Mark 10:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.

NIV: People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.

NASB: And they were bringing children to Him so that He would touch them; but the disciples rebuked them.

CSB: People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

NLT: One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

KJV: And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

NKJV: Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

The request for Jesus to touch the children is a request for Him to bless them (Mark 10:16). "Bless" is from the Greek root word eulogeo and can mean to praise, celebrate, or consecrate the thing or person being blessed. To bless someone is to do work for their benefit or to hope or pray for one's benefit. God blessed His creation (Genesis 1:22; 5:2), Noah's family (Genesis 9:1), and Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3; 22:16–18). As Jacob lay dying, he performed a blessing for his sons that acted as a prophecy as well (Genesis 49). The parents probably think Jesus, a respected rabbi, can pray that God will act on behalf of their children. They didn't understand that He is God, and He genuinely delights in the children.

The disciples think the whole thing is a nuisance. Their roles in Jesus' ministry have changed since they were first chosen, and the attention has gone to their heads. First, Jesus singles out the Twelve for special responsibilities and training (Mark 3:13–21). Then He establishes the practice of explaining His public parables in a more private setting (Mark 4:10, 33–34). He allows them to witness His most powerful miracles (Mark 4:35–41; 6:45–52) and to understand—but not spread—the truth that He is the Messiah (Mark 8:27–30).

Outside of teaching, Jesus also gives the Twelve more practical tasks. They insulate Him from the mobs (Mark 3:7–9; 4:1). They act as His representatives when He sends them out to preach and perform miracles (Mark 6:7–13). And they manage the large crowds during Jesus' miraculous provision of food (Mark 6:41; 8:6).

But, despite having seen Jesus show special care for the dismissed and powerless (Mark 5:25–34, 36–42; 7:25–30, 32–35; 8:22–25) and affirming a man with more faith than connections (Mark 9:38–41), the disciples still think they need to protect Jesus from the people He is there to see. Jesus continuously calls them to be servants to the weak (Mark 9:35), but they still try to take control.

Mark 10:13–16 continues Mark's depiction of what Christ-followers look like by showing Jesus' attitude toward children. While in Capernaum, Jesus taught the disciples that in the kingdom of God, the powerless, like children, are most welcome (Mark 9:36–37). The kingdom is open to those who come humbly with no illusions that they belong there. Here, Jesus says that leaders in His ministry must not only accept the powerless, they must recognize that they are powerless, as well. This story is also recorded in Matthew 19:13–15 and Luke 18:15–17.

In this passage, Jesus again confronts the Pharisees by clarifying God's views on marriage and divorce. He reminds the disciples not to dismiss the spiritual perspective of children. This chapter also records Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler, who becomes an object lesson in why wealth makes it hard for people to rely on God. After this, Jesus deftly sets aside an arrogant request from James and John, and again predicts His impending death. Just prior to the triumphal entry of chapter 11, Jesus is sought out by Bartimaeus, whom He heals of blindness.

In between chapters 9 and 10, Jesus resumes His public teaching as He travels to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (Luke 9:57—18:14; John 7—10). We meet Him here across the Jordan in Perea and follow as He makes His way west again to Jericho. This chapter surrounds a third prophecy of Jesus' death (Mark 10:32–34) with lessons on His value for those others often dismiss: women (Mark 10:1–12), the powerless (Mark 10:13–16), those who value God more than the world (Mark 10:17–31), servant-hearted leaders (Mark 10:35–45), and those with bold faith (Mark 10:46–52). Next is the triumphal entry and the beginning of Passion Week.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.