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Luke 18:16
Verse
Context
Jesus Blesses the Children
15Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.16But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.17Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But Jesus--"much displeased," says Mark (Mar 10:14); and invaluable addition. said--"SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME"--"AND FORBID THEM NOT," is the important addition of Matthew (Mat 19:14) and Mark (Mar 10:14). What words are these from the lips of Christ! The price of them is above rubies. But the reason assigned, "FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD," or "of heaven," as in Mat 19:14, completes the previous information here conveyed; especially as interpreted by what immediately follows: "AND HE TOOK THEM UP IN HIS ARMS, PUT HIS HANDS UPON THEM, AND BLESSED THEM" (Mar 10:16). It is surely not to be conceived that all our Lord meant was to inform us, that seeing grown people must become childlike in order to be capable of the Kingdom of God, therefore they should not hinder infants from coming to Him, and therefore He took up and blessed the infants themselves. Was it not just the grave mistake of the disciples that infants should not be brought to Christ, because only grown people could profit by Him, which "much displeased" our Lord? And though He took the irresistible opportunity of lowering their pride of reason, by informing them that, in order to enter the Kingdom, "instead of the children first becoming like them, they must themselves become like the children" [RICHTER in STIER], this was but by the way; and, returning to the children themselves, He took them up in His gracious arms, put His hands upon them and blessed them, for no conceivable reason but to show that they were thereby made capable, AS INFANTS, of the Kingdom of God. And if so, then "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Act 10:47). But such application of the baptismal water can have no warrant here, save where the infants have been previously brought to Christ Himself for His benediction, and only as the sign and seal of that benediction.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Jesus called them unto him,.... Not the disciples, as the Ethiopic version reads, nor the persons that brought the children, but the children themselves; for the antecedent to the relative "them", can be no other; which shows, that these infants were not new born babes, or children at the breast, but such as were more grown up, since they were capable of being called to, and of coming to Christ: and said; that is, to the disciples; so the Persic version expresses it: suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; See Gill on Mat 19:14. for of such is the kingdom of God; or "of heaven", as the Syriac version reads, and as in Mat 19:14 that is, the kingdom of God belongs to such, "who are as these"; or, "like to these": as the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render the words; (, Mat 19:14.)
Luke 18:16
Jesus Blesses the Children
15Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.16But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.17Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Road to Reality - Bridge of Hope- Mark 9
By K.P. Yohannan4.4K25:58Poor ChildrenMAT 6:33MRK 9:36MRK 10:14LUK 18:16HEB 13:12In this sermon, the speaker recounts a powerful encounter with a young girl in desperate need. The girl approached him, explaining that her father had died, her mother was sick, and her baby brother was hungry. Moved by her plight, the speaker gave her all the money he had. He emphasizes the significance of this encounter by pointing out that it is recorded in three of the gospels. The speaker also references a song called "What Now?" by Steve and Curtis Chapman, which highlights the importance of caring for the least among us.
Let the Children Come
By K.P. Yohannan2.0K43:19ChildrenMAT 6:33MAT 25:40MAT 28:19MRK 9:36MRK 10:13LUK 18:16JAS 1:27The video begins with a description of a poor Dalit woman who goes into the forest to collect firewood to sell and buy food for her children. The speaker then describes a dream in which he sees a massive bridge filled with children from all backgrounds. He interprets this dream as a message from God, urging him to embrace and help these children. The video highlights the dire conditions faced by millions of children in South Asia, including hunger, lack of education, and child labor. The speaker expresses his dream of seeing 100 million of these children come to know God and calls for action to address their needs.
The Deception of Sin and the Power of Christ
By Mark Brubaker1.2K1:07:32SinPSA 139:7MAT 6:33MAT 19:14LUK 18:16LUK 24:32JHN 14:232CO 12:9In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of John Griffith, a man who sacrificed his son for a train. John was working as a bridge operator when he saw his son fall into the gears that operated the bridge. With a train approaching, John had to make a difficult decision. The preacher uses this story to illustrate the sacrifice of Jesus and the need for individuals to let go of their sins and follow God's path. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confessing one's sins in order to receive God's forgiveness and find true rest.
Missions, Poverty and Children - Part 1
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K09:25PSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 1:17MAT 19:14MAT 25:40MRK 9:36MRK 10:13LUK 18:16JAS 1:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of valuing and caring for children, highlighting how Jesus welcomed and blessed them, showing their significance in the Kingdom of God. It shares personal experiences that led to a transformation in understanding the preciousness of children and the need to align our hearts with God's perspective on them. The message challenges listeners to consider how they view and respond to the vulnerable and needy, urging a shift towards compassion and action.
