Mark 10:14
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)
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Jesus' indignation wasn't just about the disciples blocking children; it was a fierce defense of their inherent worth and place in God's plan. The phrasing "to such belongs the kingdom of God" highlights that the kingdom isn't earned by adult understanding or merit, but is inherently for those who possess childlike qualities like trust and openness.
Just before this, Jesus had been discussing divorce, and his disciples were clearly focused on human rules and expectations. When parents brought their children to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples, likely thinking it beneath Jesus' dignity or a distraction from "important" matters, rebuked them. Jesus, however, was deeply displeased by this obstruction to his love and the children's access to him, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to those with a child-like spirit.
Have you ever seen something so wrong you felt a surge of anger? Jesus did too, and it wasn't a sin.
Mark 10:14 is striking because it uses the word 'indignant' (or 'much displeased' in some translations) to describe Jesus' reaction. This isn't a petty annoyance; it's a righteous anger sparked by the disciples trying to block access to Him.
Why Indignant?
What does it truly mean to be like a child? It's not about immaturity, but about a profound spiritual posture.
Jesus’ command, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them,' is followed by the reason: 'for to such belongs the kingdom of God.' This isn't just about literal children; it's about the qualities of children that are essential for entering God's kingdom.
The Heart of a Child:
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 event occurs during Jesus' final journey towards Jerusalem, a time when His mission is nearing its climax and the disciples are struggling to grasp His spiritual kingdom amidst national expectations of a political Messiah.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period sees increasing crowds and religious attention.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Departs Galilee for Perea
Jesus leaves His Galilean base and begins a significant journey south towards Jerusalem, passing through the region of Perea. This journey is a time of intense teaching and preparation for His final week.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus intentionally heads towards Jerusalem for the Passover, knowing His arrest and crucifixion await Him. This journey is marked by significant teachings, including the events surrounding the disciples' treatment of children.
This parallel account in Matthew uses nearly identical wording, emphasizing that the disciples rebuked those bringing children and that Jesus declared the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Luke 18:16Luke's version also highlights Jesus' indignation and his statement about the kingdom of God belonging to children, adding that Jesus called the children to him and blessed them.
1 Corinthians 14:20While not directly about children, Paul's instruction not to be 'children in understanding, but mature in evil' contrasts with Jesus' endorsement of childlike qualities for the kingdom, clarifying that Jesus values innocence and teachability, not immaturity.
Matthew 18:3This passage directly follows Jesus' explanation of how to enter the kingdom of God, stating that one must 'turn and become like little children,' paralleling Mark's emphasis on the childlike disposition required for 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' indignation wasn't just about the disciples blocking children; it was a fierce defense of their inherent worth and place in God's plan. The phrasing "to such belongs the kingdom of God" highlights that the kingdom isn't earned by adult understanding or merit, but is inherently for those who possess childlike qualities like trust and openness.
Just before this, Jesus had been discussing divorce, and his disciples were clearly focused on human rules and expectations. When parents brought their children to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples, likely thinking it beneath Jesus' dignity or a distraction from "important" matters, rebuked them. Jesus, however, was deeply displeased by this obstruction to his love and the children's access to him, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to those with a child-like spirit.
Just before this, Jesus had been discussing divorce, and his disciples were clearly focused on human rules and expectations. When parents brought their children to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples, likely thinking it beneath Jesus' dignity or a distraction from "important" matters, rebuked them. Jesus, however, was deeply displeased by this obstruction to his love and the children's access to him, declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to those with a child-like spirit.
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"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' indignation wasn't just about the disciples blocking children; it was a fierce defense of their inherent worth and place in God's plan. The phrasing "to such belongs the kingdom of God" highli…
