Luke 18:15-17 Meaning: Why Jesus Welcomed the Children
15They were also bringing their babies to him, that he might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t hinder them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
17Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
15And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16But 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.
17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
15And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16But Jesus called them unto him, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God.
17Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein.
15And they were bringing near also the babes, that he may touch them, and the disciples having seen did rebuke them,
16and Jesus having called them near, said, `Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the reign of God;
17verily I say to you, Whoever may not receive the reign of God as a little child, may not enter into it.'
15And they brought to him also infants that he might touch them, but the disciples when they saw [it] rebuked them.
16But Jesus calling them to [him] said, Suffer little children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.
17Verily I say to you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus rebukes disciples for turning away children, teaching that God's kingdom is received with humble trust, not human achievement or status.
Context
This scene comes right after the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, where Jesus showed that God accepts the humble, not the self-righteous. Now parents are bringing their babies to Jesus for a blessing. The disciples think this is a distraction. They likely saw children as unimportant for a teacher of such stature. But Jesus calls the children to Himself and says something startling: the kingdom of God belongs to people like these. He then makes it a condition for entry: you must receive the kingdom as a little child. This is not a sentimental moment. It is a direct challenge to how we approach God.
Key Words
The Greek word for these babies is brephē, infants, unable to walk or speak for themselves. They come in someone else's arms. Not one of them brought anything to offer Jesus. That image is the first clue.
Then Jesus says to the disciples: aphiēmi, let them go, release your objections. The word carries the sense of setting something free, untying it. The disciples were holding onto an idea of who deserves access to Jesus. He tells them to let it go.
And the key verb for us is dechomai, to receive. It means to take hold of something handed to you. Not to earn, not to achieve, not to qualify. Just to open your hands and take it. That is how children receive everything in their lives, and that is how Jesus says we must receive the kingdom.
How Christians Read This Verse
Many Christians across traditions have seen in this passage a call to humility and dependence. The Cambridge Bible (Anglican) notes that children are meek, humble, trustful. Matthew Henry (Reformed) says this follows the parable of the tax collector, confirming that the humble are accepted. Some traditions, citing the welcome of infants, have understood this as grounds for baptizing children, seeing in it God's grace reaching those who cannot yet choose. Others focus on the command for adults to receive the kingdom with a child's simplicity. Both read the text as pointing away from self-sufficiency and toward trust in God's welcome.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers think Jesus is praising children because they are innocent or sinless, and that only those who are morally pure can enter the kingdom. In fact, Jesus is not talking about innocence. He is talking about dependence. A child knows she cannot provide for herself. She reaches for what she needs. That posture of empty hands is what Jesus holds up, not a record of good behavior.
Living This Out
This week, consider one way you might be acting like the disciples. You may feel unqualified to come to Jesus because you haven't prayed enough or read enough. Or you may think someone else is too far gone or too young to matter to God. Jesus calls the children anyway. He calls you anyway. Try praying this week without listing your achievements. Just come to Him with open hands and let Him bless you.
Main takeaway: The kingdom of God is not earned; it is received with the open, dependent trust of a child.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus said, Let the little children come to me. He loves you and wants you to come to Him just as you are. You don't have to be big or smart or good enough. He is happy to see you.
For ages 9, 12
Sometimes we think we have to earn God's love by doing everything right. But Jesus says we should come to Him like a little child, not because we have everything figured out, but because we know we need Him. That kind of trust is what opens the door to His kingdom. You don't have to pretend to be perfect. Just come to Jesus and let Him hold you close.
Questions People Ask
Why did the disciples rebuke the parents who brought their children?
The disciples likely thought children were too insignificant for Jesus’ time. They saw Him as an important teacher and did not want Him to be bothered by what they considered unimportant. Jesus corrected them sharply, showing that no one is too small or unimportant for His care.
What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a little child?
It means to come to God with empty hands and total trust. A child does not earn her parents' love; she simply receives it. Similarly, we do not earn salvation. We open our hands and accept it as a gift, trusting that God is good and will provide what we need.
Does this passage teach that children should be baptized?
Christians differ on this. Some see Jesus’ welcome of infants as a sign that God's grace extends to those who cannot yet choose, and they point to this as support for baptizing children. Others emphasize that Jesus then calls adults to become like children in faith, and they see baptism as requiring a personal response. Both groups seek to honor the passage.
What is the difference between being childish and being childlike?
Childishness means immaturity, selfishness, or refusing to grow up. Childlike faith means trust, humility, and dependence. Jesus never praises childish behavior. He praises the simple trust of a child who knows she needs help and reaches for it without pretense.
Why did Jesus say the kingdom belongs to 'such as these'?
He did not say the kingdom belongs only to literal children. He said it belongs to people who are like children in their hearts. Children are dependent, trusting, and unpretentious. The kingdom is for those who come to God in the same way: not because they deserve it, but because they trust Him to give it.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study