Matthew 19:15

Matthew 19:15 concludes a tender and significant interaction between Jesus, His disciples, and the parents who brought their children to Him for blessing. This verse highlights Jesus' personal ministry and His compassion, serving as a powerful visual culmination of His teaching.

Context

Immediately preceding this verse, the disciples attempted to rebuke those who were bringing little children to Jesus, likely viewing them as a distraction or unimportant. However, Jesus strongly corrected His disciples, stating, "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." This verse is the direct follow-up to that declaration, showing Jesus' immediate action based on His teaching. It underscores His welcoming nature and the profound value He placed on those often overlooked in society, demonstrating His heart for the humble and innocent.

Key Themes

• Divine Blessing and Impartation: The act of Jesus laying His hands on the children was a physical manifestation of His blessing. In biblical times, the laying on of hands often signified blessing, healing, or the imparting of spiritual grace and authority. Here, it is a clear gesture of spiritual benediction and acceptance, bestowing peace and favor upon the young ones.
• Jesus' Accessibility and Compassion: Unlike His disciples, Jesus was readily accessible to everyone, especially the vulnerable and the humble. His willingness to personally engage with and bless the children demonstrates His boundless love and compassion, reinforcing that His Kingdom is open to all who approach Him with simple faith, like a child.
• The Value of Children: This passage powerfully conveys the spiritual significance of children in the Kingdom of God. Jesus held them up as examples of the humility and trust required to enter the Kingdom, a theme He also emphasized in Matthew 18:3. Their unpretentious faith serves as a model for all believers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laid his hands on them" translates from the Greek epitithemi tas cheiras (ἐπιτίθημι τὰς χεῖρας). This action was a common practice in ancient Jewish and early Christian contexts for various purposes:

• For blessing (as seen here and in Mark 10:16, where Jesus "took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them").
• For healing the sick (e.g., Mark 6:5).
• For commissioning or imparting the Holy Spirit (e.g., Acts 8:17).

In Matthew 19:15, it signifies a direct, personal act of bestowing divine favor and peace upon the children, confirming their value and place in His presence.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:15 provides several enduring lessons for believers today, offering guidance on Christian living and ministry:

• Embrace Humility: Just as children depend fully on others, we are called to approach God with a spirit of humility and dependence, recognizing our constant need for His grace and guidance.
• Value the Vulnerable: The passage reminds us to extend welcome and care to those who might be marginalized, overlooked, or considered insignificant by society, following Jesus' compassionate example.
• Nurture Faith in the Young: It underscores the profound importance of bringing children to Jesus and fostering their spiritual development, recognizing their capacity for genuine faith and their integral place within the Kingdom of God. This includes both personal mentorship and creating welcoming church environments.
• Personal Connection: Jesus' physical act of laying hands on them demonstrates the importance of personal, compassionate interaction in ministry and relationships, rather than a detached approach.

After this powerful demonstration of love and blessing, Jesus "departed thence," continuing His journey towards Jerusalem and ultimately, the cross, leaving behind a clear example of His heart for the humble and His commitment to His mission.