And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them. (Mk 10:13-16)
This passage gives us a new lesson when we read it in line with the previous one (Mk 10:1-12). In the previous passage Jesus disputes with the Pharisees regarding divorce. He makes them think in line with the original plan of God. He also teaches the disciples the evil that is in divorce. Here we see Jesus with the children. Are these children without their parents? Is this situation an outcome of the families that are divorced?
The saying of Jesus, ("Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.") goes only to show that kingdom of God is not about disputes are arguments. Kingdom is not about who is right or wrong. It is not about moral concerns (though it will play its role). The Kingdom is about belonging.
Jesus embraced the children and blessed them. These actions of Jesus show that he at peace with this situation. Here Jesus does even preach to them or tell them what to do. It is all about welcoming, entering, belonging, embracing and blessing. Kingdom is action packed. Actions are, all of them positive and enriching.
