Matthew 19:13-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

Matthew 19:13-15 – Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

|| Mark 10:13-16; Luke 9:47; 18:15-17

MT19:13 Then little boys[1] were brought to Jesus so that he might pray and lay his hands upon them.[2] But, the disciples rebuked [the parents].[3] MT19:14 However, Jesus told the disciples, “Leave the little boys alone and do not try to hinder them from approaching me – the Realm of Heaven is for such [like] these.”[4] MT19:15 Then after Jesus laid his hands upon the little boys he departed.

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[1] Little boys: The Greek is PAIDIA. Our imagination is captured by the wide shining eyes fill with wonderment at the man from Nazareth. Do we behold warm endearing smiles on our Lord’s face?

[2] Pray and lay his hands upon them: Or, BAS: put his hands on them in blessing. Surely the parents expected a blessing so that these little boys may become serious teachers of the Law? The gesture of “laying hands upon” is elsewhere in the Bible something of an official appointment. Research hands or laying on of hands.

[3] Disciples rebuked [the parents]: Or, NEB: the disciples scolded them; BER: the disciples held them back; MON: disciples interfered; TCNT: found fault with those who had brought them; NOR: spoke sharply to them; PME: frowned on the parents’ action. We feel for the disciples in their protectiveness. In their determination that their Lord’s time be spent wisely. He was just too busy for this sort of thing. They do not realize that these little boys are the future leaders and teachers of the nation of Israel. Modern elders can learn much from this: share your time with those without a vote or voice. A few minutes here and there may influence a young one beyond your imagination. We can identify a Christ-like elder by the time he spends with children, the sick and the elderly.

[4] The Realm of Heaven is for such [like] these: Or, KJV: for of such is the kingdom of heaven; ASV: for to such belongeth the kingdom; MON: for it is to the childlike that the kingdom of heaven belongs. See notes on Matthew 18:13. The self-centered and arrogant need not apply for membership in the Kingdom.

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Preceding

Matthew 19:1-2 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: From Galilee to Judah

Matthew 19:3-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grounds for Divorce

Matthew 19:3-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Grounds for Divorce – additional verses

Matthew 19:10-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Celibacy