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Mark 10:13
Verse
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And they brought young children - See on Mat 19:13-15 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But when Jesus saw it,.... Observed that his disciples reproved those that brought their children to, him, he was much displeased; with his disciples, who took too much upon them; for they ought first, to have known their master's will; whether it was his pleasure to grant the favour desired for these children, and not to have forbid them of themselves: and said unto them; the disciples, as the Persic version reads: suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God; or "of them who" are, , "as these", as the Syriac version, renders the words; or, as the Arabic, who "are like to these"; and the Persic, who are "like to these little children"; in innocence and humility; See Gill on Mat 19:14.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
It is looked upon as the indication of a kind and tender disposition to take notice of little children, and this was remarkable in our Lord Jesus, which is an encouragement not only to little children to apply themselves to Christ when they are very young, but to grown people, who are conscious to themselves of weakness and childishness, and of being, through manifold infirmities, helpless and useless, like little children. Here we have, I. Little children brought to Christ, Mar 10:13. Their parents, or whoever they were that had the nursing of them, brought them to him, that he should touch them, in token of his commanding and conferring a blessing on them. It doth not appear that they needed any bodily cure, nor were they capable of being taught: but it seems, 1. That they had the care of them were mostly concerned about their souls, their better part, which ought to be the principal care of all parents for their children; for that is the principal part, and it is well with them, it if be well with their souls. 2. They believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good; and therefore to him they brought them, that he might touch them, knowing that he could reach their hearts, when nothing their parents could say to them, or do for them, would reach them. We may present our children to Christ, now that he is in heaven, for from thence he can reach them with his blessing, and therein we may act faith upon the fulness and extent of his grace, the kind intimations he hath always given of favour to the seed of the faithful, the tenour of the covenant with Abraham, and the promise to us and to our children, especially that great promise of pouring his Spirit upon our seed, and his blessing upon our offspring, Isa 44:3. II. The discouragement which the disciples gave to the bringing of children to Christ; They rebuked them that brought them; as if they had been sure that they knew their Master's mind in this matter, whereas he had lately cautioned them not to despise the little ones. III. The encouragement Christ gave to it. 1. He took it very ill that his disciples should keep them off; When he saw it, he was much displeased, Mar 10:14. "What do you mean? Will you hinder me from doing good, from doing good to the rising generation, to the lambs of the flock?" Christ is very angry with his own disciples, if they discountenance any in coming to him themselves, or in bringing their children to him. 2. He ordered that they should be brought to him, and nothing said or done to hinder them; suffer little children, as soon as they are capable, to come to me, to offer up their supplications to me, and to receive instructions from me. Little children are welcome betimes to the throne of grace with their Hosannas. 3. He owned them as members of his church, as they had been of the Jewish church. He came to set up the kingdom of God among men, and took this occasion to declare that that kingdom admitted little children to be the subjects of it, and gave them a title to the privileges of subjects. Nay, the kingdom of God is to be kept up by such: they must be taken in when they are little children, that they may be secured for hereafter, to bear up the name of Christ. 4. That there must be something of the temper and disposition of little children found in all that Christ will own and bless. We must receive the kingdom of God as little children (Mar 10:15); that is, we must stand affected to Christ and his grace as little children do to their parents, nurses, and teachers. We must be inquisitive, as children, must learn as children (that is the learning age), and in learning must believe, Oportet discentem credere - A learner must believe. The mind of a child is white paper (tabula rose - a mere blank), you may write upon it what you will; such must our minds be to the pen of the blessed Spirit. Children are under government; so must we be. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? We must receive the kingdom of God as the child Samuel did, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. Little children depend upon their parents' wisdom and care, are carried in their arms, go where they send them, and take what they provide for them; and thus must we receive the kingdom of God, with a humble resignation of ourselves to Jesus Christ, and an easy dependence upon him, both for strength and righteousness, for tuition, provision, and a portion. 