Evangelising the Men and Women of Tomorrow - Today
By Ian Paisley1.1K34:13MAT 11:28MAT 18:6MAT 19:13MAT 21:15MRK 10:15LUK 18:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to people and persuading them to come to Christ. He encourages the congregation to have a passion for the souls of others, especially young boys and girls. The preacher shares personal experiences of individuals who came to Christ at a young age and went on to make significant contributions to the faith. He emphasizes that the gospel is open to all, regardless of their social status or age. The sermon concludes with a prayer for an increase in compassion for the salvation of many.
Gospel for Asia: Let the Children Come
By K.P. Yohannan77943:19MAT 6:33MAT 25:40MRK 9:36MRK 10:13LUK 9:48LUK 10:21LUK 18:16In this sermon, a Dalit woman is depicted as a poor and broken individual who struggles to provide food for her children. The speaker shares the story of their own family's poverty and the impact it had on their lives. However, through the intervention of kind people and the hope found in Jesus, their lives were transformed. The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing and helping vulnerable children, as well as the fleeting nature of earthly possessions compared to the eternal impact of compassion and determination.
Hope for the Hurting
By K.P. Yohannan72324:57HopeMAT 6:33MAT 18:10MAT 19:14MAT 25:40MRK 10:14LUK 18:16JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a heart-wrenching story about a family living in the slums of Bombay. The husband dies, leaving behind a wife and two young children. The mother struggles to survive by scavenging through garbage, but eventually dies as well. The children are then taken by a man who promises them food and clothes, but instead they are forced into begging on the streets. The speaker reflects on the emotional impact of this story and urges the audience to take action to help those in need.
Touch of Love
By K.P. Yohannan48631:09LoveMAT 6:33MAT 18:5MRK 9:36MRK 10:13LUK 9:48LUK 10:21LUK 18:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a little boy who grew up in poverty and desperation. The boy's mother would sell sticks in the forest to make a living, while his father worked as a laborer. The speaker encounters a young girl who is begging for food and is deeply moved by her desperate situation. This encounter leads the speaker to have a dream where he sees a bridge filled with children in need. The sermon emphasizes the importance of helping and caring for these vulnerable children, as they are precious in the eyes of God.
Building Up the Temple: A Mother's Influence
By Aaron Hurst29440:19MotherhoodEXO 2:2MAT 6:33MAT 18:10MRK 10:13LUK 18:16HEB 11:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of mothers on their children. He begins by quoting Lenin, who emphasized the importance of teaching children in their early years. The speaker then quotes William Ross Wallace, who praises motherhood as a powerful force for change in the world. He goes on to explore examples of influential mothers in the Bible and highlights the immense impact they had on their children. The speaker emphasizes the importance of mothers in nurturing and training their children, comparing their role to building up the temple of God.
Welcoming Jesus
By K.P. Yohannan0Welcoming JesusCaring for the NeedyMAT 25:40MRK 9:37LUK 18:16JAS 1:27K.P. Yohannan shares a poignant experience from a busy street in Bombay, where he encountered a young girl in desperate need, prompting him to reflect on the value of every child in God's eyes. He emphasizes that our response to the marginalized and needy should be rooted in welcoming Jesus, as He identifies with the least among us. By embracing and caring for these children, we not only fulfill our Christian duty but also invite Jesus into our lives and communities. Yohannan highlights the transformative impact of the Bridge of Hope program, which educates and nurtures underprivileged children, leading to spiritual and societal change. Ultimately, he encourages believers to see their service to children as a privilege that brings joy and opens doors for the Gospel.
Your Children
By C.H. Spurgeon0Prayer for ChildrenFaith in JesusPSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 7:7MAT 19:14MRK 9:19LUK 18:16JHN 14:13EPH 6:4JAS 5:161PE 5:7C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of bringing our children to Jesus, especially in times of despair and helplessness. He illustrates the struggles parents face with their children, whether they are filled with the Spirit or influenced by evil, and insists that prayer and faith in Christ are essential for their healing and salvation. Spurgeon encourages parents to pray fervently for their children from infancy through adulthood, reminding them that no situation is beyond the reach of Jesus' power. He reassures that even in moments of despair, turning to Christ is the ultimate solution, as He is the Great Physician who can heal all wounds. The sermon calls for persistent prayer and faith, highlighting that Jesus is always ready to receive and help those who come to Him.
