(Mark 10:13-16 NKJV)
(13) Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. (14) But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. (15) “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (16) And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
V13 “Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.”
The Greek word for little children is (3813) παιδίον paidíon, which means little child (as in age) and also immaturity in knowledge, etc. This must have been a young preschool child from the context. In following the ministry of our Lord Jesus, one notes His godly views of women and children. The disciples probably thought these children were a bother to Jesus. Jesus loves all humans and wants them to repent and believe the Gospel.
V14 “But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” Of such in the Kingdom of God refers to their attitude of trust and humility.
Wuest (Wuest Word Studies) comments: “The verb is aganakteō. Robertson takes it from agan and achthomai “to feel pain.” He says that it is a strong word of deep emotion. Thayer gives its meaning as “to be indignant, to be moved with indignation.” Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 7:11, where he recognizes it under certain circumstances as a legitimate Christian feeling. The very fact that our sinless Lord manifested such feeling is enough to show that under the proper circumstances it is not only right, but its absence would show a serious defect in Christian character.”
Compassion is a trait approved by the Lord Jesus: (Luke 10:36-37 NKJV) “So which of these three do you think was a neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” (37) And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
V15 “Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” This is the childlike trust we must have. The Greek word for receive is (G1209) δέχομαι déchomai, which means to willingly take something in our hands. It is reaching out and taking it. Compare 2 Corinthians 6:1, Acts 8:14, and James 1:21.
V16 “And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” Jesus picked them up, held them, and blessed them, meaning He prayed for them. The Greek word for blessing is (G2127) εὐλογέω eulogeō, which means to speak well of. It doesn’t necessarily mean wishing the best for someone but giving the ability to do something good in God’s eyes (Genesis 1:22, Deuteronomy 28:3, and Proverbs 3:33). Sometimes God blesses something or someone, it is to set them or it apart for something special as in Genesis 2:3). When people bless God, it refers to praising Him. When we bless another person, it means to wish the best for them and thanking them.
We learn:
- God loves children.
- God loves their attitude of trust.
- We need God’s blessings.
Questions:
- Is this how we trust God?
- Are we humble?