Jesus rebukes his disciples for rebuking those who brought the children to Jesus (Matthew 19:14). He stresses that the kingdom is destined for those who seek blessing and intercessory prayer, like these children, because eternal life is a gift from Jesus himself.
He speaks up for these helpless, weak children, for to such as these
—children and those who are like children (see Matthew 18:1–5)—"belongs the kingdom of heaven.” The child who does not question the message and places his trust in his father is closer to God than an adult who wants to live independently.
The disciples rebuked those who were bringing the children to Jesus, but he in turn rebukes them (Matthew 19:14). Jesus then emphasizes that the kingdom of heaven is in fact destined for those who come seeking a blessing and intercessory prayer. These children have been predestined for the kingdom of heaven. His statement is a lesson for all: that eternal life is a gift from Jesus himself.1
Jesus here speaks up on behalf of the children, who are helpless and weak. He does not want anyone to hinder them from coming to him, for to such as these
—that is, for children and for those who are like children (see also Matthew 18:1–5)—"belongs the kingdom of heaven.” The child who does not question the message and places all of his trust in his father, stands closer to God than the adult who wishes to live independently.2
14 Et Jésus dit: Laissez les petits enfants, et ne les empêchez pas de venir à moi; car le royaume des cieux est pour ceux qui leur ressemblent.