Mark 10:13-16
Do Not Stop Them
Read the passage
13Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
14But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
15Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
16And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
People bring children to Jesus so that He will place His hands on them. The disciples rebuke those bringing them. Jesus sees what is happening and is indignant.
His command is direct:
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
The disciples must stop putting an obstacle in the way. The children are people Jesus wants to receive, and He uses their coming to teach everyone about entering the kingdom.
Anyone who does not receive God’s kingdom like a little child will not enter it. Receiving points us toward dependence and gift. We do not gain entrance by making ourselves important enough, and children need not first become impressive adults to matter to Him.
Jesus then takes them in His arms, lays His hands on them and blesses them. His action gives the teaching a tender, concrete form. The children who were being turned away are held and blessed by the Lord.
This follows His earlier instruction to welcome a child in His name. The disciples still need the lesson, and so do we. We come as people dependent on His grace, and we should make room for the little ones He receives.
Questions
1 What do the disciples do when children are brought?
AnswerThey rebuke the people bringing them. Jesus responds with indignation and commands them not to hinder the children.
2 What does receiving the kingdom like a child teach us?
AnswerWe come dependently to receive God’s gift. Importance, ability and achievement cannot earn the welcome His grace gives.
3 How does Jesus receive the children?
AnswerHe takes them in His arms, places His hands on them and blesses them. His welcome is personal and tangible.
4 How can we help children participate in learning about Him?
AnswerUse words they can understand, allow questions and give them patient attention. Their place should not depend on behaving like miniature adults or giving impressive answers.
What This Means for Us
The children receive Christ’s blessing because He welcomes them. Adults need that same dependent posture before Him. We do not outgrow the need to receive grace.
Make room for children in the way your household reads, prays and gathers with others. A short explanation or a patient answer may help them feel included. Reasonable routines still matter, but the little person should know that coming to Jesus is something we are glad to help them do.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for receiving and blessing the children. Help us come dependently to Your grace. Make our homes and churches places where little ones are welcomed and patiently taught about You. Amen.