MATTHEW 19:13-15
BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 19:13-15 recounts a touching moment in Jesus’ ministry when people brought their children to Him, seeking His blessing. However, the disciples initially rebuked them, possibly viewing the children as unimportant or as a distraction to Jesus’ work. In response, Jesus gently corrected His disciples, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14). This passage underscores Jesus’ deep love for children and His recognition of their innocence, humility, and openness – qualities that are essential for anyone who seeks to enter the Kingdom of God. By laying His hands on the children, Jesus not only blessed them but also demonstrated that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of age or social status.
In the Jewish culture of Jesus’ time, it was customary for parents to bring their children to rabbis for blessings, particularly on the eve of the Sabbath. Jesus’ willingness to bless the children signified His role as the ultimate teacher and shepherd, inviting all to experience God’s love without discrimination. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that faith should be approached with the simplicity and trust of a child. In modern times, it calls Christians to nurture and protect the faith of the young, ensuring that they are led to Christ rather than being hindered by worldly obstacles. It also reinforces the Church’s mission to care for the spiritual and physical well-being of children, advocating for their dignity and place in the community of believers.
Matthew 19:13 “Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them.”
This simple yet profound verse reveals the heart of Jesus’ ministry – His love for the vulnerable, His welcoming nature, and His teaching on the necessity of childlike faith. The passage sets the stage for a deeper reflection on the role of children in God’s Kingdom and the importance of approaching God with humility and trust.
Historical and Jewish Context
In first-century Jewish society, children were considered a blessing from God (Ps 127:3), yet they held little social status. Despite this, Jewish tradition encouraged parents to seek blessings for their children from holy men, believing that a rabbi’s prayer could invoke God’s favor upon them. It was customary for fathers to bless their children on the eve of the Sabbath, and the laying on of hands was a well-established practice in conveying spiritual blessing (Gen 48:14; Num 27:18-23).
The disciples’ rebuke of those bringing the children likely stemmed from societal norms rather than malice. They may have seen children as unimportant compared to Jesus’ other teachings and miracles. However, in the next verse, Jesus corrects them, declaring that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14), emphasizing the necessity of childlike faith in entering God’s Kingdom.
Catholic Teachings and Interpretation
From a Catholic perspective, this passage conveys several essential teachings:
1. The Dignity and Sacredness of Children
– Jesus’ welcoming of children reflects the Catholic Church’s unwavering commitment to the dignity of human life at all stages. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2258) affirms that every human being is created in the image of God and deserves protection and care.
– The Church teaches that children who die without Baptism are entrusted to God’s mercy (CCC 1261), highlighting Jesus’ deep love for them.
2. The Importance of Blessings and Sacramentality
– The act of laying on hands, performed by Jesus in this passage, is a significant action in Catholic sacramental life. It appears in Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick, demonstrating the transmission of divine grace through physical gestures.
– Jesus’ blessing foreshadows the Church’s ongoing practice of invoking God’s grace through prayer and sacraments.
3. The Role of Parents and Guardians in Faith Formation
– Catholic parents are entrusted with the responsibility of raising their children in faith, bringing them to Christ from an early age (CCC 2221-2231).
– The passage serves as a reminder of the parental vocation to nurture their children’s spiritual growth by introducing them to the sacraments and Church teachings.
4. A Call to Humility and Trust
– Jesus later declares that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children (Mt 19:14). This does not mean being childish but rather having childlike qualities – trust, humility, and dependence on God.
– The Catholic faith encourages believers to cultivate these virtues, recognizing that true discipleship requires surrendering to God with an open heart.
Reflection for Christians Today
Matthew 19:13 invites us to examine our approach to God. Do we come before Him with trust, like a child seeking the love and protection of a parent? Do we welcome the little ones in our community and nurture them in faith?
In a world that often prioritizes power, status, and self-sufficiency, Jesus reminds us that the greatest in His kingdom are those who approach Him with humility. The passage challenges us to reassess our values, ensuring that we do not hinder others—especially children—from coming to Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You welcomed the little children into Your presence and blessed them through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us cultivate childlike faith, trusting in Your divine providence and love. Inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers to nurture the faith of children and lead them closer to You. May we, like Jesus, embrace the vulnerable, protect the innocent, and uphold the dignity of every human life. Grant us the grace to enter Your kingdom with humble and open hearts. Amen.
Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’”
Jewish and Historical Context
In first-century Jewish society, children were cherished as blessings from God (Ps 127:3), but they had little social status. They were fully dependent on their parents and were often not included in religious discussions. It was a common Jewish practice to bring children to rabbis for blessings, believing that the prayers of a holy man could bring God’s favor upon them.
In the preceding verse (Mt 19:13), the disciples rebuke those bringing children to Jesus, likely thinking He had more important matters to attend to. However, Jesus’ response overturns this mindset. Instead of dismissing the children, He welcomes them and uses the moment to teach a fundamental truth about the Kingdom of Heaven.
His statement – “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” – does not mean that all children are automatically saved, but rather that those who share childlike qualities such as trust, humility, innocence, and dependence on God are best suited for His Kingdom.
Catholic Interpretation and Teachings
Matthew 19:14 holds deep theological meaning within Catholic teaching, emphasizing the importance of children, humility, and the nature of faith.
1. The Dignity of Children in God’s Plan
– Jesus’ words affirm the inherent value of children, underscoring the dignity of every human life. The Catholic Church upholds the sanctity of life from conception to natural death (CCC 2258).
– The Church entrusts unbaptized children to the mercy of God, recognizing His infinite love and desire for their salvation (CCC 1261).
2. The Call to Childlike Faith
– Jesus teaches that we must become like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 18:3).
– Childlike faith does not mean childishness, but rather a humble dependence on God, free from pride and self-sufficiency.
