² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.

The Little Children and Jesus^(A)

¹³ Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them^(B) and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.

¹⁴ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs^(C) to such as these.”^(D)

³⁶ He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms,^(A) he said to them, ³⁷ “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”^(B)

⁷ “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child^(A) and do not know how to carry out my duties.

⁷ But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.