Jesus Blesses Little Children (Luke 18:15-17)
Understanding Why Jesus Blessed the Little Children in Luke 18:15-17
In Luke 18:15-17, we find a powerful moment where Jesus reveals the value he places on children and offers a profound teaching on the nature of the Kingdom of God. In this brief but poignant passage, Jesus not only blesses the children but also teaches that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who, like children, receive it with simplicity and humility. This moment is filled with layers of meaning, calling us to reconsider our own approach to God’s Kingdom. While the disciples attempt to prevent the children from coming to Jesus, he rebukes them and reminds us that access to the Kingdom is not earned through effort or status, but through a childlike faith.
Jesus’ interaction with the children serves as a vivid reminder of the radical nature of God’s grace. The Kingdom of God is not reserved for the powerful, the influential, or the self-sufficient; it is for those who approach God with openness, trust, and dependence—just like a child. This passage encourages us to examine our own hearts, considering whether we have embraced the Kingdom with the same innocence and trust that children naturally possess.
Below I describe why childlike fatih is important to our faith. I follow that with a comparison of this passage, Luke 18:15-17, with Matthew 19:13-15. I then provide a verse-by-verse commentary on our passage from Luke.
Understanding Childlike Faith: A Gateway to the Kingdom
Childlike faith is not about innocence in the sense of moral perfection; rather, it refers to the openness, trust, and humility that children embody in their relationship with others. Jesus’ words in this passage teach that the Kingdom of God is received by those who approach it in this manner—not by those who rely on their own efforts, understanding, or status. Children do not come with preconceived notions about how to earn favor or prove their worth; they simply trust in the love and care of those around them, especially their parents. This attitude of dependence is what Jesus holds up as the model for how we should approach God.
Why is this childlike faith so essential to entering the Kingdom of God? Throughout the Gospels, Jesus challenges the self-sufficiency of adult believers, pointing to the simplicity and humility of children as a model for spiritual life. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus explicitly says, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The Kingdom of God is not about climbing the social or spiritual ladder; it is about surrendering to God’s grace with a heart that is open and receptive, just like a child’s.
In contrast, adulthood often leads to a sense of independence, pride, and self-reliance, which can create barriers to experiencing God’s Kingdom. The more we think we have it all figured out, the harder it is to embrace the childlike dependence that Jesus calls for. The child, with their complete reliance on others, models the humility and trust that God desires from us. .
Matthew 19:13-15 vs. Luke 18:15-17: A Comparison
Both Matthew and Luke record a similar scene where Jesus blesses little children, but there are some differences in the way each Gospel writer presents the event. While the core message remains the same, examining the nuances in each account reveals additional insights into the nature of Jesus’ teaching and His relationship with children.
Matthew 19:13-15
“Then little children were being brought to Him in order that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And He laid His hands on them and went on His way.” (Matthew 19:13-15, NRSV)
Matthew’s account is very similar to Luke’s, but there are a few key differences. First, Matthew emphasizes that people brought the children to Jesus “that he might lay His hands on them and pray.” This detail highlights the ceremonial or blessing aspect of the encounter. Additionally, Matthew’s version directly connects the act of blessing the children with the declaration that “to such belongs the kingdom of heaven,” which ties the blessing to the larger teaching about the Kingdom.
In Matthew’s account, Jesus’ words about the Kingdom are slightly more explicit: “for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” There’s a clarity here about the Kingdom’s association with children and their simple, trusting approach to Jesus.
Luke 18:15-17
In contrast, Luke’s version adds a bit more detail to the disciples’ reaction, noting that they “sternly ordered them not to do it.” This stronger language suggests a more forceful attempt to prevent the children from approaching Jesus. Luke also presents the story as part of a broader theme of humility and dependence, which ties the scene directly into Jesus’ teachings about the nature of the Kingdom of God.
While Luke’s account does not mention Jesus laying hands on the children as Matthew does, the rebuke of the disciples and the clear teaching about receiving the Kingdom “as a little child” gives the story an even stronger focus on the qualities needed to enter the Kingdom—namely, humility and trust.
Key Differences between Matthew 19:13-15 and Luke 18:15:17:
1. The Role of Blessing: Matthew highlights the act of laying hands on the children and praying for them. This emphasizes the personal, intimate interaction between Jesus and the children, showing his care and desire to bless them. Luke, on the other hand, doesn’t mention this act of blessing specifically but focuses more on the disciples’ misguided attempt to prevent the children from coming to Jesus.
2. Theological Emphasis: Matthew connects the act of blessing directly to the Kingdom of Heaven, stating, “for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” This clear connection ties the blessing of the children with the concept of the Kingdom, reinforcing the idea that the Kingdom is not for the powerful or self-reliant, but for those who are humble and dependent. Luke, while also teaching about the Kingdom, emphasizes the need to “receive the Kingdom of God as a little child,” making the focus more explicitly on the necessity of childlike faith and humility.
