Matthew 19:14 meaning
Jesus’ hands are often symbolic of His authority and blessing. In this passage, children are brought to Him for a blessing, showcasing a cultural tradition where parents sought divine favor for their offspring. However, the disciples reprimanded those who brought the children, reflecting their misunderstanding of Jesus' ministry and His priorities. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusivity of Christ's love. When expressed with indignation, Jesus clarifies that little ones hold significant value in His Kingdom, emphasizing their importance and the necessity of approaching Him with childlike faith.
In saying, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me," Jesus highlights not only His love for children but also the essential characteristics of humility and dependence that adults must embody to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (as noted in Matthew 19:14). This call to embrace the childlike spirit enriches our understanding of faith—calling us to trust, accept, and rely on Christ as children do with their parents.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 19:13-15 meaning. Little children are brought to Jesus, but the disciples turn them away. Jesus calls them back and says to let them come. He tells the disciples that the kingdom of God belongs to them and He lays hands upon them before leaving.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 19:16-22 meaning. A devout young man who had great influence and wealth remarkably runs to Jesus and asks what else he can do to enter into eternal life. Jesus loves and admires his zeal and tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, and follow Him. But the man departs sad because he loved his tremendous earthly treasures more than the kingdom.
- Mark 1:14-15 meaning. Mark’s terse statement, "Jesus came," is in effect a first-century press release with three points: the time is fulfilled; the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe. Jews needed to repent from believing Jesus was an illegitimate son of a carpenter from a backwater town, to believing He was the Messiah foretold by the prophets and announced by John the Baptizer. Gentiles needed to repent from believing Jesus was an erudite eccentric Jewish philosopher from a backwater country, to believing He was the savior of the world.
- Matthew 23:13 meaning. Jesus speaks the first of eight woes to the scribes and Pharisees. It is issued because they refuse to enter God’s kingdom or to allow anyone else to enter it.