but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus highlights that the kingdom of heaven isn't just for the outwardly pious or intellectually advanced, but fundamentally belongs to those who possess the quality of childlikeness. It's a kingdom made up of, or at least exemplified by, those who approach God with humility, trust, and openness, rather than arrogance or self-sufficiency.
but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As Jesus is discussing marriage and divorce, his disciples bring little children to him, but the disciples try to send them away, thinking the Master has more important things to do. Jesus, however, takes this moment to correct their misunderstanding, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who possess a child-like spirit.
The disciples thought they were protecting Jesus' time and status. But in their zeal, they completely missed the point of Jesus' mission.
The disciples rebuked those bringing children to Jesus, likely seeing it as an interruption. They didn't grasp that Jesus' authority and purpose weren't about worldly status or adult concerns, but about extending grace to all, especially the vulnerable. Their misunderstanding highlights how easily we can misjudge who belongs in God's realm based on our own limited perspectives. Jesus’ sharp correction, “Let the little children come to me,” reveals His heart to welcome those the world might overlook or deem unimportant.
Jesus points to children as the model for kingdom citizens. What qualities do these little ones possess that are so essential to God's reign?
Jesus declares that 'to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.' This doesn't mean the kingdom is only for children, but that its citizens share key characteristics with them. Children, in their innocence, humility, and openness, provide a model. They are typically free from the pride, ambition, and self-sufficiency that often plague adults. Jesus calls us to a similar childlike faith – one that is trusting, teachable, and dependent on God. This quality is not about immaturity, but about a profound spiritual receptivity.
Understand the original words
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kōlyō · Greek Verb
To restrain, block, or obstruct someone from approaching Jesus, which is condemned as it contradicts the open invitation of Christ to come to Him.
This parallel account emphasizes Jesus's displeasure with the disciples' actions, highlighting His protective and welcoming heart towards children and reinforcing the idea that they are indeed part of God's kingdom.
Luke 18:16Luke's version directly states that Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God belongs to such as these children, making the connection between childlike qualities and entry into God's reign explicit.
Matthew 18:3This earlier teaching by Jesus directly connects receiving the kingdom of heaven with becoming like a child, explaining the 'why' behind His protective stance in Matthew 19:14.
1 Corinthians 14:20Paul contrasts childishness in understanding with childishness in malice, echoing Jesus's emphasis on the positive, humble, and teachable aspects of a child's disposition as essential for the kingdom.
calvinMatthew 19:13-15: "Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples 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 to…
henryMatthew 19:13-15: "Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them."
19:13-15 It is well when we come to Christ ourselves, and bring our children. Little children may be brought to Christ as needing, and being capable of receiving blessings from him, and having an interest in his intercession. We can but beg a blessing for them: Christ only can command the blessing. It is well for us, that Christ has more love and…
Jesus highlights that the kingdom of heaven isn't just for the outwardly pious or intellectually advanced, but fundamentally belongs to those who possess the quality of childlikeness. It's a kingdom made up of, or at least exemplified by, those who approach God with humility, trust, and openness, rather than arrogance or self-sufficiency.
As Jesus is discussing marriage and divorce, his disciples bring little children to him, but the disciples try to send them away, thinking the Master has more important things to do. Jesus, however, takes this moment to correct their misunderstanding, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who possess a child-like spirit.
As Jesus is discussing marriage and divorce, his disciples bring little children to him, but the disciples try to send them away, thinking the Master has more important things to do. Jesus, however, takes this moment to correct their misunderstanding, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who possess a child-like spirit.
"but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”" — Jesus highlights that the kingdom of heaven isn't just for the outwardly pious or intellectually advanced, but fundamentally belongs to those who possess the quality of childlikeness. It's a kingdo…
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Last reviewed October 2026