Mark 10:14
“But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
King James Version (KJV)
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People bring little children to Jesus to be touched and blessed, but the disciples rebuke them. Jesus, displeased, welcomes the children and uses them to teach about the kingdom of God.
What Does Mark 10:14 Mean?
Mark 10:14 shows Jesus welcoming children and insisting they belong in the kingdom -- He rebukes the disciples who tried to keep them away. People were bringing little children for Jesus to touch and bless, and the disciples had turned them back.
Jesus' reaction is strong: He "was much displeased." The disciples likely thought children too unimportant to bother the Teacher, but Jesus saw it differently. His command is warm and direct: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not." The old word "suffer" means allow or permit -- let them come freely. Then He gives the reason: "of such is the kingdom of God." The kingdom belongs to people like these children. There is something about a child -- their openness, their dependence, their lack of pretense -- that pictures how anyone enters God's reign. Jesus does not treat children as a distraction from real ministry; He treats them as a living illustration of those who receive the kingdom. The verse overturns assumptions about who matters to God. It reveals a Savior who makes time for the small and overlooked and who measures greatness very differently than the world does.
In the Original Language
The Greek "paidion" means a young child or little one. "Aganakteo" (much displeased) expresses strong indignation at the disciples' hindrance.
Cross References
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
- Matthew 19:14
“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.”
- Luke 18:16
“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 18:3
Application
Jesus welcomes the small and overlooked; we are called to make room for children and for all who come to Him with simple, open hearts.