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Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Mark 10:13–16. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
(ubi sup.) But the disciples, out of regard for the dignity of Christ, forbade those who brought them. And this is what is added: And his disciples rebuked those who brought them. But our Saviour, in order to teach His disciples to be modest in their ideas, and to tread under foot worldly pride, takes the children to Him, and assigns to them the kingdom of God: wherefore it goes on: And he said unto them, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.
(ubi sup.) For indeed the mind of a child is pure from all passions, for which reason, we ought by free choice to do those works, which children have by nature.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) There is no contrariety in Matthew's relating that He spoke these words to the Pharisees, though Mark says that they were spoken to the disciples; for it is possible that He may have spoken them to both.
(Vict. Ant. e Cat. in Marc.) Fitly does He take them up into His arms to bless them, as it were, lifting into His own bosom, and reconciling Himself to His creation, which in the beginning fell from Him, and was separated from Him. Again, He puts His hands upon the children, to teach us the working of His divine power; and indeed, He puts His hands upon them, as others are wont to do, though His operation is not as that of others, for though He was God, He kept to human ways of acting, as being very man.
Amen, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. As a child does not persist in anger, does not remember harm done, does not delight in seeing a beautiful woman, does not think one thing and speak another; so you, unless you have such innocence and purity of mind, cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. Otherwise, we are commanded to receive the kingdom of God, that is, the teaching of the Gospel, like little children, because as a child does not contradict his teachers in learning, nor constructs arguments and words against them resisting, but faithfully receives what is taught, and with fear obeys and is quiet; so we too in obeying must simply and without any objection act according to the words of the Lord.
(ubi sup.) That is, if ye have not innocence and purity of mind like that of children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. Or else, we are ordered to receive the kingdom of God, that is, the doctrine of the Gospel, as a little child, because as a child, when he is taught, does not contradict his teachers, nor put together reasonings and words against them, but receives with faith what they teach, and obeys them with awe, so we also are to receive the word of the Lord with simple obedience, and without any gainsaying. It goes on: And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
(ubi sup.) Having embraced the children, He also blessed them, implying that the lowly in spirit are worthy of His blessing, grace, and love.
The wickedness of the Pharisees in tempting Christ, has been related above, and now is shown the great faith of the multitude, who believed that Christ conferred a blessing on the children whom they brought to Him, by the mere laying on of His hands. Wherefore it is said: And they brought young children to him, that he might touch them.
Wherefore He says not, for of these, but of such is the kingdom of God, that is, of persons who have both in their intention and their work the harmlessness and simplicity which children have by nature. For a child does not hate, does nothing of evil intent, nor though beaten does he quit his mother; and though she clothe him in vile garments, prefers them to kingly apparel; in like manner he, who lives according to the good ways of his mother the Church, honours nothing before her, nay, not pleasure, which is the queen of many; wherefore also the Lord subjoins, Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
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Summary
Mark 10:15 presents Jesus' emphatic declaration that entry into the kingdom of God is contingent upon receiving it with the disposition of a little child. This profound statement, delivered immediately after His disciples attempted to prevent children from approaching Him, underscores the essential qualities of humility, dependence, and simple trust required for spiritual entrance into God's sovereign reign, contrasting sharply with the self-sufficiency and pride often characteristic of adults.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a direct follow-up to Jesus' interaction with children and His disciples' rebuke of those who brought them (Mark 10:13-14). The disciples, perhaps viewing children as insignificant or a distraction, tried to dismiss them. Jesus, however, was "much displeased" (Mark 10:14) and used the children as a living parable. His statement in Mark 10:14, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God," sets the stage. Verse 15 then elaborates on how one must receive the kingdom, making the children not just recipients, but models for all who wish to enter. This passage is part of a larger section in Mark (chapters 8-10) where Jesus teaches His disciples about the true nature of discipleship, which often involves self-denial, service, and humility, directly challenging their worldly ambitions and misunderstandings of His kingdom.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient world, and particularly in Jewish society of Jesus' time, children held a significantly lower social status than adults. They lacked legal rights, economic power, and social standing. They were dependent, vulnerable, and often seen as inconsequential. Rabbis typically did not spend time teaching children, focusing instead on adult male disciples. Therefore, Jesus' embrace of children and His elevation of their status as models for kingdom entry would have been counter-cultural and surprising to His audience, especially His disciples. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of Jesus' teaching, which consistently subverted conventional hierarchies and values, emphasizing the marginalized and the humble.
Key Themes
Mark 10:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of discipleship, challenging the disciples' understanding of who is truly great in the kingdom, a theme explored earlier in Mark 9:33-37. Secondly, it illuminates the nature of the kingdom of God, portraying it not as a political or earthly empire to be attained through power or status, but as a spiritual reality that requires a specific posture of heart. This aligns with Jesus' consistent teaching that His kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36). Lastly, it highlights the theme of humility and dependence, which is a recurring motif in Jesus' teachings, contrasting with the pride and self-sufficiency that often hinder true spiritual reception. The call to receive the kingdom "as a little child" is a call to radical humility and absolute dependence on God, echoing the beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (G1209) signifies a willing and open acceptance, to take, to accept, to welcome, or to embrace. It implies an active, intentional reception rather than a passive or indifferent one. In the context of the kingdom, it means to welcome God's rule on His terms, with the appropriate disposition.