5. He received the children, and gave them what was desired (Mar 10:16); He took them up in his arms, in token of his affectionate concern for them; put his hands upon them, as was desired, and blessed them. She how he out-did the desires of these parents; they begged he would touch them, but he did more. (1.) He took them in his arms. Now the scripture was fulfilled (Isa 40:11), He shall gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom. Time was, when Christ himself was taken up in old Simeon's arms, Luk 2:28. And now he took up these children, not complaining of the burthen (as Moses did, when he was bid to carry Israel, that peevish child, in his bosom, as a nursing father bears the sucking child, Num 11:12), but pleased with it. If we in a right manner bring our children to Christ, he will take them up, not only in the arms of his power and providence, but in the arms of his pity and grace (as Eze 16:8); underneath them are the everlasting arms. (2.) He put his hands upon them, denoting the bestowing of his Spirit upon them (for that is the hand of the Lord), and his setting them apart for himself. (3.) He blessed them with the spiritual blessings he came to give. Our children are happy, if they have but the Mediator's blessing for their portion. It is true, we do not read that he baptized these children, baptism was not fully settled as the door of admission into the church until after Christ's resurrection; but he asserted their visible church-membership, and by another sign bestowed those blessings upon them, which are now appointed to be conveyed and conferred by baptism, the seal of the promise, which is to us and to our children.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:13-16 Jesus’ love and concern for children has already been seen in 5:41-43; 9:36-37, 42. Jesus uses the incident to teach that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 10:13 The ages of the children cannot be determined from this passage. The Greek word paidia can refer to a broad spectrum of ages, from a twelve-year-old child (5:41-42) down to an eight-day-old infant (Gen 17:12, Greek version). • the disciples scolded the parents: See study note on Luke 18:15-17.
Mark 10:13
Jesus Blesses the Children
12And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”13Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Running, Kneeling, Asking
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K53:30Prayer LifeMAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:33MAT 19:16MRK 1:9MRK 10:13MRK 10:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that there is only one gospel, which is told by four different people in the Bible. He encourages the audience to read all four Gospels to get a complete understanding of the story. The speaker then shares a story about a man whose life was shattered by tragedy, causing him to lose his sight. The sermon also focuses on a passage from Mark chapter one, where Jesus encounters a rich young man and instructs him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven.
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.
Bible Portraits of Christ 04 His Touch
By James Booker70745:19MAT 8:3MAT 9:20MAT 14:36MRK 7:32MRK 10:13LUK 7:14LUK 8:43In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of being touched by God. He uses the story of the leper who approached Jesus for healing as an example of the first touch, which is the touch of salvation. The preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to this touch in our hearts. He then outlines a similar pattern of condition, concern, and cure in four other stories of people being touched by God. The sermon concludes with the exhortation to be strong and to allow ourselves to be touched by God.
A Message for Young People (Dutch)
By Zac Poonen6011:21:44MRK 10:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of childlike faith and obedience, drawing parallels between the story of children coming to Jesus and the need for humility and obedience in our relationship with God. It highlights the purity and trust found in children, contrasting it with the corruption and pride that can develop as we grow older. The message stresses the significance of surrendering to Jesus, seeking forgiveness, and allowing Him to transform our hearts, leading to a new life in Him.
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.
The Value of Children Matthew 18:10-14; 19:13-15
By David Servant0MAT 18:10MRK 10:13LUK 15:4PHP 2:3David Servant emphasizes the value God places on children who believe in Him, highlighting how specially-assigned angels watch over them and the importance of not despising young believers. Jesus expresses His desire for none of His believing children to go astray, showing the great lengths He would go to rescue them. Despite the disciples' initial dismissal of children, Jesus corrects them, treating kids with utmost importance. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God values all His children, young and old, and calls for believers to love and respect one another, considering others as more important than themselves.
Matthew 2:16-18. the Slaughter of the Babies.
