What does Luke 18:15-17 mean?

¹⁵ And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁷ Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. (Luke 18:15-17 KJV)

Let the Children Come to Me

This story is also recorded in Matthew and Mark. It follows appropriately after the account of the publican as a confirmation of the truth illustrated by that parable—that those who humble themselves will be accepted by God and honored, and for them Christ has blessings in store, the best and most valuable blessings.

1. Those who are blessed in Christ should also desire that their children be blessed in Him. This shows the true honor they give to Christ by seeking Him and the true love they have for their children by being concerned about their souls. They brought infants to Him—very young children, some still nursing. No child is too little or too young to be brought to Christ, who knows how to show kindness to those not yet capable of serving Him.
2. One gracious touch from Christ will make our children truly blessed. They brought infants to Him so He might touch them as a sign of the application of His grace and Spirit to them, which always prepares the way for His blessing. This expectation is consistent with Isaiah 44:3: “I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”
3. It is not unusual for people who come to Jesus—for themselves or their children—to face discouragement, even from those who should support and encourage them. When the disciples saw it, they thought it might create unnecessary trouble for their Master and rebuked them.
4. Many whom the disciples rebuke, the Master invites. Jesus called them to Him, even though they had begun to withdraw after being rebuked. They didn’t complain to Jesus, but He noticed and took up their cause.
5. Christ wants little children to be brought to Him and presented as living sacrifices to His honor: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,” for they will be just as welcome as anyone. The promise is to us and to our children (Acts 2:39), and He who gives the promised blessings invites them to come with us.
6. The children of those who belong to God’s kingdom are also part of that kingdom, just as the children of free citizens are citizens themselves. If the parents are members of the visible church, the children are too; for if the root is holy, so are the branches (Romans 11:16).
7. Children are so welcome to Christ that grown people are most welcome to Him when they have the disposition of children (Luke 18:17): “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” That means receiving its blessings with humility and gratitude, not claiming to deserve them like the Pharisee, but freely acknowledging their need for grace like the publican. Unless a person comes to this self-denying attitude, they will not enter the kingdom. They must receive it like children receive an inheritance—freely, not by earning it—and call it their Father’s gift.