“And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.”– Luke 18:15 (KJV)
“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him.”– Luke 18:15 (NLT)
“People brought babies to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. When the disciples saw this, they shooed them away.”– Luke 18:15 (MSG)
What Does Luke 18:15 Mean?
Luke 18:15 captures a moment where parents brought their young children, or infants, to Jesus seeking His blessing and touch. This moment is powerful as it shows the desire of parents to have their children in the presence of Jesus. They believed that Christ’s touch could bring a blessing and impart some level of divine favor upon their little ones. It is crucial to understand that children during biblical times held a different position in society compared to today. They were often seen as dependent, vulnerable beings who needed guidance and protection. Parents valued the aspect of spiritual growth for their children and wanted to introduce them to Jesus at an early age.
However, we see the disciples responding negatively to these parents. They rebuked the parents for trying to bring their children to Jesus, possibly thinking that the Lord was too busy or important for such tasks. This reaction from the disciples may stem from a misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission. Jesus came to love, teach, and save all, including the children. The disciples’ actions show that they held a cultural view prioritizing adult matters over those of children, who they may have thought were not relevant to Jesus’s ministry.
Luke 18:15 Explanation and Commentary
This verse serves as a point of contention and illustrates how easily we can overlook the value of children and their importance in the Kingdom of God. When analyzing the context, it is essential to recognize the contrast between the disciples’ rigid behavior and Jesus’s affectionate response towards the children. He emphasizes both the intrinsic value of children and the necessity of childlike faith. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus states, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” This highlights that we must have a humble, trusting spirit like that of a child if we want to be part of God’s family.
As we reflect on this scene, we see how it speaks to the character of Jesus—compassionate, welcoming, and loving. He gently rebukes His disciples by saying, “Suffer little children to come unto me.” This statement not only shows His warmth but also reiterates the necessity of prioritizing children in God’s kingdom. Jesus recognizes that children have a pure and sincere approach to faith, which adults can sometimes lose as they grow older and become burdened by the complexities of life.
As we apply this thought to our lives, we are reminded of the value of nurturing the spiritual well-being of children. Teaching them about God’s love and guidance must begin early, fostering an atmosphere of faith in our families and communities. We should never underestimate the influence we have on a child’s spiritual development simply by including them in our faith journey. Their innocent questions often lead to profound truths that even adults can learn from.
Context of Luke 18:15
This verse is found in a section of Luke where Jesus is traveling and teaching while preparing for His impending crucifixion. The chapters surrounding Luke 18 contain teachings on persistence in prayer, forgiveness, and a focus on humility. Understanding the immediacy of Jesus’s mission allows us to appreciate the urgency of His teachings. The passages leading to this narrative reveal Jesus’s teachings about the rich young ruler and the importance of being humble. Thus, the setting allows us to see how much He values those whom society may overlook, particularly in terms of faith and innocence.
The disciples often thought that strong faith meant leading the way, demonstrating authority, and having an impressive understanding of the law. However, Jesus consistently turned traditional views upside down. Instead of seeking greatness and power, He emphasizes humility, vulnerability, and a dependent nature—qualities that align more with children than with adult legitimacy.
By exploring this context, we also gain insights into the broader messages conveyed throughout the Gospel of Luke. We can see how Jesus frequently challenged societal norms and expectations, especially regarding the marginalized and vulnerable groups. He made a clear distinction that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who possess the qualities of a child—purity, trust, and a willingness to let go of self-reliance.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Luke 18:15
Several key elements in this verse stand out. The act of bringing infants to Jesus signifies both the hope of parents and the innocent desire of children to seek divine connection. Each parent, despite the societal norms, prioritized their children’s spiritual care over cultural expectations from the disciples. ‘Infants’ here can symbolize not just little children but also anyone new in faith—those who might be small in their understanding but open and receptive to Christ’s love.
The response of the disciples shows their misunderstanding or misinterpretation of Jesus’s ministry. They were likely trying to protect Jesus from being overwhelmed or distracted. However, Jesus’s correction demonstrates that He values everyone, particularly children, as crucial members of His community. This rebuke illustrates the grace afforded to those who are often dismissed.
When we look closely at the phrase, “that he would touch them,” it symbolizes a hand of blessing, healing, and acceptance. Throughout the Gospels, we see the significance of Jesus touching people not only to heal them physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Touch in this context is profound, transcending cultural boundaries and inviting all into close relationship with Him.
Lessons to Learn From Luke 18:15
The primary lesson from Luke 18:15 is the importance of childlike faith. Just as children approach Jesus without pretense or formality, we are encouraged to come before Him sincerely, presenting our vulnerabilities, questions, and needs. This passage teaches us not to become rigid in our faith but to cultivate a heart that is open, willing to embrace the simplest truths of the Gospel.
We also learn about the significance of our roles as nurturers in the faith journey of younger generations. As we grow our faith, we must not forget the influence we have. Be it as parents, teachers, or mentors, we have an immense responsibility to introduce Christ’s love to children. Our actions reflect our beliefs, and they learn about God’s love through how we love and care for them.
Another lesson revolves around examining how society often overlooks vulnerable groups, like children. We are called to advocate for and stand up for the unnoticed, drawing them into our faith communities rather than pushing them away. Our churches ought to be welcoming spaces for families, equipping parents to nurture their children’s faith at infancies.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Luke 18:15 is a poignant reminder of the tenderness Jesus has toward children. It encourages us to reflect upon our understanding of faith—encouraging simple trust and vulnerability. As we foster relationships with young ones, let us remember to be vehicles of Christ’s love, sharing with them the beauty of His teachings and the significance of living in His grace. Embracing a childlike spirit can transform our lives and keep us connected to Christ in ways that resonate deeply in our hearts and minds.
For more interesting reflections and topics, don’t forget to check out our collection on Bible teachings to enrich your journey of faith. Let’s explore together how to grow in spiritual maturity, love, and understanding!