Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:13-16 – Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

Mark 10:13-16 – Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

|| Matthew 19:13-15;[1] Luke 18:15-17

MK10:13 Then they brought little children to Jesus so that he might touch them. But his disciples rebuked the parents[2] who brought them. MK10:14 Now when he was aware of this he was very upset,[3] and so he told the disciples: “Allow the little children to approach me and do not try to stop them! Because those [who are ‘little children’] belong to the Kingdom of the God. MK10:15 I tell you this truth: Whoever does not accept God’s Realm like a ‘little child’[4] will never gain entrance.”[5] MK10:16 Then Jesus took the children in his arms[6] and laid his hands upon them, blessing them.

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[1] Matthew 19:13-15: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Disciples rebuked the parents: Our patient grows thin for these men. If these represent the best of the Jews at the time, we begin to understand why Jesus calls the whole generation adulterous and wicked.

[3] He was very upset: Or, displeased, angry, indignant.

[4] Little child: These self-righteous, arrogant and jealousy ambitious men needed to make a great change. This they finally do after Pentecost.

[5] Gain entrance: Not only is it hard for the arrogant and ambitious to even become members of the Church – the Realm of Profession – it is virtually impossible for such to ever gain the celestial Kingdom of the Father. [Matthew 13:40-43]

[6] Jesus took the children in his arms: This is surely an endearing sight, as we watch the faces of the apostles who had opposed the children. They must surely feel ashamed.

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Preceding

Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:1-12 – Pharisees Debate About Divorce

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Related

1. 7th-week-of-ordinary-time-cycle-1-saturday- gospel-reading – Mark 10:13-16
2. 7th week of ordinary-time-cycle-2 – Saturday-gospel-reading – Mark 10:13-16
3. Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
4. Creation & Stewardship 2
5. How Approachable Are We?
6. Let the Children Come to Me
7. Inclusive Welcome (Mk 10:13-15)
8. Re-Learning to Be Like Children
9. Child-Like Living
10. Do Not Hinder Them
11. Daily Devotion: Mark 10:15