Mark 10:13

¶ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and [his] disciples rebuked those that brought [them].

And {G2532} they brought {G4374} young children {G3813} to him {G846}, that {G2443} he should touch {G680} them {G846}: and {G1161} his disciples {G3101} rebuked {G2008} those that brought {G4374} them.

People were bringing children to him so that he might touch them, but the talmidim rebuked those people.

Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them.

Commentary

Context of Mark 10:13

Mark 10:13 introduces a poignant moment in Jesus' ministry as He journeys through Perea towards Jerusalem. Preceding this verse, Jesus has been teaching about marriage and divorce, a topic that likely engaged adult listeners. Against this backdrop, parents or guardians began bringing "young children" to Him. In ancient Jewish culture, children were often not given the same social standing as adults and could be seen as peripheral to serious theological discussions or public ministry. The act of bringing them to Jesus, specifically "that he should touch them," indicates a desire for a blessing, healing, or perhaps a prayer from a revered spiritual leader.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Approachability and Compassion: This verse immediately highlights Jesus' profound willingness to engage with everyone, including the most vulnerable and seemingly insignificant members of society. He did not consider children a distraction or unworthy of His time.
  • Misunderstanding by the Disciples: The disciples' reaction, "rebuked those that brought them," reveals their limited understanding of Jesus' mission and character. They likely believed they were protecting Jesus from interruption or maintaining order, perhaps assuming His time was too valuable for children. This attitude contrasts sharply with Jesus' own heart.
  • The Value of Children: While not explicitly stated in this single verse, the disciples' rebuke sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching (found in Mark 10:14-16), where He affirms the inherent value of children and uses them as an example for entering the Kingdom of God.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The Greek word used for "young children" here is paidia (παιδία), which can refer to infants, toddlers, or young children, emphasizing their dependence and innocence. The request for Jesus to "touch them" was a common cultural practice, signifying the impartation of a blessing, a prayer, or even healing. It was believed that a holy person's touch could convey spiritual power or favor. The disciples' "rebuke" (Greek: epitimao - ἐπιτιμάω) was a strong admonition, suggesting they felt the parents were out of line or causing an inconvenience.

Significance and Application

Mark 10:13 serves as a powerful reminder for us today to examine our own attitudes towards those we might deem 'less important' or 'inconvenient.' It challenges believers to cultivate a childlike faith and humility, recognizing that God's kingdom is open to all who receive it with simple trust, not through self-importance or social standing. This passage underscores the importance of welcoming and valuing children in our homes, churches, and communities, seeing them not as burdens, but as precious gifts and examples of the heart required to enter God's presence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 19:13 (15 votes)

    ¶ Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put [his] hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

  • Matthew 19:15 (15 votes)

    And he laid [his] hands on them, and departed thence.

  • Luke 18:15 (13 votes)

    ¶ And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when [his] disciples saw [it], they rebuked them.

  • Luke 18:17 (13 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

  • Exodus 10:9 (-1 votes)

    And Moses said, We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we [must hold] a feast unto the LORD.

  • Exodus 10:11 (-1 votes)

    Not so: go now ye [that are] men, and serve the LORD; for that ye did desire. And they were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

  • Deuteronomy 31:12 (-2 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: