Mark 10:13-16 13And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw it, he became angry and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for of such ones belongs the kingdom of God. 15Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” 16And after he took them in his arms, he blessed them by laying his hands on them.
The subject of the opening verb is unclear, but the context and common sense suggest that the crowds had found Jesus and were bringing their children to him. Parents saw healing power in Jesus and believed his touch would do something for their children. There is no indication that the children brought to Jesus were sick. Mark does not record such details because his purpose seems to be more about discipleship and Jesus’ response to the least of society. The attitude of the disciples towards the children gives a hint to how the Jews generally viewed children. Children in that time were viewed more progenitors of a family, and childhood was the temporary transition to adulthood. Children were not shown much affection or given much attention. Rebuked (epetimēsan) is a strong word of warning or censure. The disciples tried to prevent anyone from bringing children to Jesus. Why did they do this?
Next, Jesus did two things. First, he corrected the wrong thinking of the disciples. They continued to follow the way of the world in their attitude toward children. They were still thinking like the world and not like God (8:33), and Jesus needed to teach them the way of the kingdom. The word for angry (ēganaktēsen) means to express displeasure or frustration rather than simply brooding about something. Jesus was upset that the disciples were treating children as unimportant nuisances. Second, he elevated the importance of children and gave them dignity as his young disciples. Children are an important part of God’s kingdom. Bringing them to Jesus is bringing them to the kingdom. Jesus implies that he is the gate into God’s kingdom. Coming to him is coming into the kingdom.
Verse 15 shifts focus back to the disciples’ wrong action with a strong warning about not hindering children from coming to him. The worst thing anyone can do is to stop children from coming to Jesus. There are many ways people hinder children: through bad lifestyle examples, not providing opportunities to learn about Jesus (not attending church), or neglecting spiritual growth at home. The disciples’ seemingly insignificant rebuke could have eternal consequences for those children.
The way children come to Jesus is how all people should. Jesus does not list what qualities children have in their approach to him. In general, children are innocent and have simple trust. They bring nothing except themselves in dependence and openness. The word used for children (paidia) can refer to babies, infants, or small children before the age of accountibility. Such children have nothing to offer Jesus but themselves. Those who want to be part of the kingdom and become disciples of Jesus should have the same simple faith that offers oneself totally to Jesus.
Jesus responded by gathering the children together for a hug and blessing. He did as the people hoped by touching the children. The touch of a blessing was significant at different times in Israel’s history, including Noah blessing Shem and Japheth (Gen 9:26–27), Isaac blessing Jacob and Esau (Gen 27; 28:1–4), and Jacob blessing his sons and grandsons (Genesis 48–49). When children are brought to Jesus, they can experience the promises and blessings God has for them.
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