MATTHEW 19:13–15, BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN
THE KINGDOM BELONGS TO THE LITTLE AND THE TRUSTING
Introduction
As Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem, He encounters not only religious leaders and crowds, but also families bringing their children to Him. This brief yet profound passage follows immediately after Jesus’ teaching on marriage, divorce, and vocation. It shows that the Kingdom of Heaven is not reserved for the powerful, the learned, or the accomplished, but is open to the small, the dependent, and the trusting. In blessing the children, Jesus reveals the heart of God and corrects even His disciples, who mistakenly think that children are a distraction from more “important” matters.
Bible Passage (Matthew 19:13–15)
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After he placed his hands on them, he went away.
Background
This scene is closely connected to Jesus’ earlier teaching on humility and spiritual childhood in Matthew 18, where He placed a child in the midst of the disciples as the model of greatness in the Kingdom. Here, that teaching is enacted. In the Gospel flow, Jesus moves from discussing marriage and lifelong commitment to highlighting children, who are the fruit and responsibility of family life. The passage also anticipates Jesus’ later encounters with the poor and the marginalized, reinforcing the Gospel theme that God’s grace is given freely, not earned by status or achievement.
Opening Life Connection
In many societies, children are valued yet often overlooked, rushed, or treated as interruptions to adult priorities. Even in faith communities, children can be seen as secondary to “serious” religious concerns. Parents today worry about their children’s future, safety, and spiritual formation. This Gospel reassures families that Jesus welcomes children personally and places them at the very heart of God’s Kingdom.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“Then children were brought to him”
Parents and guardians actively bring their children to Jesus. Faith is not only personal; it is also intergenerational. Children are entrusted to Christ through the faith of adults.
“That he might lay his hands on them and pray”
The laying on of hands signifies blessing, protection, and the communication of God’s favor. Even without words, Jesus’ prayer affirms the dignity of children.
“The disciples rebuked them”
The disciples act according to cultural norms. Children had no social status and were often considered insignificant. Their reaction reveals how easily human logic can misunderstand God’s priorities.
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them”
Jesus firmly corrects His disciples. Any barrier—social, cultural, or spiritual—that keeps people from Christ contradicts the Gospel.
“For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”
Jesus does not say the Kingdom merely welcomes children; He declares that it belongs to those who are like them. Childlike trust, dependence, and openness are essential for discipleship.
“After he placed his hands on them, he went away”
Jesus takes time to bless each child before continuing His journey. No act of love is insignificant in the eyes of God.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
In Jewish culture, children were seen primarily as future adults and heirs of the covenant, not as individuals with independent religious standing. Rabbis did bless children, but they were not central figures in religious teaching. By welcoming and blessing children publicly, Jesus overturns cultural expectations and reveals that God’s Kingdom honors the lowly and the dependent.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church affirms the dignity of children as full persons created in the image of God. This passage underlies the Church’s emphasis on infant baptism, catechesis, and the protection of children. Jesus’ action reminds the Church of her responsibility to nurture, safeguard, and spiritually form the young, never becoming an obstacle to their encounter with Christ.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint John Bosco dedicated his life to the spiritual and human formation of children and youth, especially the poor and abandoned. He believed that leading children gently to Christ was one of the most powerful ways to renew the Church and society.
Application to Christian Life Today
Parents are called to bring their children to Jesus through prayer, example, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church. The Christian community must ensure that parishes are welcoming spaces for children and families. Adults are also invited to recover childlike trust, humility, and openness in their own relationship with God.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Jesus continues to say, “Let them come to me.” Children, families, and the entire community are gathered and blessed at the altar. The same hands that blessed the children are offered to us in the sacrament, inviting all believers to receive Christ with childlike faith.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Welcome children as gifts entrusted by God
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Remove obstacles that prevent others from coming to Christ
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Cultivate childlike trust and humility in faith
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Take responsibility for the spiritual formation of the young
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Approach Jesus with simplicity and confidence
Outline for Preachers
• Gospel context within Jesus’ journey
• Life connection: valuing children today
• Key phrases and actions explained
• Jewish view of children and blessing
• Catholic teaching on dignity and formation of children
• Saintly witness to care for the young
• Application to family and parish life
• Eucharistic connection
• Key messages and call to conversion
