LUKE 18:15–17, JESUS AND THE CHILDREN
CHILDLIKE TRUST AS THE GATEWAY TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Introduction
This brief yet profound episode comes immediately after Jesus’ teaching on humility through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Having shown that self-exaltation blocks justification before God, Jesus now offers a living illustration of what true humility looks like. As people bring even infants to him for blessing, the disciples—still shaped by social hierarchies and adult-centered thinking—attempt to shield Jesus from what they consider a distraction. Jesus responds by reversing expectations once again. He places children at the center of God’s Kingdom and declares that without becoming like them, no one can enter. In doing so, he reveals the inner disposition required for authentic discipleship.
Bible Passage (Luke 18:15–17)
People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.
Background
This passage is part of the discipleship instruction in the Gospel of Luke. In the ancient world, children—especially infants—had no legal status, power, or social importance. They were entirely dependent on adults and often invisible in public religious life. Blessings by respected teachers were sought for children, but the disciples’ rebuke reflects a cultural assumption that children were unworthy of a rabbi’s time. Jesus deliberately challenges this worldview, revealing that God’s Kingdom overturns human measures of importance and merit.
Opening Life Connection
In modern society too, value is often measured by productivity, intelligence, influence, or achievement. People feel pressure to prove themselves—spiritually, professionally, even morally. Children, however, live differently. They trust, receive, depend, and ask without shame. Jesus invites us to examine whether our relationship with God is built on achievement or on trustful dependence.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
The scene begins tenderly: “people were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them”. This expresses faith in Jesus’ blessing power and a desire to place the weakest directly under God’s care. The disciples’ reaction—“they rebuked them”—reveals misunderstanding. They assume access to Jesus must be earned or limited to the important.
Jesus’ response is decisive and compassionate. He “called the children to himself”, reversing exclusion and creating welcome. His command, “do not prevent them”, is strong and corrective. Anything that blocks access to Christ—pride, control, or misplaced priorities—stands opposed to God’s will.
The reason Jesus gives is startling: “for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these”. He does not say the Kingdom belongs to those who become powerful, learned, or morally impressive, but to those who resemble children in their openness and dependence.
Jesus seals the teaching with solemn authority: “amen, I say to you”. The warning is absolute: “whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it”. The Kingdom is not conquered by effort; it is received as a gift. Childlikeness here means trust, humility, receptivity, and total reliance on the Father.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
In Jewish society, children were seen as blessings from God but lacked public religious standing until maturity. Rabbis were honored teachers, and access to them was often restricted. By embracing children and infants, Jesus redefines religious access and affirms that covenant belonging is rooted in grace, not status. His teaching echoes Old Testament themes where God chooses the small and weak to reveal divine power.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church understands this passage as foundational for Christian spirituality and sacramental life. Baptism, especially of infants, reflects the truth that salvation is pure gift. No one earns entry into God’s Kingdom; it is received through faith and grace. The Catechism emphasizes spiritual childhood as a path of humility, trust, and abandonment to God’s providence.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux articulated this Gospel through her “little way.” She taught that holiness is found not in great achievements but in trusting surrender to God, like a child who knows her weakness and relies completely on the Father’s love. Her life embodies the childlike faith Jesus praises.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel calls adults to unlearn pride and relearn trust. Parents and educators are reminded never to block children’s access to Christ, especially through bad example or neglect of faith formation. The Church is called to be a welcoming home where the weak, the small, and the dependent are honored. Each believer is invited to approach God not as a self-sufficient achiever, but as a trusting child.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ invites us to receive rather than achieve. Like children, we come empty-handed to be fed. Communion teaches us dependence, gratitude, and trust. The Kingdom becomes present among us as we receive Christ with childlike hearts and are sent forth to live in humble love.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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God’s Kingdom is a gift received, not a reward earned.
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Humility and trust open the heart to God’s grace.
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Anything that blocks others—especially children—from Christ must be removed.
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Spiritual pride prevents entry into the Kingdom.
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Daily Christian living calls for childlike dependence on the Father.
Outline for Preachers
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Context after the teaching on humility and justification
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Life experience of measuring worth by achievement
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Key phrases explained: let the children come, accept the Kingdom, like a child
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Jewish view of children and religious access
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Catholic teaching on baptism, grace, and spiritual childhood
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Saint Thérèse and the “little way”
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Application to families, Church life, and personal spirituality
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Eucharist as reception of grace like children
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Central message and call to conversion
