Mark 10:14-15
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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus's indignation wasn't just about the disciples blocking children; it was a profound reaction to them hindering love itself and misunderstanding who the Kingdom belongs to. The phrase "to such belongs the kingdom of God" isn't just about children themselves, but points to the childlike qualities – like humility and openness – that are essential for entering God's reign. This reveals that the disciples' actions wrongly assumed God's favor was only for the intellectually or spiritually mature, missing the heart of God's welcoming grace.
Just before this, Jesus had been teaching about divorce and the disciples, perhaps feeling a bit superior, had rebuked people trying to bring their little children to Jesus for a blessing. Jesus, seeing this, was deeply upset and declared that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children, not to those who try to block them. He then goes on to explain that anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child won't enter it.
Ever seen someone's face harden with anger when something precious is threatened? Jesus' reaction here is powerful, and it’s directed at His own disciples.
The text says Jesus was "indignant" – a strong word for his displeasure. This wasn't a petty annoyance; it was a holy anger sparked by the disciples' actions. They were blocking little children from Jesus, essentially saying, "You're not important enough for the Master's attention." Jesus' indignation shows that God cares deeply about how His followers treat the vulnerable and those considered insignificant by the world. He is protective of those who are seen as overlooked, and He gets angry when His own people hinder access to Him.
Jesus uses this encounter to reveal a core truth about who truly belongs in God's kingdom. It's not about age or status, but a way of being.
Jesus explains His indignation by saying, "...for to such belongs the kingdom of God." This statement is often interpreted in two powerful ways:
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Mark 10:14-15 is available in the Sola app.
Inclusion of Children: Jesus is declaring that children themselves are part of God's kingdom. Parents who brought their children understood this, seeking a blessing for them. Jesus affirms their faith and the children's place in God's plan.
Qualities of a Child: More broadly, Jesus points to the qualities found in children that are essential for kingdom life. Think about a child's humility, their openness to learn, their trust in those who care for them, and their lack of pretense. These aren't about immaturity, but about a disposition of dependence and receptivity that God values. We must approach God with a similar humble trust, recognizing our need for Him.
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.
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.
This event occurred during Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, a period where his teachings often contrasted sharply with the disciples' worldly expectations of the Messiah and his kingdom.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Perea
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee and the region east of the Jordan River (Perea), teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. During this time, he encountered people from all walks of life, including families with children.
c. 27-30 AD
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Jesus was on his final journey towards Jerusalem, a time of intense teaching and preparation for his impending suffering and death. His interactions during this period often carried profound theological weight.
c. 27-30 AD
Disciples' Misunderstanding of Jesus' Mission
Throughout Jesus' ministry, his disciples often struggled to grasp the true nature of his kingdom, frequently interpreting it in political or worldly terms. Their attempts to shield Jesus from perceived distractions, like children, highlight this ongoing misunderstanding.
This passage, found in Matthew's Gospel, presents the same event and Jesus' teaching, reinforcing the idea that the kingdom of God is fundamentally 'of such as these'—children—and underscoring the childlike disposition required for entry.
Luke 18:16Luke's account also highlights Jesus' indignation and the statement that the kingdom belongs to children. It emphasizes that Jesus 'called them to him' and blessed them, showing His active embrace of the young.
1 Corinthians 14:20Paul's exhortation to believers not to be 'children in understanding, but mature in evil' (paraphrased) provides a crucial counterpoint, clarifying that Jesus values the childlike disposition of innocence and receptivity, not immaturity or lack of discernment.
Matthew 18:3This verse directly parallels Jesus' teaching here, stating, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.' It explicitly links receiving the kingdom to adopting a child's humility and trust.
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 wasn't just about the disciples blocking children; it was a profound reaction to them hindering love itself and misunderstanding who the Kingdom belongs to. The phrase "to such belongs the kingdom of God" isn't just about children themselves, but points to the childlike qualities – like humility and openness – that are essential for entering God's reign. This reveals that the disciples' actions wrongly assumed God's favor was only for the intellectually or spiritually mature, missing the heart of God's welcoming grace.
Just before this, Jesus had been teaching about divorce and the disciples, perhaps feeling a bit superior, had rebuked people trying to bring their little children to Jesus for a blessing. Jesus, seeing this, was deeply upset and declared that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children, not to those who try to block them. He then goes on to explain that anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child won't enter it.
Just before this, Jesus had been teaching about divorce and the disciples, perhaps feeling a bit superior, had rebuked people trying to bring their little children to Jesus for a blessing. Jesus, seeing this, was deeply upset and declared that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children, not to those who try to block them. He then goes on to explain that anyone who doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child won't enter it.
"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 ent…" — Jesus's indignation wasn't just about the disciples blocking children; it was a profound reaction to them hindering love itself and misunderstanding who the Kingdom belongs to. The phrase "to such be…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
