Question 1

Why were people bringing young children to Jesus in this passage?

Accepted Answer

People were bringing their young children to Jesus so that he would touch them and bless them. These children were not mainly coming for teaching or healing, since they were very young. Those who cared for them were thinking about their souls and believed that Jesus’ touch and blessing would do them good. They trusted that he could reach their hearts in ways they themselves could not. This shows faith in Jesus’ kindness and power, and it shows how parents and caregivers should care about the spiritual good of their children, not only their bodies or daily needs.

Question 2

Why did the disciples rebuke those who brought the children?

Accepted Answer

The disciples rebuked the people who brought the children because they thought they were protecting Jesus or managing his time. They likely saw the children as unimportant or a distraction from what they thought was his main work with adults. In doing this, they acted as if they knew their master’s mind, even though he had already warned them not to look down on little ones. Jesus’ reaction shows that he did not agree with them at all and that keeping anyone, even children, away from him displeases him.

Question 3

Why was Jesus much displeased with his disciples in this story?

Accepted Answer

Jesus was much displeased because his disciples were stopping people from bringing children to him. By doing that, they were getting in the way of him doing good to the “lambs” of his flock and to the rising generation. He had a tender heart toward children and wanted them to be welcomed, not pushed aside. His strong reaction shows that he cares deeply when anyone is discouraged from coming to him, or from bringing their children to him in prayer and faith. He wants his followers to share this same welcoming spirit.

Question 4

What does “Suffer the little children to come unto me” mean?

Accepted Answer

“Suffer the little children to come unto me” means “allow” or “let” the children come to Jesus. He is telling his disciples not to block or hinder them in any way. Children are not too small, too weak, or too unimportant for him. In fact, he says that the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. So this line is both a command and an invitation: do not stand in the way, and gladly open the way, for children to come to Jesus in prayer, in hearing about him, and in receiving his blessing.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

To receive the kingdom of God as a little child means to come to God like a child comes to a parent: humble, trusting, and ready to be taught. Children do not come arguing their own wisdom or strength. They depend on others to guide, provide, and protect them. In the same way, we must lay aside pride and self-confidence and receive God’s rule and grace with simple faith. We listen, we trust, and we submit to his will. Jesus warns that without this childlike spirit, a person will not enter the kingdom at all.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s attitude toward children?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God cares deeply about children and welcomes them. Jesus does not just allow them near him; he calls for them, takes them in his arms, lays his hands on them, and blesses them. He says the kingdom of God belongs to such as these, which means children are counted among his people and not left outside. He is pleased when they are brought to him and displeased when they are kept away. This teaches that children are important to God, and that he is ready to show them kindness and spiritual good.

Question 7

How did Jesus bless the children in this account?

Accepted Answer

Jesus blessed the children in a very tender and personal way. He did more than the people asked. They wanted him to touch them, but he took them up in his arms, showing his warm love and care. Then he laid his hands on them, which was a sign of setting them apart and asking God’s favor on them, and he blessed them. This likely included praying for them and wishing them spiritual good. His actions show that he gladly receives children and is ready to give them the blessings he came to bring.

Question 8

What does “of such is the kingdom of God” mean here?

Accepted Answer

“Of such is the kingdom of God” means that God’s kingdom belongs to people who are like these little children. It does not mean only children are in the kingdom, but that everyone in it has a childlike heart. This includes humility, lowliness, and a trusting spirit. Little children depend on their parents to lead and care for them. In the same way, those who belong to God’s kingdom depend on him for wisdom, strength, forgiveness, and daily care. Jesus uses the children as a living picture of the kind of heart that fits in his kingdom.

Question 9

How can parents or caregivers bring children to Jesus today?

Accepted Answer

Parents and caregivers bring children to Jesus today mainly through prayer and by leading them to hear about him. In the passage, people physically carried children to Jesus for his touch and blessing. Now that he is in heaven, we still “carry” children to him when we pray for their souls, ask for his Spirit to work in them, and place them under his care. We also bring them to him by teaching them his words, bringing them into the gathered church, and pointing them to trust him. The heart behind it is the same faith and concern shown by those first parents.

Mark 10:13

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

Jesus Blesses the Children

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Mark 10:13

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

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Jesus Blesses the Children

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