Welcoming Jesus
By A.B. Simpson0Compassion for the NeedyWelcoming JesusMAT 25:40MRK 9:37LUK 18:16JAS 1:27A.B. Simpson shares a poignant experience in Bombay where he encounters a young girl in desperate need, prompting him to reflect on the value of every child in God's eyes. He emphasizes that our response to the marginalized and needy should be rooted in welcoming Jesus, as He identifies with the least among us. Simpson encourages the congregation to open their hearts to the spiritually lost and downtrodden, highlighting the transformative impact of caring for children in need. He illustrates how the Bridge of Hope program has not only educated and uplifted many children but has also led to the spread of the Gospel in previously resistant communities. Ultimately, he conveys that welcoming these children is a privilege that brings joy and opens doors for God's work.
The Child Coming to Jesus
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0Coming to JesusUnconditional LovePSA 23:1MAT 11:28MAT 19:14MRK 10:16LUK 18:16JHN 6:37JHN 10:11ROM 5:8HEB 4:161PE 5:7Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the importance of coming to Jesus, urging both children and adults to approach Him without hesitation. He reflects on the unconditional love of Jesus, who welcomes all, regardless of their past or the world's judgment. M'Cheyne encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ over worldly distractions and to find solace in His acceptance and grace. The sermon highlights the transformative power of faith and the joy of running to Jesus as the ultimate source of hope and salvation.
The Children's Work Today
By George Mueller0Children's MinistryCommunity SupportPSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 54:13MAT 19:14MRK 10:16LUK 18:16GAL 6:2EPH 6:4JAS 1:271JN 3:18George Mueller emphasizes the vital role of community support for children and families in Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, highlighting the various services provided by professional teams and local churches. He outlines a range of activities aimed at nurturing children's well-being, such as daycare, support groups, and educational programs, while also encouraging churches to become more involved in their communities. Mueller stresses the importance of collaboration with other organizations to enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives. The sermon calls for innovative models of care that can be replicated in other needy areas, ensuring that Christian love and support reach as many families as possible. Ultimately, the work continues to evolve, addressing the spiritual and practical needs of children and families in the community.
A Little Child Shall Lead Them
By D.L. Moody0Childlike FaithLeading Others to ChristPSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 11:6MAT 18:3MAT 19:14MAT 21:16MRK 10:14LUK 18:16EPH 6:41PE 2:2D.L. Moody shares a touching story of a child who, with earnestness and simplicity, expressed her love for Jesus and encouraged a friend to love Him too. This innocent yet profound interaction moved an adult listener to reach out to someone in need of spiritual guidance for the first time. Moody emphasizes the powerful impact that children can have in leading others to Christ through their genuine faith and love. The sermon illustrates how the pure hearts of children can inspire adults to embrace their faith and share it with others. Ultimately, it reinforces the biblical truth that 'a little child shall lead them.'
A Little Boy Converts His Mother
By D.L. Moody0Faith of a ChildFamily SalvationDEU 6:6PSA 78:4PRO 22:6MAT 19:14MRK 10:14LUK 18:16ACT 16:31EPH 6:11TI 4:122TI 1:5D.L. Moody shares a touching story about a little boy who, after becoming a Christian, felt a deep desire for his mother to know Christ as well. Despite initial resistance from her, the boy's heartfelt plea and genuine transformation moved her to seek faith. After a night of prayer and reflection, she reached out to Moody, expressing her wish to become a Christian, inspired by her son's love and commitment. This story emphasizes the powerful impact children can have on their parents' faith journeys and the importance of sharing one's faith with family.
The Child and the Infidel
By D.L. Moody0Childlike FaithEvangelismMAT 18:3MAT 19:14MRK 10:14LUK 18:16JHN 1:12JHN 3:16ROM 10:171CO 1:272TI 3:15HEB 11:6D.L. Moody shares a powerful story about a Sabbath-school teacher who successfully led her students to Christ and encouraged them to reach out to others. One child, facing resistance from an infidel father, boldly asked him why he didn't love Jesus, which deeply troubled the man. Despite his initial dismissal, the question haunted him throughout his day and night, leading him to search the Scriptures for answers. Ultimately, he found no justification for his disbelief and was converted through the very question posed by the innocent child. Moody emphasizes the profound impact of a child's faith and the power of persistent inquiry about Jesus.