– A child trusts their parents without hesitation – likewise, we are called to trust in God’s will and providence.
3. Baptism and the Sacramental Life
– The Catholic Church baptizes infants in part because of this passage. Since the Kingdom belongs to children, they should be received into it through Baptism (CCC 1250).
– Baptism frees children from original sin and makes them heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven (CCC 1257).
4. The Church’s Duty to Bring Children to Christ
– Parents and the Church have a sacred responsibility to introduce children to Christ through faith formation, prayer, and the sacraments (CCC 2221-2231).
– Jesus’ instruction, “do not prevent them”, reminds us that children must not be hindered from knowing Him – whether through neglect, lack of religious education, or secular distractions.
Reflection
Jesus’ invitation to children is also an invitation to each of us. He calls us to approach God with humility and trust, just as a child depends on their parents.
We must also ask ourselves:
– Do we cultivate a childlike trust and openness in our relationship with God?
– Do we actively bring the children in our families and communities closer to Christ?
– Are we mindful of secular influences that may lead children away from faith?
In today’s world, many children are spiritually hindered – not by outright rejection, but by materialism, lack of faith instruction, and indifference to religion. As Catholics, we are called to nurture the next generation in love, truth, and holiness, ensuring they know the love of Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You welcomed the little children and called them to Yourself. Help us to cultivate childlike faith, trusting in Your love and providence. May we never hinder others – especially the young – from knowing You. Guide parents, teachers, and caregivers to raise children in faith and holiness. Teach us to embrace humility and dependence on You, so that we may enter Your Kingdom with pure hearts. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Matthew 19:15 “After he placed his hands on them, he went away.”
Jewish and Historical Context
In Jewish tradition, the laying on of hands was a sacred gesture symbolizing blessing, authority, and the transmission of grace. This practice can be traced back to the Old Testament, where patriarchs, priests, and prophets laid hands on others to invoke divine favor or confer a spiritual gift (Gen 48:14; Num 27:18-23).
When Jesus placed His hands on the children in Matthew 19:15, He followed this longstanding tradition. However, His blessing was not merely symbolic – it was an act of divine grace, affirming the dignity of the children and their place in the Kingdom of God.
After blessing them, Jesus departs. While this might seem like a minor detail, it signifies a key aspect of His ministry: He never remains in one place, but moves forward, continuously bringing God’s grace to others. His mission was not limited to one group but extended to all.
Catholic Interpretation and Teachings
1. The Power of Jesus’ Blessing
– The blessing Jesus gives is not just a human act but a divine transmission of grace.
– In Catholic tradition, blessings are considered sacramentals—sacred signs that prepare us to receive God’s grace (CCC 1671).
– Jesus’ act of blessing reflects His deep love for the vulnerable and innocent, reinforcing the dignity of every person, especially children.
2. The Laying on of Hands in the Sacraments
The Catholic Church continues this practice in key sacraments:
– Baptism: The priest or deacon lays hands on the child, invoking the Holy Spirit.
– Confirmation: The bishop lays hands on the confirmand, sealing them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
– Holy Orders: The bishop lays hands on those being ordained, conferring priestly or diaconal ministry.
– Anointing of the Sick: The priest lays hands on the sick, calling upon God’s healing grace.
By laying His hands on the children, Jesus foreshadowed how His blessings would continue through the Church’s sacraments, particularly in Baptism and Confirmation.
3. Jesus’ Mission and Our Role as Christians
– Jesus blessed and moved forward, demonstrating that blessings are not meant to be hoarded but shared.
– As His followers, we are called to be instruments of God’s blessing, reaching out to others through kindness, charity, and prayer.
– Just as Jesus did not remain in one place, our faith must be active and outward-looking, always seeking to bring others to Christ.
Reflection
Matthew 19:15 challenges us to consider:
– Do we recognize the blessings we have received from God?
– Are we sharing these blessings with others, especially the most vulnerable?
– Are we active in our faith, or do we remain stagnant?
Jesus’ simple but profound act of blessing reminds us that every person, especially children, is worthy of divine grace. His departure teaches us that we must continue His mission, bringing the love of God to those around us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Through Your Son, Jesus Christ, You blessed the little children and showed us the power of Your grace. Help us to be open to Your blessings and to share them generously with others. May we always uplift and encourage those in need, just as Jesus did. Guide us in our journey of faith, so that we may bring Your presence into the world. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Matthew 19:13-15 offers a profound lesson on the value of childlike faith and the boundless love of Christ. Through His words and actions, Jesus not only affirms the dignity of children but also invites all believers to approach God with the same humility, trust, and openness that children naturally possess. His blessing was more than a simple gesture – it was an impartation of divine grace, a reminder that every person, regardless of age or status, is cherished in God’s kingdom. Jesus’ departure after blessing the children signifies that His mission extends beyond a single moment or place, calling us to continue His work by bringing others – especially the young and vulnerable – closer to Him.
As modern disciples of Christ, we must reflect on our role in ensuring that children are nurtured in faith and led toward a relationship with God. Do we serve as barriers or bridges in their journey to Christ? The passage challenges us to remove all obstacles – whether indifference, material distractions, or lack of faith instruction – that hinder the next generation from encountering Jesus. Just as Jesus laid His hands upon the children and blessed them, so too must we extend His love through prayer, sacraments, and Christian witness. In doing so, we participate in God’s plan, building a community where faith is embraced, nurtured, and passed on to those who will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who welcomed and blessed the little children with love and tenderness. Grant us the grace to nurture faith in the young, guiding them toward You through our words, actions, and prayers. Help us to embrace childlike humility and trust, recognizing that Your Kingdom belongs to those who come before You with open hearts. May we never hinder others – especially children – from knowing You, but instead be instruments of Your grace, leading all souls to Your eternal embrace. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.