New Testament · Gospel

Mark 10:14

The Servant King

But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Mark 10:14, in plain English

When Jesus saw what was happening, He was upset. 'Let the children come to Me,' He said. 'Don't hold them back! The kingdom of God belongs to people just like them.'

Why it's here

Jesus got angry — at His own disciples, no less. He takes it personally when people are kept from coming to Him, especially the most vulnerable.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks with strong emotion in defense of the children.

Where it sits in the story

This is one of the only times we see Jesus angry at His own team. The children mattered to Him, and anyone who got in the way of them coming to Him was going to hear about it.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus' indignation (ēganaktēsen) is the only time Mark records this emotion from Jesus, directed at His own disciples. 'The kingdom of God belongs to such as these' (tōn toioutōn estin hē basileia) makes children the paradigm of kingdom citizens.

Language and setting

Children in the ancient world had no status, rights, or achievement — they could only receive. This is precisely why they model kingdom entrance: pure receptivity.

Voice

Jesus speaks with visible anger at the disciples and with warmth toward the children.

Significance

Jesus is angry — genuinely angry — at His own disciples for turning away children. His response redefines the kingdom: it belongs not to the powerful or accomplished but to those who come with nothing but open hands.

In context

Mark 10:12–16

12And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

13Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

16And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

Read all of Mark 10 — Jesus redefines greatness. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give His life as a ransom.

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