3. Tone of Disciples’ Reaction: Matthew records that the disciples “rebuked the people,” but the language is less intense than Luke’s depiction of them “sternly ordering” the children to stay away. This contrast might indicate that Luke perceives the disciples’ mistake as more severe or that he wants to highlight the misunderstanding of the disciples in a stronger way.
Similarities between Matthew 19:13-15 and Luke 18:15:17:
Both Gospels convey the same core message: Jesus values the faith and humility of children, and the Kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with childlike trust. In both accounts, Jesus rebukes His disciples and invites the children to come to Him, using the moment to teach about the nature of God’s Kingdom.
In both passages, the key message is the same: God’s Kingdom is not for the self-sufficient, the proud, or the ambitious, but for those who come with simplicity and humility, like a child. Jesus is emphasizing the need for all who follow Him to adopt a posture of openness, dependence, and trust.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 18:15-17 and Commentary
Luke 18:15
“People were bringing even infants to Him that He might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it.”
The scene begins with people bringing their children—specifically infants—to Jesus, hoping for his blessing. In that time, children had very little status in society, and their value was often overlooked. The disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting Jesus’ time and focus, sternly rebuked those who brought the children. They likely viewed the children as an inconvenience or distraction, thinking that Jesus, with his important mission, had no time for them.
This moment highlights the cultural context in which children were often seen as unimportant. However, Jesus had a different perspective. By engaging with the children, he not only affirms their worth but also demonstrates a radical shift in how God’s Kingdom operates. In the world’s eyes, children were insignificant, but in God’s eyes, they were precious.
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.’”
Jesus rebukes his disciples, calling for the children to come to him. His words are clear and emphatic: “Let the little children come to me.” This simple command is revolutionary, as it shows that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who approach God in the same way children do—without barriers, without pretense, and with complete trust. Jesus sees these children as models of the kind of faith required to enter the Kingdom of God.
In a world that often prioritizes power, influence, and self-sufficiency, Jesus flips the script. The children are the ones who possess the qualities that are essential to understanding and entering God’s Kingdom. They are not concerned with proving their worth; they simply trust, depend, and are open to receiving from those who care for them. Jesus is saying that this childlike openness is what characterizes the true citizens of the Kingdom.
Remember, this is in the context of Jesus’ conversation with “very religious” people who know a lot and do a lot, but still relate to God in a transactional way. By blessing infants and upholding them in such a positive way, he is literally teaching that the we are absolutely dependent upon God’s grace. The infant can only be present with Jesus and entrust themselves to his care. So it is with all people and God.
Luke 18:17
“Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’”
Jesus emphasizes the central truth of this moment with a strong declaration: those who do not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. This statement is both a call to humility and a warning. Just as a child is helpless, dependent, and trusting, so must we be in our approach to God. We must abandon self-reliance, stop trying to earn God’s favor, and instead come to him with an open, trusting heart.
This declaration points to the simplicity and purity of faith required for entrance into God’s Kingdom. It is not about intellectual understanding, religious achievements, or moral perfection; it is about humbling ourselves before God and acknowledging our dependence on God. The more we attempt to control or manipulate our relationship with God, the further we move from the childlike trust he desires from us.
Luke 18:15-17 and Meaning for Today
Jesus’ blessing of the children serves as a profound reminder of the radical nature of God’s Kingdom. In a world that values achievement, power, and status, Jesus challenges us to embrace childlike faith—a faith that is dependent, humble, and trusting. The Kingdom of God is not earned through effort or status; it is a gift received by those who approach God with the openness and trust of a child.
This teaching challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we approaching God with the same humility and trust as a child? Or have we become too self-reliant, too proud, or too distracted by the demands of life to fully depend on God’s grace? Jesus calls us to return to that childlike dependence—to recognize that we are nothing without grace, and that it is only by mercy that we can enter the Kingdom.
As we reflect on this passage, may we be reminded that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who humbly receive it with open hands, acknowledging that we have nothing to offer apart from God’s grace. Let us seek to cultivate childlike faith in our own lives, trusting in God’s provision and care, and receiving his Kingdom with gratitude and awe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does it mean to receive the Kingdom of God like a child?
To receive the Kingdom of God like a child means to approach God with humility, dependence, and trust. Just as a child relies completely on their caregivers, we are called to rely fully on God’s grace and mercy, without attempting to earn or deserve His favor.
Why did the disciples try to prevent the children from coming to Jesus?
The disciples likely thought that children were not important enough to receive Jesus’ attention, especially given his important mission. They did not understand that Jesus valued the childlike qualities of humility and trust, which are essential to entering the Kingdom of God.
Why is humility so important in the Christian faith?
Humility is essential because it acknowledges our dependence on God. In the Bible, humility is consistently emphasized as a virtue that opens the door to God’s grace and favor. Jesus taught that those who humble themselves will be exalted, and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.
