Knowing The Word in Mathew 19:13-15

Let the Children Come to Me

[It was a Jewish tradition on the evening of the Day of Atonement to bring children to the elders for a blessing, which could be the background for this event.]

13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, [because Jesus was not a “regular” elder or because of the low status of children and the over-worked Jesus whom they were protecting?] 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such [pointing beyond the children] belongs the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And he laid his hands on them [an act of acceptance and affection] and went away. [Jesus reverses the conventional values and accepts those whom society and even his disciples despise.]