Matthew 19:13-15, Let the Little Children Come to Me

13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Comments

It was a Jewish tradition on the evening of the Day of Atonement to bring children to the elders for a blessing, which could be the background for this event. Perhaps the disciples rebuked the people because Jesus was not a “regular” elder. Or, because of the low status of children and the over-worked Jesus whom they were protecting. In an act of acceptance and affection, Jesus reversed the conventional values and accepted those whom society and even his disciples despise.

Prayer

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 218)