Mark 10:13 - They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Mark 10:13" mean?
This verse, Mark 10:13, tells a simple but profound story about Jesus and children:
"They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them...": People were bringing young children (the Greek word used is often interpreted as infants or very young toddlers) to Jesus so that he could touch them. In that culture, a touch from a respected or holy person was often seen as a blessing, a way to impart favor, protection, or healing. The parents clearly believed that Jesus had something special to offer their children.
"...but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.": The disciples, Jesus' closest followers, actively tried to stop the people from bringing the children to Jesus. The reasons for their actions are not explicitly stated in this verse but inferred through context and parallel passages (Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17). It is inferred they may have believed that Jesus was too busy or important to be bothered with children. It is possible that they believed Jesus' time should be devoted to more "important" matters or adult disciples.
In essence, the verse highlights a contrast:
The parents' desire: A desire for Jesus' blessing and attention for their children.
The disciples' assumption: The disciples' belief that the children were unimportant or a distraction to Jesus' ministry.
This verse is a prelude to Jesus' strong rebuke of the disciples, emphasizing the importance of welcoming children and recognizing their value in the Kingdom of God. It also illustrates Jesus' accessibility, compassion, and his counter-cultural valuing of those often marginalized in society.
Mark 10:13 - They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.
What does "Mark 10:13" mean?
This verse, Mark 10:13, tells a simple but profound story about Jesus and children:
"They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them...": People were bringing young children (the Greek word used is often interpreted as infants or very young toddlers) to Jesus so that he could touch them. In that culture, a touch from a respected or holy person was often seen as a blessing, a way to impart favor, protection, or healing. The parents clearly believed that Jesus had something special to offer their children.
"...but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.": The disciples, Jesus' closest followers, actively tried to stop the people from bringing the children to Jesus. The reasons for their actions are not explicitly stated in this verse but inferred through context and parallel passages (Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17). It is inferred they may have believed that Jesus was too busy or important to be bothered with children. It is possible that they believed Jesus' time should be devoted to more "important" matters or adult disciples.
In essence, the verse highlights a contrast:
The parents' desire: A desire for Jesus' blessing and attention for their children.
The disciples' assumption: The disciples' belief that the children were unimportant or a distraction to Jesus' ministry.
This verse is a prelude to Jesus' strong rebuke of the disciples, emphasizing the importance of welcoming children and recognizing their value in the Kingdom of God. It also illustrates Jesus' accessibility, compassion, and his counter-cultural valuing of those often marginalized in society.