There was a custom of bringing children to the elders and scribes in the synagogue, to have them blessed, so those who brought these children to Jesus likely held him in high regard.
The laying on of hands showed blessing in God’s name, as one might ask of a prophet (Genesis 48:14), and as they had seen Jesus do, and when Jesus lays his hands on someone, this conveys true blessing.
In Judah, where Jesus was now healing many (Matthew 19:2), people brought their children to him, seeking a secure future for the weak and vulnerable children through the Messiah’s blessing (Matthew 19:13). The people ask Jesus to bless them by laying his hands on them and interceding for them.
There existed a custom of bringing children to the synagogue—before the elders and the scribes—in order to have them blessed by them. We can therefore assume that those who brought these children to Jesus would have held him in very high regard.1
The laying on of hands served as a sign of blessing in the Name of the Lord, as one might ask of a prophet of God (Genesis 48:14), and as they had seen Jesus do. Moreover, when Jesus lays his hands on someone, this served as a sign of true blessing.2
In Judah specifically, where Jesus was now healing many people (Matthew 19:2), it followed that people now also brought their children to him (Matthew 19:13). These children embody Israel’s hope for the future, yet as insignificant citizens they remain weak and vulnerable. The people ask Jesus to bless them—by laying his hands on them and interceding for them. In doing so, they seek the children’s future through the blessing of the Messiah.3
13 Alors on lui amena des petits enfants, afin qu'il leur impose les mains et prie pour eux. Mais les disciples les repoussèrent.