By Favell Lee Mortimer02SA 12:23PSA 127:3JER 31:15MAT 2:16MAT 19:14MRK 10:13ROM 3:23ROM 5:12REV 14:3Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on the dreadful cruelty of Herod, who ordered the slaughter of innocent babies in Bethlehem, causing unimaginable anguish to their mothers. Despite the selfish and cruel nature of ungodly men like Herod, the infants who died in place of the Savior are considered martyrs, known as the Innocents. These babies, though sinless in their actions, had a sinful nature and would have eventually sinned. The scene on earth was filled with sorrow, but in heaven, a multitude of happy spirits entered into glory, bringing comfort to grieving parents who can have hope of being reunited with their children in the presence of Christ.
Some Strictures on a Late Treatise, Called, a Fair and Rational Vindication of the Right of Infants to the Ordinance of Baptism.
By John Gill0BaptismCovenant TheologyGEN 17:7JER 31:33MAT 19:14MAT 28:19MRK 10:13ACT 2:39ROM 4:111CO 7:14GAL 3:27COL 2:12John Gill critiques David Bostwick's treatise on the right of infants to baptism, arguing that the scriptural basis he presents, particularly Acts 2:39, is misinterpreted and does not support infant baptism. Gill emphasizes that the promise in the text is directed towards those who repent and believe, not infants, and that the covenant of circumcision does not equate to the covenant of grace. He asserts that the practice of infant baptism lacks biblical command and historical precedent, and he challenges the notion that infants can partake in the covenant relationship without the capacity for faith and repentance. Gill concludes that the arguments for infant baptism are built on a false foundation and that true baptism is reserved for those who can profess their faith.
Baptism in Water
By Zac Poonen0MAT 28:19MRK 10:13JHN 4:1ACT 2:38Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' command to make disciples, baptize them, and teach obedience to His commands. He contrasts the biblical practice of baptizing repentant adults with the modern tradition of baptizing infants and performing confirmations on adults, highlighting the need for true repentance and understanding of God's Word before baptism. The sermon underscores the significance of intelligent reception of God's Word and repentance before being baptized, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles.
Moody and the Children
By D.L. Moody0Soul WinningChildren's MinistryMAT 19:14MRK 10:13D.L. Moody shares his early experiences in ministry, emphasizing how he initially struggled to connect with older audiences but found purpose and encouragement in teaching children. He recounts gathering a group of children for Sunday school, which ignited his passion for evangelism and soul-winning. Moody encourages others to find their own opportunities for service, whether through teaching, singing, or sharing the Gospel in their communities. He highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from leading others to Christ, suggesting that this work transforms one's perspective on life. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of using one's talents for God's glory and the impact of reaching out to the lost.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And they brought young children - See on Mat 19:13-15 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But when Jesus saw it,.... Observed that his disciples reproved those that brought their children to, him, he was much displeased; with his disciples, who took too much upon them; for they ought first, to have known their master's will; whether it was his pleasure to grant the favour desired for these children, and not to have forbid them of themselves: and said unto them; the disciples, as the Persic version reads: suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God; or "of them who" are, , "as these", as the Syriac version, renders the words; or, as the Arabic, who "are like to these"; and the Persic, who are "like to these little children"; in innocence and humility; See Gill on Mat 19:14.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
It is looked upon as the indication of a kind and tender disposition to take notice of little children, and this was remarkable in our Lord Jesus, which is an encouragement not only to little children to apply themselves to Christ when they are very young, but to grown people, who are conscious to themselves of weakness and childishness, and of being, through manifold infirmities, helpless and useless, like little children. Here we have, I. Little children brought to Christ, Mar 10:13. Their parents, or whoever they were that had the nursing of them, brought them to him, that he should touch them, in token of his commanding and conferring a blessing on them. It doth not appear that they needed any bodily cure, nor were they capable of being taught: but it seems, 1. That they had the care of them were mostly concerned about their souls, their better part, which ought to be the principal care of all parents for their children; for that is the principal part, and it is well with them, it if be well with their souls. 