Parting Words
By D.L. Moody0Children and FaithLegacy of FaithDEU 6:6PRO 22:6MAT 19:14MRK 10:14LUK 18:16D.L. Moody shares a poignant story about a father and his dying son, emphasizing the profound impact of leading children to Christ. The father, in a moment of sorrow, learns that his son is at peace with his impending death, expressing a desire to tell Jesus of his father's efforts to guide him spiritually. Moody reflects on the importance of nurturing faith in children, asserting that the greatest legacy a parent can leave is a heart directed towards Jesus. He challenges the audience to consider the significance of children in the kingdom of heaven, highlighting their innocence and connection to God.
Little Great Men
By D.L. Moody0Value of SoulsImportance of Teaching Children1SA 16:7PRO 22:6MAT 18:10MRK 10:14LUK 18:16D.L. Moody emphasizes the significance of every individual soul, particularly in the context of teaching and nurturing young children in faith. He recounts an encounter with a Sunday-school teacher who dismissed her class upon finding only one little boy present. Moody challenges this mindset, asserting that even one child can hold immense potential for greatness and transformation, likening them to historical figures like Knox, Wesley, or Whitefield. The sermon calls for valuing each soul and recognizing the impact they can have on the world.
New York: A Modern Mission Field
By Paris Reidhead0PSA 126:5PRO 24:11MAT 9:35LUK 18:16JHN 21:16Paris Reidhead preaches about New York City as a modern mission field, drawing parallels to the missionary journey of Jesus in Galilee. He emphasizes the need for compassion and laborers in the harvest field, highlighting the indifference and self-centeredness of the disciples towards the needy. Reidhead challenges the congregation to view New York City as a mission field, urging them to pray for laborers and to be willing to be sent out themselves. He shares his burden for the lost in the city and calls for a renewed commitment to reaching those in darkness with the love and compassion of Christ.
Mark 10:13-16. Christ Blesses Little Children.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAT 19:14MRK 10:16LUK 18:16Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of bringing young children to Jesus, highlighting how Jesus welcomed them with open arms, blessed them, and expressed that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like little children. He emphasizes the significance of parents seeking spiritual blessings for their children and the impact of a mother's prayers on their lives. Mortimer reflects on Jesus' love for children, his care for them, and how their innocence and trust serve as a model for believers' relationship with God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But Jesus--"much displeased," says Mark (Mar 10:14); and invaluable addition. said--"SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME"--"AND FORBID THEM NOT," is the important addition of Matthew (Mat 19:14) and Mark (Mar 10:14). What words are these from the lips of Christ! The price of them is above rubies. But the reason assigned, "FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD," or "of heaven," as in Mat 19:14, completes the previous information here conveyed; especially as interpreted by what immediately follows: "AND HE TOOK THEM UP IN HIS ARMS, PUT HIS HANDS UPON THEM, AND BLESSED THEM" (Mar 10:16). It is surely not to be conceived that all our Lord meant was to inform us, that seeing grown people must become childlike in order to be capable of the Kingdom of God, therefore they should not hinder infants from coming to Him, and therefore He took up and blessed the infants themselves. Was it not just the grave mistake of the disciples that infants should not be brought to Christ, because only grown people could profit by Him, which "much displeased" our Lord? And though He took the irresistible opportunity of lowering their pride of reason, by informing them that, in order to enter the Kingdom, "instead of the children first becoming like them, they must themselves become like the children" [RICHTER in STIER], this was but by the way; and, returning to the children themselves, He took them up in His gracious arms, put His hands upon them and blessed them, for no conceivable reason but to show that they were thereby made capable, AS INFANTS, of the Kingdom of God. And if so, then "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Act 10:47). But such application of the baptismal water can have no warrant here, save where the infants have been previously brought to Christ Himself for His benediction, and only as the sign and seal of that benediction.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Jesus called them unto him,.... Not the disciples, as the Ethiopic version reads, nor the persons that brought the children, but the children themselves; for the antecedent to the relative "them", can be no other; which shows, that these infants were not new born babes, or children at the breast, but such as were more grown up, since they were capable of being called to, and of coming to Christ: and said; that is, to the disciples; so the Persic version expresses it: suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; See Gill on Mat 19:14. for of such is the kingdom of God; or "of heaven", as the Syriac version reads, and as in Mat 19:14 that is, the kingdom of God belongs to such, "who are as these"; or, "like to these": as the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions render the words; (, Mat 19:14.)