13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. 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. 15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. 16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16 KJV)
Let the Children Come to Me
It is seen as a sign of kindness and compassion to take notice of little children, and this was especially true of our Lord Jesus. This encourages not only young children to turn to Christ early, but also adults who feel weak, helpless, and spiritually immature, like little children.
Little children were brought to Christ (Mark 10:13). Their parents, or those who cared for them, brought them so he would touch them, as a sign of blessing. It doesn’t seem that they needed healing or were able to understand teaching, but it appears:
First, the guardians or parents of these children were primarily concerned about their souls, which should be every parent’s main concern for their children; for if it is well with their souls, it is well with them.
Second, the guardians or parents of these children believed Christ’s blessing would benefit their souls; so they brought them to him, trusting he could reach their hearts in a way their words and efforts could not. We can now present our children to Christ in heaven, believing that he can still bless them, based on the richness of his grace, his promises to the children of believers, the covenant with Abraham, and the promise to pour his Spirit upon our children and his blessing upon our offspring (Isaiah 44:3).
The disciples discouraged those who brought the children to Christ; they rebuked them, assuming they knew their Master’s will, though he had recently warned them not to despise little ones. Jesus, however, gave strong encouragement.
He was very displeased when he saw it (Mark 10:14). “What do you mean? Will you stop me from doing good to the next generation, to the lambs of the flock?” Christ is seriously displeased with his own disciples if they hinder others from coming to him, or from bringing their children to him.
He commanded that the children be brought to him and that nothing be done to prevent them. Let little children come to me as soon as they are able to pray and to learn. Young children are welcome early to the throne of grace with their praises.
He accepted them as members of his church, just as they were part of the Jewish church. He was establishing God’s kingdom and used this moment to declare that little children are admitted as subjects of it and are entitled to its benefits. The kingdom of God is preserved by such children being welcomed early, so they can grow up to carry on the name of Christ.
There must also be something of a childlike spirit in everyone Christ will accept and bless. We must receive the kingdom of God like little children (Mark 10:15)—with the same attitude they have toward their parents and caregivers. We must be curious and ready to learn like children. “A learner must believe.” A child’s mind is like blank paper—you can write on it anything you choose. Our minds should be just as open to the Holy Spirit.
Children are under authority; we must also say, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” Like Samuel, we must respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Children rely on their parents’ wisdom and care, are carried by them, go where they’re sent, and accept what they’re given. In the same way, we must receive the kingdom of God with humble dependence on Christ for strength, righteousness, protection, provision, and inheritance.
He received the children and granted what was asked (Mark 10:16). He took them in his arms, showing his love for them, laid his hands on them as requested, and blessed them. He gave more than the parents asked for.
First, he took them in his arms. This fulfilled the prophecy (Isaiah 40:11): “He shall gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom.” Once, Christ himself was taken in Simeon’s arms (Luke 2:28). Now he took up these children, not complaining like Moses did when told to carry Israel in his arms (Numbers 11:12)—but gladly. If we bring our children to Christ properly, he will take them up not only in the arms of his power and providence but also in the arms of his mercy and grace (Ezekiel 16:8); underneath are the everlasting arms.
Second, he laid his hands on them, symbolizing the gift of his Spirit and his setting them apart for himself. Third, he blessed them with the spiritual blessings he came to give. Our children are truly blessed if they have Christ’s blessing as their inheritance. Though we are not told that he baptized them—since baptism had not yet been fully established as the sign of entry into the church—he affirmed their visible membership in the church and gave them, through another sign, the same blessings now given through baptism, the seal of the promise made to us and to our children.