Why were people bringing infants and little children to Jesus?

People were bringing very young children to Jesus so that he would touch them, pray for them, and bless them. Some of these children were infants who had to be carried. Their parents or guardians believed Jesus’ touch meant kindness and blessing from God. They were not waiting for the children to grow up or prove themselves useful. They trusted that Jesus cared for their children’s souls and that one gracious touch from him was good for them. This shows loving adults wanting their children to share in the blessings they themselves were finding in Christ.

Why did the disciples rebuke those bringing the children?

When the disciples saw people bringing children, they rebuked them. They likely thought they were protecting Jesus from being bothered or overworked, treating the children as too unimportant or too much trouble. They were thinking in a human way, not seeing how much Jesus values the weak and small. Their reaction shows how even sincere followers can sometimes discourage others from coming to Christ, especially those who seem insignificant. Jesus had to correct this, showing that no one is too small or too young to be welcome with him.

What does “of such is the kingdom of God” mean in this passage?

When Jesus says, “of such is the kingdom of God,” he is saying that God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these children. Children are weak, dependent, and not full of pride about their own worth. They receive what is given as a gift, not as something they have earned. In the same way, people enter God’s kingdom by coming to Christ helpless, trusting, and thankful, not boasting in their own goodness. This also hints that the children of God’s people are counted among his visible people and are welcome to come to Christ with their parents.

What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a little child?

To receive the kingdom of God as a little child means to receive Jesus and his salvation with humility, trust, and a sense of dependence. A small child does not bring achievements or demand a reward. Instead, a child accepts what a loving parent gives as a gift. In the same way, we must come to God not claiming to deserve anything, but confessing our need and gladly taking what he gives by grace. It is the opposite of the proud attitude of those who think they can earn a place with God by their own works.

Why does Jesus say that without childlike reception we cannot enter the kingdom?

Jesus says that unless someone receives the kingdom like a little child, they will not enter it at all. This is because God’s kingdom is given as a free gift, not as payment for our goodness. A proud person who wants to buy or earn their way will not accept grace on God’s terms. Childlike humility is not about being silly or immature, but about dropping our pride, admitting our need, and trusting God’s goodness. Only those who come this way, like the humble tax collector in the same chapter, truly receive God’s mercy and have a place in his kingdom.

What does this passage show about how Jesus views children?

This passage shows that Jesus cares deeply for children and welcomes them. While others saw the children as a nuisance, Jesus called them to himself, said they should not be stopped, and tied them to the blessings of God’s kingdom. He treats them as worth his time and attention. He also uses them as an example of the kind of heart adults must have. So children are not on the edge of God’s concern. They are welcomed, prayed for, and blessed, and they teach grown people what real humility and trust look like.

How does this teaching connect to the idea of grace and not earning salvation?

Jesus’ words about receiving the kingdom like a child fit closely with the idea of grace. Children in this story bring nothing to earn a blessing, yet they are welcomed and blessed because of who Jesus is and because they are connected to those who trust him. In the same way, salvation is not something we buy with good works or status. It is given freely to those who admit they are helpless and depend on God’s mercy. Like children who receive an inheritance from a father, believers receive the kingdom as a gift, not a purchase.

How can this passage guide how believers treat children today?

This passage calls believers to welcome children to Christ, not push them aside. Parents and caregivers should want their children to receive Jesus’ blessing, praying for them and bringing them under his word. Churches should not see children as a distraction but as part of God’s people, to be taught and cared for. At the same time, adults should learn from children’s simple trust, not looking down on them. When we value children, make room for them, and point them to Christ, we are acting in line with what Jesus himself did and taught here.

Luke.18.15

Luke 18:15

KJV

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

Jesus Blesses the Children

And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

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.

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.