The Nugget:
Luk 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (KJV)
Luk 18:16 But Jesus called the infants to him and said, “Don’t stop the children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God. (God’s Word translation)
Luk 18:16 So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom. (Contemporary English Version)
The Context:
Luk 18:15 Some people brought their little children for Jesus to bless. But when his disciples saw them doing this, they told the people to stop bothering him.
Luk 18:16 So Jesus called the children over to him and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t try to stop them. People who are like these children belong to God’s kingdom.
Luk 18:17 You will never get into God’s kingdom unless you enter it like a child!” (CEV)
My Comment:
Jesus insisted that it was important for little children to be brought to Him. The parallel text in Matthew 19:13 tells us that parents were bringing their children to Jesus “that he should put his hands on them, and pray.”
Jesus always took time for children, even when He was very busy. This upset the disciples who tried to prevent these interruptions. Notice, then, the attitude of Jesus toward children.