New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 19:13

The Cost of Following

Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Matthew 19:13 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 19:13, in plain English

People bring their little children to Jesus so He can bless them, but the disciples try to shoo them away.

Why it's here

The disciples thought they were protecting Jesus' time. They didn't realize they were blocking the very people Jesus wanted to see.

Who's speaking

The narrator describes a tender moment interrupted by well-meaning but misguided disciples.

Where it sits in the story

Parents just wanted Jesus to touch and pray for their kids. The disciples said no. Jesus is about to say something very different.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Children are brought to Jesus for blessing (hands and prayer), but the disciples rebuke the parents, likely viewing children as unworthy of the rabbi's time.

Language and setting

In the ancient world, children had low social status; the disciples' reaction reflects prevailing cultural attitudes about who merits access to a teacher.

Voice

The narrator describes parents bringing children to Jesus and the disciples' misguided gatekeeping.

Significance

The disciples act as bouncers, turning away children — not understanding that the kingdom belongs precisely to such as these.

In context

Matthew 19:11–15

11“Not everyone can accept this word,” He replied, “but only those to whom it has been given.

12For there are eunuchs who were born that way; others were made that way by men; and still others live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”

13Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

15And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.

Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad