Mark 10:13-16·~1 min
Jesus Blesses the Children
Jesus rejects the disciples’ barrier, receives the children, and names their kind of openness as fitting for the kingdom of God. He gathers them into his arms and blesses them.
N13ow 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.
Section summaryPeople bring children to Jesus for his touch, but the disciples block them. Jesus becomes indignant, calls the children to himself, says the kingdom belongs to such as these, and blesses them in his arms.
Role in the chapterThis movement puts receiving, not guarding status, at the center of kingdom access.