What Verse Was Children Brought to Jesus?

Welcome to our exploration of one of the most touching moments in the Bible—when children were brought to Jesus.

This event is depicted in the Gospels, and it holds significant lessons about the nature of the kingdom of God and Jesus’ love for all.

Let’s dive into the specific verses and their implications.

The Key Verses: Matthew 19:13-15

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find the passage where children are brought to Jesus.

The verses read:

“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” (Matthew 19:13-15, NIV)

These verses are pivotal as they showcase Jesus’ welcoming attitude towards children and His rebuke of the disciples for trying to prevent them from coming to Him.

The Scene in Context

To understand this moment fully, let’s set the scene.

During Jesus’ ministry, He traveled through various towns and villages, teaching, healing, and performing miracles.

His fame spread, and people flocked to Him, bringing their needs and desires for healing and blessing.

Why Children?

Children in ancient Jewish society were often seen as less significant compared to adults.

They were loved but not given much social importance.

When parents brought their children to Jesus, they sought His blessing, recognizing His authority and compassion.

This act was not merely about physical healing; it was a request for spiritual favor.

The Disciples’ Reaction

The disciples’ reaction is noteworthy—they rebuked those bringing children to Jesus.

This might seem harsh, but it reflects the cultural norms of the time.

The disciples probably thought they were protecting Jesus from being overwhelmed or distracted.

However, their response shows a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission and heart.

Jesus’ Response

Jesus’ response is both corrective and instructive.

He said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Here, Jesus highlights two crucial points:

#1. Welcoming All:

Jesus welcomes everyone, regardless of age or status. His kingdom is inclusive.

#2. Kingdom Qualities:

The qualities of children—innocence, trust, humility—are essential for anyone who wants to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Similar Accounts in Mark and Luke

This event is so important that it’s also recorded in Mark and Luke, with slight variations:

Mark 10:13-16:

Mark’s account adds that Jesus was “indignant” when He saw the disciples rebuking the children.

He then took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

Luke 18:15-17:

Luke emphasizes that people were bringing even infants to Jesus.

He repeats the lesson that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it like a child.

Lessons for Today

This story holds timeless lessons for us today:

Inclusion:

Just as Jesus welcomed children, we’re called to be inclusive in our communities and churches.

Humility:

Embracing the kingdom of God requires humility and a child-like faith.

Value of Children:

This passage underscores the inherent value of children and the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth.

A Story to Illustrate

Consider the story of a Sunday school teacher who used this passage to teach her class.

She told her students about how much Jesus loves them and how He welcomed children.

One little boy, previously feeling unnoticed, felt a deep sense of belonging and worth.

He started participating more actively, and his newfound confidence spread to other areas of his life.

This simple lesson from the Bible had a profound impact.

Conclusion

The moment when children were brought to Jesus is rich with meaning.

It shows His inclusive love and the value He places on child-like faith.

The key verse, Matthew 19:14, along with its parallels in Mark and Luke, teaches us about humility, acceptance, and the nature of God’s kingdom.

As you reflect on these passages, consider how you can embody Jesus’ welcoming spirit in your own life.

Remember, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

If you’ve got any questions or thoughts about this topic, feel free to share them.

The more we explore and discuss, the deeper our understanding and appreciation will be.

Quick Reference

Key Verse: Matthew 19:13-15
Other Accounts: Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17
Lessons:
- Inclusion in the kingdom of God
- Importance of humility and child-like faith
- Valuing and nurturing children’s spiritual growth

By understanding these verses, you’ll see a clearer picture of Jesus’ heart and His teachings on the kingdom of heaven.

Embrace these lessons and apply them in your daily life to truly live out the values of the kingdom.

FAQs: Children Brought to Jesus

1. What is the main verse where children are brought to Jesus?

The main verse is Matthew 19:13-15, which describes how people brought little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them, despite the disciples’ initial rebuke.

2. What are the other Gospel accounts of this event?

This event is also recorded in Mark 10:13-16 and Luke 18:15-17, each providing slightly different details but conveying the same core message.

3. Why did the disciples rebuke the people bringing children to Jesus?

The disciples likely rebuked the people because, in their cultural context, children were not seen as important.

They might have thought they were protecting Jesus from being overwhelmed or distracted.

4. What was Jesus’ response to the disciples’ rebuke?

Jesus responded by saying,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

He welcomed the children and highlighted the importance of child-like qualities for entering the kingdom of heaven.

5. What lessons can we learn from this passage?

The passage teaches us about:

Inclusion: Jesus welcomes everyone, regardless of age or status.
Humility: Embracing the kingdom of God requires humility and a child-like faith.
Value of Children: The inherent value of children and the importance of nurturing their spiritual growth.

6. How does this passage illustrate Jesus’ attitude towards children?

This passage shows Jesus’ love and acceptance of children.

He values their presence and teaches that their qualities are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven.

7. Why is this event significant in understanding the kingdom of God?

This event is significant because it illustrates that the kingdom of God is open to all, especially those who embody child-like qualities such as innocence, trust, and humility.

8. How can we apply the lessons from this passage in our lives today?

We can apply these lessons by being inclusive, nurturing humility and trust in our faith, and valuing the spiritual growth of children in our communities.

9. Are there any notable differences between the accounts in Matthew, Mark, and Luke?

Yes, while the core message is the same, Mark’s account adds that Jesus was indignant at the disciples’ rebuke and describes Him taking the children in His arms and blessing them.

Luke emphasizes that even infants were brought to Jesus.

10. What does “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” mean?

This phrase means that the qualities inherent in children—such as innocence, trust, and humility—are essential for anyone who wishes to enter the kingdom of heaven.

It underscores the need for a child-like faith and approach to God.

11. How can we teach children about this passage?

We can teach children about this passage by sharing the story in an engaging way, emphasizing Jesus’ love for them, and encouraging them to embody the qualities that Jesus values.

12. What impact does this passage have on our understanding of Jesus’ ministry?

This passage enhances our understanding of Jesus’ ministry by highlighting His inclusive nature and the importance He places on welcoming and valuing everyone, especially those who are often marginalized, like children.