom. What does it mean to be 'like' them?
Jesus declares, 'for to such belongs the kingdom of God.' This isn't just about children being allowed into the kingdom; it's about the qualities they embody being essential for kingdom citizenship. Children, in their innocence and dependence, are contrasted with the disciples' pride and possessiveness. To enter God's kingdom, one must receive it with humility, trust, and a lack of self-sufficiency – much like a child relies completely on a parent. It's a radical reorientation from worldly power to childlike faith.
Jesus didn't just welcome the children; He actively blessed them. What does this mean for infants and believers today?
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Jesus didn't merely tolerate the children; He 'called them to him' and, as other Gospel accounts note, took them in his arms and blessed them. This act demonstrates that Jesus' grace and favor extend even to the youngest, those who haven't yet grasped spiritual concepts intellectually. It affirms that God's redemptive plan includes infants, whom He adopts and washes through Christ's sacrifice. This powerful image reassures us that God cherishes all His children, from the littlest to the oldest, and His blessing is for them.
Understand the original words
paidia · Greek Noun
The state of being very young, characterized by humility, dependence, trust, and a lack of status or power in ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman culture. In this context, it represents the posture required to enter the kingdom of God.
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The sovereign reign, rule, and authority of God. It refers both to the present spiritual reality of God's rule in the hearts of believers and the future, consummate establishment of His kingdom over all creation.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus travels throughout regions like Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period sees Him interacting with various crowds, including families and children.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples' Misunderstanding of Jesus' Mission
The disciples often struggled to grasp the nature of Jesus' kingdom and His compassion, sometimes attempting to protect Him from perceived distractions or unsuitability, as seen in their reaction to the children.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Teaching on Childlike Faith
Jesus uses the occasion of children being brought to Him to teach a crucial lesson about the nature of entering God's kingdom, emphasizing humility, trust, and dependence, characteristics exemplified by children.
This passage from Matthew directly parallels Luke's account, emphasizing Jesus' affection for children and stating, 'for of such is the kingdom of heaven,' reinforcing the idea that a childlike disposition is key to entering God's kingdom.
Mark 10:14Mark's Gospel, often seen as Peter's perspective, highlights Jesus' displeasure ('was much displeased') when the disciples tried to stop the children, giving us insight into Jesus' passionate defense of the vulnerable.
1 Corinthians 14:20Paul's admonition to 'not be children in understanding, but in malice' offers a crucial distinction, showing that Jesus values the *qualities* of children (like humility and trust), not their lack of maturity or understanding.
Romans 11:17-18This passage about Gentile branches being grafted into the olive tree speaks to the inclusive nature of God's kingdom, suggesting that those considered 'outside' or 'lesser' by human standards (like children) are essential to God's plan.
calvinLuke 18:15-17: "And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them."
Then were presented to him children, that he might lay hands on them and pray; but the disciples rebuked them. 14. And Jesus said to them, Suffer children, and forbid them not, to come to me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 15. And when he had laid hands on them, he departed thence.
And they brought to him children, that he might touch them; but the…
gillLuke 18:16: "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
But Jesus called them unto him,.... Not the disciples, as the Ethiopic version reads, nor the persons that brought the children, but the children themselves; for the antecedent to the relative "them", can be no other; which shows, that these infants were not new born babes, or children at the breast, but such as were more grown up, since they w…
Jesus’s embrace of the children highlights that the kingdom isn't just for those who actively seek it, but also for those who are presented to God, showing divine grace extends even before conscious faith. His action also underscores that the disciples' understanding of his kingdom was too limited, focusing on earthly power rather than divine humility.
The disciples are trying to keep mothers and their little children away from Jesus, thinking he's too important for them. But Jesus, seeing this, calls the children to him and rebukes his disciples, insisting that the kingdom of God is truly for those who are like these children. He then goes on to say that anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
The disciples are trying to keep mothers and their little children away from Jesus, thinking he's too important for them. But Jesus, seeing this, calls the children to him and rebukes his disciples, insisting that the kingdom of God is truly for those who are like these children. He then goes on to say that anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
"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." — Jesus’s embrace of the children highlights that the kingdom isn't just for those who actively seek it, but also for those who are presented to God, showing divine grace extends even before conscious…
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Last reviewed October 2026