Matthew 19:15

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

Matthew 19:15 (KJV)

Context

In Matthew 19:13-15, parents brought little children to Jesus so that He would lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked those who brought the children, but Jesus corrected them, saying, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Then, in verse 15, Jesus laid His hands on the children and departed from that place. His action confirms His words: He did not merely speak acceptance but also blessed the children physically.

Meaning

The laying on of hands in this verse is an act of blessing, as Mark’s parallel account explicitly notes that Jesus blessed them (Mark 10:16). This gesture follows the custom of the region and conveys Jesus’ welcome and favor toward the children. The Greek text reads, “καὶ ἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῖς ἐπορεύθη ἐκεῖθεν,” meaning “and having laid his hands on them, he went from there.” The participle “having laid” indicates a completed action before His departure. The verse is simple and narrative, but it carries theological weight: Jesus, the Son of God, took time to bless children, demonstrating His care for the lowly and dependent. His departure “thence” shows that His ministry was itinerant; He moved from place to place, teaching and blessing.

Biblical connections

This episode is a bridge between the teaching on children and the following encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22), highlighting the contrast between childlike faith and self-sufficient wealth. The immediate context emphasizes the value of children and the importance of receiving the kingdom like a child. Jesus’ statement in verse 14, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven,” suggests that children embody qualities desirable for entering the kingdom: trust, dependence, and simple faith. As adults, believers are called to have childlike faith, acknowledging their need for God and relying on Him completely.

Application

This verse encourages believers to bring children to Jesus, trusting that He receives them. It also reminds us that Jesus’ ministry involved both words and deeds of compassion. Value and prioritize children, nurturing their spiritual growth and well-being. Approach Jesus with childlike faith, relying on Him wholeheartedly. Embrace inclusivity in relationships, treating all people with love, acceptance, and respect. The disciples’ attempt to prevent the children from reaching Jesus reveals a lack of understanding of Jesus’ ministry to all people. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them about inclusivity and the importance of embracing those who might be considered insignificant or overlooked in society. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to imitate His love, compassion, and acceptance of all people, especially the vulnerable.

Reflection

While this passage specifically addresses children, the underlying principles of humility, trust, and inclusivity apply to believers of all ages. Jesus’ action in verse 15 confirms His teaching: the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Reflect on your own discipleship and ensure that you are aligning yourself with Jesus’ teachings and example. The text does not prescribe a specific ritual for blessing children, but it foreshadows the practice of blessing children in the Christian community. May this study deepen your understanding of the passage and inspire you to live out its timeless lessons.