Mar 10:13-16 | RWP | e4.org | They brought ( προσεφερον ). Imperfect active tense, implying repetition. So also , though has the constative aorist passive ( προσηνεχθησαν ). "This incident follows with singular fitness after the Lord's assertion of the sanctity of married life" (Swete). These children ( παιδια , Mark and Matthew; βρεφη in Luke) were of various ages. They were brought to Jesus for his blessing and prayers (Matthew). The mothers had reverence for Jesus and wanted him to touch ( αψητα ) them. There was, of course, no question of baptism or salvation involved, but a most natural thing to do.

‏ Mark 10:13-16

They brought ( προσεφερον ). Imperfect active tense, implying repetition. So also Lu 18:15, though Mt 19:13 has the constative aorist passive ( προσηνεχθησαν ). "This incident follows with singular fitness after the Lord's assertion of the sanctity of married life" (Swete). These children ( παιδια, Mark and Matthew; βρεφη in Luke) were of various ages. They were brought to Jesus for his blessing and prayers (Matthew). The mothers had reverence for Jesus and wanted him to touch ( αψητα ) them. There was, of course, no question of baptism or salvation involved, but a most natural thing to do.

He was moved with indignation ( ηγανακτησεν ). In Mark alone. The word is ingressive aorist, became indignant, and is a strong word of deep emotion (from αγαν and αχθομα, to feel pain). Already in Mt 21:15; 26:8. Old and common word.

Suffer the little children to come unto me ( αφετε τα παιδια ερχεσθα προς με ). Mark has the infinitive ερχεσθα (come) not in Matthew, but in Luke. Surely it ought to be a joy to parents to bring their children to Jesus, certainly to allow them to come, but to hinder their coming is a crime. There are parents who will have to give answer to God for keeping their children away from Jesus.

As a little child ( ως παιδιον ). How does a little child receive the kingdom of God? The little child learns to obey its parents simply and uncomplainingly. There are some new psychologists who argue against teaching obedience to children. The results have not been inspiring. Jesus here presents the little child with trusting and simple and loving obedience as the model for adults in coming into the kingdom. Jesus does not here say that children are in the kingdom of God because they are children.

He took them in his arms ( εναγκαλισαμενος ). A distinct rebuke to the protest of the over-particular disciples. This word already in Mr 9:36. In Lu 2:28 we have the full idiom, to receive into the arms ( εις τας αγκαλας δεχεσθα ). So with tender fondling Jesus repeatedly blessed ( κατευλογε, imperfect), laying his hands upon each of them ( τιθεις, present participle). It was a great moment for each mother and child.