Jesus Blesses the Children

Those who brought little children to Jesus were very sure that they would receive a blessing if he laid his hands upon them.  But, for some unspecified reason, the disciples tried to prevent them from gaining access to the Master.  They "spoke sternly" to those who brought them.  One disciple has turned his back on the scene, showing his disapproval.  Is the second man another disciple, ready to turn away the mother and child, or is it the father, apprehensive at what is happening?

But Jesus was not deterred.  Not only did he lay his hands on the children, but also he used the opportunity to teach the disciples a vital truth about the justice and equity of the kingdom of God.  What adults regard as ordinary, children interpret as matters of great significance, and Jesus urged his disciples to regain and retain those childlike qualities which are not always evident in adult minds.  The kingdom of God, he implied, belongs to those who are trustful and receptive and friendly.

This incident has had an incalculable influence on the attitude of subsequent generations of Christians toward children.

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