The disciples' sharp rebuke wasn't just about Jesus being busy; it stemmed from their misunderstanding of His mission. They likely viewed Him as a political or military leader, and saw no place for infants in such a grand endeavor, completely missing that His Kingdom operates on entirely different principles.
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; 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.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is traveling, and parents are bringing their little ones to Him, hoping for a touch or a blessing. However, His own disciples, misunderstanding the nature of Jesus' ministry or perhaps thinking the children would be a distraction, try to push them away. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to teach a profound lesson about who truly belongs in God's kingdom.
The disciples thought they were protecting Jesus, but they completely missed the point of His mission. What does this tell us about our own blind spots?
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we know what's best, even for God's work. The disciples saw Jesus as a revered teacher, perhaps a political leader, and assumed He wouldn't want to be bothered with children. They were trying to shield Him from what they perceived as an interruption.
But their understanding was limited. They didn't grasp that Jesus’s mission was to embrace everyone, especially the vulnerable and overlooked. Their zeal to 'protect' Jesus actually blocked the very people He came to serve.
This is a powerful reminder for us: are we, in our efforts to serve or defend God, inadvertently creating barriers for others? Are we guarding Jesus's reputation in a way that prevents people from experiencing His touch?
Jesus's reaction wasn't just mild correction; it was deep displeasure. Why did He care so much about children being brought to Him?
Jesus’s response to the disciples’ actions is striking. He was 'greatly upset' (or 'displeased' in some translations). This wasn't just a gentle nudge; it was a strong correction.
Why such a strong reaction? Because the parents and children represented exactly who Jesus came for: the humble, the dependent, the marginalized. They weren't coming with demands or complex theology, but with simple faith and a desire for His touch – a touch that brought blessing and healing.
Jesus was showing that His kingdom isn't just for the powerful or the wise, but for all, especially those who recognize their need for Him. He elevates the status of children, showing they are not lesser in God's eyes, but are models for true discipleship.
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Understand the original words
paidia · Greek Noun
Young human beings who are often used as symbols of dependence, humility, and teachableness. In Jesus’ teaching, they represent those who lack status but are valuable and welcomed by God.
epetimēsan · Greek Verb
To express strong disapproval or sternly warn someone to stop an action. In the context of the Gospels, it is often used by the disciples to keep people away from Jesus.
ēganaktēsen · Greek Verb
A feeling of deep displeasure, frustration, or righteous anger. When attributed to Jesus, it reflects his strong reaction against anything that obstructs his mission or grace.
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule and reign of God over his creation and people. It is both a present reality in the lives of believers and a future, ultimate hope of Christ's eternal kingdom.
kōlyete · Greek Verb
To act as a barrier or obstacle, preventing someone from coming to God or accessing his grace. Jesus warns against any attitude or behavior that hinders others from approaching him.
dexētai · Greek Verb
To accept, welcome, or take hold of a message, person, or gift offered by God. In the context of the Gospel, it implies a humble, open-hearted acceptance of God’s grace and authority.
eiselthē · Greek Verb
To arrive at a place or status, specifically referencing participation in eternal life and the redemptive blessings of God's kingdom.
eulogeō · Greek Verb
To pronounce a blessing or confer divine favor upon someone; it involves the exercise of divine authority to grant well-being, prosperity, or protection.
c. 6 BC - 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies and initiating his earthly ministry.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus begins teaching, healing, and gathering disciples throughout Galilee and Judea.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Encounters Children
While traveling, Jesus is approached by parents wanting him to touch their children. His disciples try to prevent this, but Jesus rebukes them and welcomes the children, emphasizing the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Departure from the Region
After this encounter, Jesus leaves the area, continuing his journey towards Jerusalem.
This passage is a parallel account, highlighting the disciples' attempt to prevent children from coming to Jesus, showing a consistent reaction from the disciples in similar situations.
Luke 18:15Luke also records this event, emphasizing the disciples' act of rebuking those who brought the children, reinforcing the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission.
Mark 10:14Jesus' direct response immediately following this verse reveals His displeasure with the disciples' actions and clarifies His desire to welcome children, showing the contrast between His heart and theirs.
1 Corinthians 14:20This verse offers a parallel concept about childlike qualities, advising believers not to be children in understanding but in malice, which echoes Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:14 about the nature of those in the kingdom of heaven.
barnesMark 10:13: "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them."
See the notes at Matthew 19:13-15 . Mark 10:13 Should touch them - That is, should lay his hands on them, and pray for them, and bless them. Compare Matthew 19:13. It was common to lay the hands on the head of a person for whom a blessing was asked. See the case of Jacob, Genesis 48:14.
bengelMark 10:13: "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them."
Mark 10:13 . Ἅψηται , should touch ) A modest request.
The disciples' sharp rebuke wasn't just about Jesus being busy; it stemmed from their misunderstanding of His mission. They likely viewed Him as a political or military leader, and saw no place for infants in such a grand endeavor, completely missing that His Kingdom operates on entirely different principles.
Jesus is traveling, and parents are bringing their little ones to Him, hoping for a touch or a blessing. However, His own disciples, misunderstanding the nature of Jesus' ministry or perhaps thinking the children would be a distraction, try to push them away. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to teach a profound lesson about who truly belongs in God's kingdom.
Jesus is traveling, and parents are bringing their little ones to Him, hoping for a touch or a blessing. However, His own disciples, misunderstanding the nature of Jesus' ministry or perhaps thinking the children would be a distraction, try to push them away. This moment sets the stage for Jesus to teach a profound lesson about who truly belongs in God's kingdom.
"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of…" — The disciples' sharp rebuke wasn't just about Jesus being busy; it stemmed from their misunderstanding of His mission. They likely viewed Him as a political or military leader, and saw no place for i…
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Last reviewed October 2026
