Mark 10:14

Commentary on Mark 10:14 (NKJV)

“But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’” (Mark 10:14, NKJV)

1. Context in Mark 10

Mark 10[i] is a chapter rich with teaching on discipleship, humility, and the nature of the kingdom of God. It begins with Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce (vv. 1–12), moves to His blessing of children (vv. 13–16), and then to the encounter with the rich young ruler (vv. 17–31). Each section highlights the radical demands of following Christ and the upside-down values of the kingdom.

The immediate context of verse 14 is the disciples rebuking people who were bringing children to Jesus (v. 13). In the cultural setting of the first century, children were often considered insignificant, without social status or influence. The disciples’ rebuke reflects a worldly mindset that undervalued children, assuming Jesus’ mission was too important to be interrupted by them.

2. Exegesis of Mark 10:14

• “When Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased”: The Greek term here conveys strong indignation. Jesus’ reaction is not mild correction but righteous anger. He is deeply moved when His disciples misrepresent the values of His kingdom.
• “Let the little children come to Me”: This is both a command and an invitation. Jesus affirms the worth of children and insists they have direct access to Him. There is no barrier, no hierarchy, no prerequisite of maturity or achievement.
• “Do not forbid them”: The disciples’ attempt to block access is rebuked. The kingdom is not for the elite or the self-sufficient but for those who come in dependence and humility.
• “For of such is the kingdom of God”: Jesus is not idealising childhood innocence but highlighting the posture of dependence, trust, and humility that children naturally embody. Entry into the kingdom requires this childlike faith, not self-reliance or worldly achievement.

3. Theological Teaching

• The nature of the kingdom: The kingdom of God belongs to those who come empty-handed, dependent, and trusting. This aligns with Christian theology’s emphasis on salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We do not earn entry; we receive it as children receive care from their parents.
• Christ’s compassion: Jesus’ indignation shows His pastoral heart. He defends the vulnerable and insists that no one should be excluded from His presence. This reflects the covenantal promise that God’s grace extends to believers and their children (cf. Genesis 17:7 (And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.); Acts 2:39 (For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”)).
• The rebuke of pride: The disciples’ behaviour mirrors the human tendency to value status and achievement. Jesus overturns this by teaching that the least in the world’s eyes are welcomed in His kingdom.

4. Application to Modern Christian Living

• Welcoming children in the church: Churches must ensure children are not sidelined but are actively welcomed into the life of the congregation. This includes valuing children’s ministry, encouraging family worship, and recognising that children can and do exercise genuine faith.
• Cultivating childlike faith: Adults must learn from children’s trust and dependence. In a culture that prizes autonomy and self-sufficiency, Christians are called to embrace humility and reliance on God.
• Guarding against exclusion: Just as the disciples tried to block access, churches today must beware of creating barriers—whether cultural, social, or economic—that prevent people from coming to Christ. The gospel is for all who come in faith, regardless of age, background, or ability.
• Pastoral care: Jesus’ indignation reminds pastors and leaders to reflect His heart. Protecting the vulnerable, welcoming the marginalised, and ensuring accessibility to Christ are central to faithful ministry.

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[i] Mark 10

New King James Version

Marriage and Divorce

10 Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.

2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.

3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?”

4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.”

5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

10 In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. 11 So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Jesus Blesses Little Children

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

17 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”

18 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ”

20 And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.”

21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.”

22 But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

With God All Things Are Possible

23 Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Jesus a Third Time Predicts His Death and Resurrection

32 Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: 33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; 34 and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

Greatness Is Serving

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.”

36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.”

38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

39 They said to Him, “We are able.”

So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

46 Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called.

Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”

50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.

51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”

52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.