LUKE 18:15–17
JESUS BLESSING THE CHILDREN
Text – Luke 18:15–17
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them, and when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.
16 Jesus, however, called the children to himself and said, “Let the children come to me and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
17 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”
Historical and Jewish Context
Children, especially infants, held little social status in the ancient world. They were loved within families but were not considered models of religious or civic importance. Parents often sought blessings from holy men for their children, a practice rooted in Jewish tradition. The disciples’ attempt to stop them reflects cultural attitudes that adults, not children, were the appropriate focus of a rabbi’s attention. Jesus reverses this assumption by welcoming the children and using them as examples of how to receive God’s Kingdom—something unheard of in that society. His gesture elevated the spiritual value of children in a way deeply countercultural.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God requires childlike dispositions: trust, openness, dependence, simplicity, and humility. Catholic theology sees in this passage the foundation for valuing children as full members of the Church and family of God. It also highlights the attitude necessary for adults approaching God—recognizing their dependence on divine grace. This teaching supports the Church’s practice of infant baptism, which reflects God’s initiative in offering salvation. Jesus’ words challenge believers to abandon pride and self-sufficiency, embracing the Kingdom with a heart that is teachable and receptive.
Parallels in Scripture
Ps 131:1–2 – The soul quieted like a child in its mother’s arms.
Mt 18:1–4 – The greatest in the Kingdom is the one who becomes like a child.
Mk 10:13–16 – Jesus blesses the children and rebukes the disciples.
Jn 3:5 – Entry into the Kingdom comes through grace, not human achievement.
1 Pt 2:2 – Long for spiritual milk like newborn infants.
Key Terms
Infants – Symbol of dependence and openness to grace.
Do not prevent them – Jesus’ command to remove obstacles to encountering Him.
Kingdom of God – God’s saving reign, received with humility and trust.
Like a child – Disposition of heart necessary for salvation.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is used in celebrations involving children, catechism openings, family Masses, and teachings on baptism. It is foundational to Catholic understanding of the dignity of children and the necessity of simplicity and trust in the spiritual life. It appears in weekday liturgies and forms part of catechesis on the Kingdom of God.
Conclusion
Jesus welcomes children and reveals that their openness and trust are the pattern for entering God’s Kingdom. He overturns cultural expectations and invites all believers to receive grace with childlike humility.
Reflection
Do I approach God with openness and trust, or do pride and self-reliance hinder me? What obstacles might I unintentionally place between children and Christ? Jesus invites me to simplicity of heart.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me a childlike heart—trusting, open, and humble. Help me welcome children as You did, and teach me to receive Your Kingdom with simplicity and joy. Amen.