Mark 10:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The faith of the people was remarkable as they accepted the blessing of Christ when He laid His hands on the children brought to Him. However, the disciples believed it was inappropriate for Him to be bothered by those being presented.

A person who has chosen to judge for themselves can only embark on a new journey when they have genuinely turned away from their former ways, particularly when partaking in the sacraments. Children, however, are exempt from this requirement of repentance during baptism, as they are not yet capable of exercising free will. Nevertheless, they are cleansed of original sin at the time of their sanctification, which is accomplished through the faith of those who present them for baptism. Thus, while they have inherited the corrupt nature of sin from their parents, they can now be purified through the prayers and intercessions of others.

Mothers approached Him with their children, seeking His blessing. For reasons unclear, the disciples tried to prevent them from coming forward. The Lord intervened, stating that anyone desiring to receive the honor of God's kingdom must possess a childlike spirit.

Many mothers, believing that God answers the prayers of the righteous for others, brought their children to Jesus Christ for Him to bless them. The large crowd made it challenging for everyone to receive the desired blessing, yet the mothers' faith was so profound that they were willing to settle for even a single touch from the Lord upon their children. The disciples, perhaps thinking it inappropriate for the Lord to be troubled by what they deemed a trivial matter, tried to prevent the mothers from approaching Jesus with their little ones. This unwise action displeased the Lord greatly, leading to His anger towards the disciples.

The Blessing of the Children While Christ was still speaking about marriage and celibacy, women and children started to approach through the throng surrounding Him. The disciples attempted to prevent their entry, but the women and children pleaded with Jesus for permission to come closer so that He could touch the children and offer prayers for them.

While in Perea, the Savior was, as was His custom, engaged in acts of kindness, imparting lessons to the people and interacting with His disciples. He had visited this area numerous times previously, and the community recognized Him as a compassionate Teacher and Prophet, whose words and blessings were welcomed with joy. His boundless love, in stark contrast to the cold disdain of the arrogant Pharisees and scribes, drew to Him mothers who felt especially blessed to receive His favor for their children (Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17). Jewish mothers typically sought out the rabbis for blessings, but they approached the Savior with particular eagerness, assured that He would embrace them. The Savior cherished children, viewing them as embodiments of innocence and purity, and as the promise of the future. On one occasion, many mothers persistently brought their children to Him.

The narrative of the Savior blessing the children is presented in Mark’s Gospel. Mark provides a more elaborate description compared to Matthew, incorporating unique elements. In this account, the purpose was for Him to lay His hands on the children, intercede for them, and bestow His blessing upon them.

After discussing the exalted nature of virginity with His disciples, the Lord demonstrated that both honorable marriage and its natural outcome—children—carry the divine blessing. At the commencement of His ministry, He adorned and blessed the wedding at Cana in Galilee with His presence and performed His first miracle there (John 2:2, 11). Now, nearing the conclusion of His earthly mission, He revealed Himself as a true Friend and Guardian of vulnerable infancy and difficult childhood. As news of the Savior's arrival spread throughout the region, devout mothers rushed to the revered Teacher and Miracle Worker, bringing their children and infants for Him to bless, touch, and pray over. However, the disciples, perhaps deeming such an approach inappropriate or reluctant to divert their Master from His significant teachings, attempted to prevent those bringing the children from reaching Him.