THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - Chapter 19 - Verse 14

Verse 14. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, etc. Mark adds, he was much displeased at what the disciples said. It was a thing highly gratifying to him, and which he earnestly sought, that children should be brought to him; and a case where it was very improper that they should interfere.

Of such is the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven evidently means, here, the church. See Barnes "Mr 3:2".

In Mark and Luke, it is said he immediately added, "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter therein." Whosoever shall not be humble, unambitious, and docile, shall not be a true follower of Christ, or a member of his kingdom. Of such as these—that is, of persons with such tempers as these—is the church to be composed. He does not say of those infants, but of such persons as resembled them, or were like them in temper, was the kingdom of heaven made up. It was proper, therefore, that he should pray for them; it was proper that they who possessed such a temper should be brought to him. The disposition itself—the humility, the teachableness, the want of ambition—was an ornament anywhere, and little children should therefore be brought to him. It is probable—it is greatly to be hoped—that all infants will be saved. No contrary doctrine is taught in the sacred Scriptures. But it does not appear to be the design of this passage to teach that all infants will be saved. It means simply, that they should be suffered to be brought to him as amiable, lovely, and uncorrupted by the world, and having traits of mind resembling those among real Christians.

{i} "???" Mr 10:14; Lu 18:16 {k} "such is" Mt 18:3