Adults Shall Be as Children (Mark 10:13–16)

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

First marriage, then children; the sequence is logical. It was customary for parents to bring their children to the rabbis for a blessing, and so it was reasonable that they would bring the little ones to Jesus. The children in this incident could have been anywhere from infants to twelve-year-olds. The disciples, who were tired and tense with the prospect of going to Jerusalem, were probably trying to protect Jesus’ time. Their attitude was strange, because Jesus had already taught them to receive the children in His name and to be careful not to cause any of them to stumble (Mark 9:36ff).

I. Children are not to be excluded.

A. Jesus rejected the disciples’ response and their devaluing of these children.

The disciples rebuked them and tried to keep them from going to Jesus. They probably thought children were unimportant and should not waste His time. This was another instance where they thought only in human-cultural categories.

Jesus’ service, and therefore the service of the disciples, was for such as these children (9:36). This is one more instance where the disciples failed to realize that there are no outcasts or unimportant people in the kingdom.

B. Note Jesus’ anger in verse 14.

He openly rebuked His disciples for standing in the way. The phrase greatly displeased is too tame.

Here he was indignant at least and perhaps even outraged. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this encounter between Jesus, the disciples, the children and those who brought them. What is at stake is whether one enters the kingdom of God.

II. In what ways are children a pattern?

A. We tell the children to behave like adults, but Jesus tells the adults to model themselves after the children!

A child’s humble dependence on others, their receptivity, their acceptance of themselves and their position in life.

Of course, Jesus was speaking about an unspoiled child, not one who was trying to act like an adult. A child enjoys much but can explain very little. Children live by faith. By faith they accept their lot, trusting others to care for them and see them through.

B. We enter God’s kingdom by faith, like little children.

We are helpless, unable to save ourselves, totally dependent on the mercy and grace of God. We enjoy God’s kingdom by faith, believing that the Father loves us and will care for our daily needs.

What does a child do when he or she has a hurt or a problem? Take it to Dad and Mom! What an example for us to follow in our relationship with our Heavenly Father! Yes, God wants us to be childlike, but not childish!

In finishing his teaching on children, Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them. Jesus’ loving action vividly illustrated that His blessing is freely given to those who receive it trustingly. The intensive compound verb blessed (kateulogei,) emphasizes the warmhearted fervor with which Jesus blessed each child who came to Him. It is a warm image, showing that Jesus practiced what he preached! All who come to Jesus will receive his blessing. In his love and grace, there are no outcasts.