Luke 18:16

But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

But {G1161} Jesus {G2424} called {G4341} them {G846} unto him, and said {G2036}, Suffer {G863} little children {G3813} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} me {G3165}, and {G2532} forbid {G2967} them {G846} not {G3361}: for {G1063} of such {G5108} is {G2076} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

However, Yeshua called the children to him and said, “Let the children come to me, and stop hindering them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

But 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.

But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.

Commentary

In Luke 18:16, Jesus delivers a profound teaching about the nature of God's kingdom and those who are fit to enter it, using children as a powerful illustration. This verse emphasizes Jesus' welcoming heart and His radical redefinition of greatness.

Context

This pivotal moment occurs immediately after Jesus had been teaching about prayer, specifically the parable of the persistent widow and the unrighteous judge, and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. In the preceding verses (Luke 18:15), people were bringing their infants to Jesus for Him to touch them, likely for a blessing. The disciples, perhaps thinking they were protecting Jesus from distraction or perceiving the children as insignificant, rebuked those who brought them. Jesus' response directly challenges their conventional understanding and reveals His true priorities.

Key Themes

  • Childlike Faith and Humility: Jesus states, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." The word "suffer" in this context means "allow" or "permit." Jesus is not literally saying only children can enter the kingdom, but that the kingdom belongs to those who possess the qualities exemplified by little children:
    • Humility: Children are naturally dependent and lack the pride, self-sufficiency, and social standing that often characterize adults. They don't pretend to have it all figured out.
    • Trust and Dependence: They rely completely on their parents or caregivers, much as believers are called to rely on God.
    • Openness and Receptivity: Children are often more open to new ideas and less burdened by preconceived notions or worldly wisdom.
    This teaching is echoed in other Gospels, such as Matthew 18:3, where Jesus says one must "become as little children" to enter the kingdom.
  • Accessibility of God's Kingdom: Jesus' invitation to children underscores that the kingdom of God is not exclusive to the learned, the powerful, or the righteous in their own eyes. It is open to all who approach God with simple faith and humble dependence, regardless of their social status or perceived importance.
  • Jesus' Love and Value for the Vulnerable: This verse highlights Jesus' profound compassion and His radical valuing of those whom society often overlooks or considers insignificant. He sees intrinsic worth in every person, especially the most vulnerable.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou) refers to God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is done. It is not merely a future place but a present reality that is entered into through faith. Jesus' declaration, "for of such is the kingdom of God," signifies that the kingdom's very essence and its inhabitants are characterized by the simple, trusting qualities of children.

Practical Application

Luke 18:16 challenges believers today to examine their own hearts:

  • Cultivate Childlike Faith: Do we approach God with humble trust and dependence, or with self-sufficiency and pride? This verse calls us to shed our adult pretenses and receive God's grace with simple, unadulterated faith.
  • Welcome Others: Just as Jesus welcomed children, we are called to be inclusive and welcoming to all, especially those who may feel marginalized or unworthy. We should never hinder anyone from coming to Christ.
  • Value the Vulnerable: This verse reminds us to value and protect children, seeing them not as nuisances but as examples of the qualities needed to enter God's kingdom. It also extends to valuing all who are vulnerable in society.

Jesus' words continue to resonate, urging us to embrace a faith that is humble, trusting, and utterly dependent on God, for it is precisely this kind of heart that truly understands and inherits the kingdom of God.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 18:3 (10 votes)

    And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Matthew 18:4 (10 votes)

    Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:20 (7 votes)

    Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:14 (6 votes)

    For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

  • Deuteronomy 31:12 (5 votes)

    Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

  • 1 Peter 2:2 (5 votes)

    As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

  • Acts 2:39 (4 votes)

    For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.