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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus's indignation isn't just about the disciples being rude; it's a powerful reaction to their misunderstanding of God's kingdom. He's not just saying children are allowed in, but that the very nature of the kingdom belongs to those who possess their innocence and trust.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just moments before, Jesus had been discussing divorce and the sanctity of marriage with his disciples, who were grappling with difficult theological points. Now, parents are bringing their little children to Jesus for a blessing, but the disciples, focused on the important adult matters, try to push them away. Jesus, seeing this obstruction to his loving welcome, becomes deeply indignant and corrects them, emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to those with a child's trusting heart.
Imagine Jesus, usually so gentle, experiencing strong indignation. What could trigger such a powerful reaction from Him?
The text tells us Jesus was 'indignant' – a strong word indicating righteous anger – when He saw His disciples rebuking people who were bringing children to Him.
A Divine Displeasure
This wasn't a petty annoyance, but a deep disapproval of the disciples' actions. They were blocking access to Jesus, preventing those who were seen as insignificant from receiving His attention and blessing. Jesus’ anger was a protective, divine response to an injustice against the vulnerable and the overlooked.
Protecting Access to Grace
His indignation highlights that no one, especially the weak or those considered unimportant by society, should be barred from approaching Christ. The disciples, in their misunderstanding, were creating barriers where Jesus intended to build bridges of grace.
Jesus uses children to describe who belongs in God's kingdom. What qualities do children possess that mirror the nature of God's reign?
Jesus declares, 'for to such belongs the kingdom of God.' This isn't just about biological children, but about a disposition – a childlike quality that is essential for entering God's kingdom.
Qualities of a Childlike Heart
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A Different Kind of Belonging
Jesus uses these qualities to show that God's kingdom isn't earned through worldly status, intelligence, or power, but through a humble, trusting, and open heart – qualities vividly displayed in children.
Understand the original words
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.
This encounter occurred during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, a time of intense focus and impending crisis, highlighting His unwavering commitment to the vulnerable even as the nation's fate hung in the balance.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus preached, taught, and performed miracles throughout Galilee, gathering disciples and attracting large crowds of followers.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus began His final journey towards Jerusalem, a journey marked by significant teachings and events, including this encounter with children.
c. AD 30
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event that intensified the attention of religious and political leaders.
c. AD 30
Jesus Clears the Temple
Jesus overturned the tables of money changers and merchants in the Temple, an act of righteous anger that challenged the religious establishment.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem, events central to Christian faith and theology.
This parallel account directly quotes Jesus' statement about the kingdom belonging to those like children, reinforcing the primary message of Mark 10:14.
Luke 18:16Luke's version also highlights Jesus' embrace of children and the statement about the kingdom, emphasizing the disciples' incorrect understanding compared to Jesus' intent.
1 Corinthians 14:20Paul uses a similar concept of 'childlike' behavior, contrasting it with childishness in understanding, which helps clarify that Jesus wasn't promoting immaturity but qualities like humility and teachability.
Matthew 18:3This passage immediately follows the account in Matthew and explicitly states 'unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,' directly linking the disposition of children to entering God's kingdom.
bengelMark 10:14: "But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:14 . Ἠγανάκτησε , was much displeased ) on account of the obstruction thrown in the way of His love by the disciples.— τοιούτων ἐστὶν , of such is ) Of such as these, it is [to such belongs] the privilege to receive the kingdom of God, Mark 10:15 .
ellicottMark 10:14: "But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God."
(14) He was much displeased. —The word, as used by our Lord, is peculiar to St. Mark; St. Matthew uses it of the disciples ( Matthew 20:24 ; Matthew 26:8 ) and of the chief priests ( Matthew 21:15 ).
Jesus's indignation isn't just about the disciples being rude; it's a powerful reaction to their misunderstanding of God's kingdom. He's not just saying children are allowed in, but that the very nature of the kingdom belongs to those who possess their innocence and trust.
Just moments before, Jesus had been discussing divorce and the sanctity of marriage with his disciples, who were grappling with difficult theological points. Now, parents are bringing their little children to Jesus for a blessing, but the disciples, focused on the important adult matters, try to push them away. Jesus, seeing this obstruction to his loving welcome, becomes deeply indignant and corrects them, emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to those with a child's trusting heart.
Just moments before, Jesus had been discussing divorce and the sanctity of marriage with his disciples, who were grappling with difficult theological points. Now, parents are bringing their little children to Jesus for a blessing, but the disciples, focused on the important adult matters, try to push them away. Jesus, seeing this obstruction to his loving welcome, becomes deeply indignant and corrects them, emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to those with a child's trusting heart.
"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." — Jesus's indignation isn't just about the disciples being rude; it's a powerful reaction to their misunderstanding of God's kingdom. He's not just saying children are allowed in, but that the very n…
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Last reviewed October 2026