Luke 18:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Wisdom herself promises that she will provide “to the simple cunning, and to the young the beginning of reason and understanding.” In the book of Proverbs, she rises and proclaims, “To you, O men, I beseech you, and to the sons of men I say, Understand, O simple ones, guile, and fools, put heart into yourselves.” This indicates that a fool lacks heart and is free from deception—not in disgraceful matters, for that would be impossible—but in what is commendable. The Savior clarifies how a person can embody both simplicity and cunning, instructing us, “Be cunning as serpents, and simple as doves.” Likewise, Blessed Paul advises, “My brethren, do not be children in mind, but in wickedness be babes, and in understanding be grown men.”

It is crucial to discern what it means to be innocent in ungodliness while maturing in understanding. Infants, knowing little or nothing, are rightly excused from charges of corruption and impiety. Therefore, we are called to emulate them by shedding all habits of unrighteousness, so we may also be regarded as individuals unacquainted with deception, free from malice and malintent, living simply and innocently, practicing gentleness and true humility, and willingly refraining from anger and ill will. We affirm that these traits are indicative of true infancy. Yet, if we embody such simplicity and innocence, we must also seek maturity in mind, with our understanding firmly anchored in the knowledge of Him who is the Creator of all, God and Lord, recognizing no other God alongside Him and avoiding the peril of denying Him by adopting pagan customs.

Our thoughts must be firmly directed toward the living and true God, while we avoid snares that could lead us astray from the truth. Those who distort the orthodox teachings about God, misrepresent the truth, exalt themselves arrogantly, and speak blasphemously against God corrupt the faith. They pour out nonsense from their hearts and mislead the souls of the innocent, opposing the glory of the only begotten Son of God, claiming Him to be one of the created, when He is, in fact, the Creator of all things. Having brought severe condemnation upon themselves, they are brazen enough to speak similarly against the Holy Spirit. Whoever identifies them as the gates of hell speaks correctly. The wise Paul urges us to turn away from such individuals: “For,” he says, “if any man preach any other thing unto you than that which ye have received, let him be accursed.”

Thus, the primary perfection of the mind is to be firmly rooted in faith, with our understanding intact. The second, closely related to this perfection and its constant companion, is a clear comprehension of the conduct that pleases God, as revealed in the Gospel, which is deemed perfect and blameless. Those who walk this path embody simplicity and innocence while knowing the beliefs they should hold and the actions they must undertake. They enter through the narrow gate, fulfilling both the pious demands of God and those necessary for a virtuous life. In this way, they progress into the abundant fullness of God, rejoicing in His gifts, and securing the kingdom of heaven through Christ, by whom and with whom, to God the Father, be praise and dominion, with the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever, Amen.

True virtue lies not in ignorance of such matters but in the disdain for them, for there is no commendation for self-control when righteousness is merely a product of weakness. What is intended is not naiveté but a genuine kindness that reflects childlike simplicity. Virtue is found in the unwillingness to sin, not in the incapacity to do so, maintaining steadfastness in one’s will. The will reflects the innocence of children, and habits imitate our natural inclinations. The Savior underscored this truth when He stated, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Who, then, is this child whom the apostles of Christ are to emulate? Is it merely an infant? Is this the essence of the apostles’ virtue? Indeed, this child corresponds to the One whom Isaiah proclaimed: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” This Child also instructed you with the words, “Take up your cross and follow Me.” In showing His innocence, He refrained from speaking ill despite being wronged and did not retaliate when struck, for therein lies perfect virtue. In childhood, there exists a respectability of manners, and in elderliness, there is the innocence of youth; for true honorable aging is not measured by years alone. Wisdom is often attributed to the elderly, and a life void of blame marks true age. Therefore, it is decreed, “Praise, you young men, praise the name of the Lord,” for only those who are complete can offer true praise; no one can declare Jesus as Lord except through the Holy Spirit.

This prophecy seems to speak of the Church, whose younger members excel those in older generations of the Jewish people. Thus, it states, “Here I am, and the children God has given me.” These children proclaimed through prophecy while accompanying the Lord as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, signaling the arrival of redemption; they are the ones who eagerly received the teachings of Christ, drinking in His words with greater thirst than they would for wine, fulfilling the scripture that praises God through the mouths of infants and nursing babies.

To some, it may appear unkind and harsh that the apostles did not permit children to approach the Lord, unless one grasps the underlying mystery. The apostles were not exhibiting disdain for children; rather, they sought to honor the Lord through diligent service, ensuring that He was not overwhelmed by the crowd, as noted, “Teacher, the crowds are pressing in on You.” It is essential to set aside our preferences when they might offend the Divine. Let us eschew pride and adopt a childlike simplicity, as truth combats pride, and humility uplifts truth. God does not dwell in a heart bedeviled by sin; the prophets have affirmed that true virtue occupies the highest places, and one must not cover malice with the appearance of brotherhood, but genuinely embody brotherhood in both spirit and action. This commentary is directed toward the deeper meaning behind the apostles’ actions. In the context of divine calling, the apostles desired that their own nation, from which they were physically descended, should receive salvation first, though they also reached out to the woman of Canaan, having an understanding of the calling of both groups, even if they were unclear about the order of that calling.

Now observe the distinctions in how the Lord addresses the children. When He invites infants to approach Him, referring to them as children, He either blesses them through preaching or by laying His hands upon them. In contrast, when He instructs us not to lead astray, He describes them as little ones. For he whom Christ touches does not falter, and those who draw near to Christ do not stumble; conversely, those who falter are made small not due to age but due to lack of virtue. Additionally, He teaches us not to lead these little ones into temptation, lest even the modesty of those with few virtues be lifted up by the angels before the Lord. Let no one scorn the needy, for in doing so, they offend the Creator; let not the fragile be tempted, or they may offend the angels. Let no one cause the weak to stumble, that they may not render the kindness of the Redeemer ineffective.

When the children were eventually permitted to come at His instruction, Jesus not only touched and laid His hands upon them but also embraced them, bestowing His blessings and showcasing His profound love for their pure and innocent nature. He then reminded His disciples that these children are among those most deserving in the kingdom of God and that adults can enter this kingdom only if they receive it with a childlike faith.

Recall that you are accountable for the well-being of this flock entrusted to Christ. Yet, simply avoiding obstruction is not sufficient; you bear a greater duty to guide your children toward Christ. Do not allow the presence of a teacher of the law assigned to the children to discourage you. He instructs them in the Law of God, while you instill this Law deeply within their hearts; ensure its practice; teach them that true happiness on earth is attainable only when people demonstrate selfless and forgiving love toward others; and by embodying this truth, illustrate that life in Christ represents the only true joy here within the Kingdom of God, leading to the entrance of the Kingdom of Heaven. If you find yourself unable to guide your children to Christ due to disbelief or apathy toward the works of faith, then seek another path. Do not burden your soul with that responsibility, even if merely moral, for it may lead you to the realization that it would be preferable to have a millstone tied around your neck and be cast into the sea! (see also Matthew 18:1-6).

The Saviour held a deep affection for children, perceiving in them a representation of innocence and purity, as well as the promise of the future. On one occasion, a significant number of mothers brought their children to Him with great determination. The apostles, believing this obstructed Him from fulfilling His divine mission, attempted to prevent the mothers from coming forward. However, the Saviour swiftly corrected their misguided enthusiasm, instructing them: “Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”