This term (G932) refers to royalty, rule, or a realm. In the New Testament, "the kingdom of God" denotes God's sovereign reign, both as a present spiritual reality experienced by those who submit to His rule and as the future consummation of His eternal dominion. It is not a geographical place but the sphere of God's active authority.
This diminutive (G3813) refers to a childling, an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl. Figuratively, it can refer to an immature Christian. In this verse, it is used as a metaphor for the qualities of humility, dependence, and simple trust that are characteristic of young children, rather than immaturity or childishness.
Verse Breakdown
"Verily I say unto you"
The Greek "Amēn legō hymin" (G281 G3004 G5213) is a solemn and emphatic declaration, often translated as "Truly, I tell you" or "Amen, I say to you." It signals that what follows is a weighty, non-negotiable truth of utmost importance, demanding serious attention and acceptance.
"Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God"
This clause sets a universal condition for entry into God's reign. The "kingdom of God" is not something earned through merit or achievement, but something to be "received" (G1209 déchomai). The negative construction "shall not receive" (G3362 eàn mḗ) emphasizes that this reception is an absolute prerequisite.
"as a little child"
This is the crucial simile (G5613 hōs G3813 paidíon). It specifies the manner of reception. It's not about being literally a child, but about adopting the disposition of a child: humility (recognizing one's dependence and lack of self-sufficiency), trust (simple, unquestioning reliance), and openness (lack of prejudice, cynicism, or self-important agendas).
"he shall not enter therein"
This final clause (G3364 ou mḗ G1525 eisérchomai G1519 G846) serves as a strong, double-negative prohibition, emphasizing the absolute impossibility of entry without the specified childlike disposition. The phrase "not at all" or "by no means" is implied by the Greek construction, reinforcing the non-negotiable nature of the condition.
Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in Mark 10:15. The phrase "Verily I say unto you" serves as a powerful device of Emphasis, signaling the profound importance and absolute truth of the statement that follows. It demands the listener's full attention and underscores the non-negotiable nature of the teaching. The core of the verse utilizes Simile ("as a little child"), comparing the necessary disposition for kingdom entry to the natural qualities of a young child. This comparison is rich with implications of humility, dependence, and simple trust, contrasting sharply with adult pride and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the passage employs Contrast by juxtaposing the disciples' adult-centric, perhaps status-driven, understanding of the kingdom with Jesus' radical call to childlike humility, thereby challenging conventional wisdom and highlighting the upside-down nature of God's kingdom.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Mark 10:15 is a pivotal statement that encapsulates the radical nature of God's kingdom and the counter-intuitive pathway to enter it. It challenges human notions of merit, power, and self-sufficiency, asserting that God's reign is not for the proud or the self-reliant, but for those who willingly humble themselves and depend entirely on Him, just as a child depends on its parent. This childlike posture is not about immaturity, but about a profound spiritual humility and trust that embraces God's grace as a free gift, rather than something to be earned or achieved. It underscores the truth that the kingdom is received, not conquered, and that its gates are open only to those who approach with simple faith and open hands.
Reflection and Application
Mark 10:15 serves as a perennial challenge to believers of all ages, calling us to a radical re-evaluation of our spiritual posture. In a world that often values independence, intellectual prowess, and self-assertion, Jesus invites us to embrace the vulnerability, dependence, and simple trust characteristic of a child. This means letting go of our spiritual pride, our need to understand everything, and our tendency to rely on our own efforts or achievements for God's favor. It calls us to approach God's grace with open hands and a receptive heart, recognizing our utter dependence on Him for salvation, guidance, and sustenance. To "receive the kingdom as a little child" is to cultivate a spirit of humility that acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty and our complete need for His mercy, fostering a faith that is unburdened by cynicism and unhindered by self-sufficiency. It is a call to surrender, to trust, and to simply receive the immeasurable gift of God's reign.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child"?
To "receive the kingdom of God as a little child" means to approach God's sovereign rule and salvation with the disposition of a young child. This implies several key qualities: humility, recognizing one's complete dependence on God and lack of self-sufficiency, much like a child depends entirely on its parents; trust, having a simple, unquestioning faith in God's goodness and provision, without needing to fully comprehend or control every aspect; and openness, being free from the prejudices, cynicism, and self-important agendas that often characterize adults. It's not about being immature or childish, but about embodying these virtues that allow one to simply accept the kingdom as a gracious gift, rather than trying to earn or achieve it through one's own efforts. This posture contrasts with the self-reliance and pride that Jesus frequently challenged in His teachings, as seen in passages like Matthew 18:1-4.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Mark 10:15 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who perfectly embodies the childlike humility and dependence He calls His followers to embrace. He, the Son of God, "did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He emptied Himself, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus' entire earthly ministry was characterized by His absolute reliance on the Father, living a life of perfect obedience and trust, even to the point of death on the cross (John 5:19). He is the Lamb of God, who humbly submitted to God's will to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Therefore, to "receive the kingdom of God as a little child" is ultimately to receive Christ Himself, for He is the embodiment of the kingdom and the very means of entry into it. Our childlike faith is not merely an imitation of a child's disposition, but a trust placed in the one who perfectly modeled and secured the kingdom for us. Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for all who, in childlike faith, humble themselves and receive Him as Lord and Savior, thereby entering into the eternal reign of God (Romans 10:9-10).