2. They believed that Christ's blessing would do their souls good; and therefore to him they brought them, that he might touch them, knowing that he could reach their hearts, when nothing their parents could say to them, or do for them, would reach them. We may present our children to Christ, now that he is in heaven, for from thence he can reach them with his blessing, and therein we may act faith upon the fulness and extent of his grace, the kind intimations he hath always given of favour to the seed of the faithful, the tenour of the covenant with Abraham, and the promise to us and to our children, especially that great promise of pouring his Spirit upon our seed, and his blessing upon our offspring, Isa 44:3. II. The discouragement which the disciples gave to the bringing of children to Christ; They rebuked them that brought them; as if they had been sure that they knew their Master's mind in this matter, whereas he had lately cautioned them not to despise the little ones. III. The encouragement Christ gave to it. 1. He took it very ill that his disciples should keep them off; When he saw it, he was much displeased, Mar 10:14. "What do you mean? Will you hinder me from doing good, from doing good to the rising generation, to the lambs of the flock?" Christ is very angry with his own disciples, if they discountenance any in coming to him themselves, or in bringing their children to him. 2. He ordered that they should be brought to him, and nothing said or done to hinder them; suffer little children, as soon as they are capable, to come to me, to offer up their supplications to me, and to receive instructions from me. Little children are welcome betimes to the throne of grace with their Hosannas. 3. He owned them as members of his church, as they had been of the Jewish church. He came to set up the kingdom of God among men, and took this occasion to declare that that kingdom admitted little children to be the subjects of it, and gave them a title to the privileges of subjects. Nay, the kingdom of God is to be kept up by such: they must be taken in when they are little children, that they may be secured for hereafter, to bear up the name of Christ. 4. That there must be something of the temper and disposition of little children found in all that Christ will own and bless. We must receive the kingdom of God as little children (Mar 10:15); that is, we must stand affected to Christ and his grace as little children do to their parents, nurses, and teachers. We must be inquisitive, as children, must learn as children (that is the learning age), and in learning must believe, Oportet discentem credere - A learner must believe. The mind of a child is white paper (tabula rose - a mere blank), you may write upon it what you will; such must our minds be to the pen of the blessed Spirit. Children are under government; so must we be. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? We must receive the kingdom of God as the child Samuel did, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. Little children depend upon their parents' wisdom and care, are carried in their arms, go where they send them, and take what they provide for them; and thus must we receive the kingdom of God, with a humble resignation of ourselves to Jesus Christ, and an easy dependence upon him, both for strength and righteousness, for tuition, provision, and a portion. 5. He received the children, and gave them what was desired (Mar 10:16); He took them up in his arms, in token of his affectionate concern for them; put his hands upon them, as was desired, and blessed them. She how he out-did the desires of these parents; they begged he would touch them, but he did more. (1.) He took them in his arms. Now the scripture was fulfilled (Isa 40:11), He shall gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom. Time was, when Christ himself was taken up in old Simeon's arms, Luk 2:28. And now he took up these children, not complaining of the burthen (as Moses did, when he was bid to carry Israel, that peevish child, in his bosom, as a nursing father bears the sucking child, Num 11:12), but pleased with it. If we in a right manner bring our children to Christ, he will take them up, not only in the arms of his power and providence, but in the arms of his pity and grace (as Eze 16:8); underneath them are the everlasting arms. (2.) He put his hands upon them, denoting the bestowing of his Spirit upon them (for that is the hand of the Lord), and his setting them apart for himself. (3.) He blessed them with the spiritual blessings he came to give. Our children are happy, if they have but the Mediator's blessing for their portion. It is true, we do not read that he baptized these children, baptism was not fully settled as the door of admission into the church until after Christ's resurrection; but he asserted their visible church-membership, and by another sign bestowed those blessings upon them, which are now appointed to be conveyed and conferred by baptism, the seal of the promise, which is to us and to our children.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
10:13-16 Jesus’ love and concern for children has already been seen in 5:41-43; 9:36-37, 42. Jesus uses the incident to teach that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 10:13 The ages of the children cannot be determined from this passage. The Greek word paidia can refer to a broad spectrum of ages, from a twelve-year-old child (5:41-42) down to an eight-day-old infant (Gen 17:12, Greek version). • the disciples scolded the parents: See study note on Luke 18:15-17.