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.

The Little Children and Jesus^(A)

¹³ People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.^{(B) 15} Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”^{(C) 16} And he took the children in his arms,^(D) placed his hands on them and blessed them.

The Little Children and Jesus^(A)

¹⁵ People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁷ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child^(B) will never enter it.”

² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children,^(A) you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.^{(B) 4} Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.^{(C) 5} And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.^(D)

³⁹ The promise is for you and your children^(A) and for all who are far off^(B)—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

⁵⁴ When the disciples James and John^(A) saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them^[a]?”^{(B) 55} But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

⁴⁹ “Master,”^(A) said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.”

⁵⁰ “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”^(B)

³¹ The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

²² Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”