Jesus, seeing it, was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Christ’s indignation shows how serious it is in His eyes to drive little ones away from Him. He not only allows the children to come near, but specifically commands that they not be hindered. The words “to such belongs the kingdom of God” do not mean that children, by nature and without grace, possess salvation because of their innocence; rather, they point to the humble, trusting, and receptive disposition with which a person must come to God. Here the children become an example of receiving the kingdom. They do not come presenting merit, but come with simple trust. Thus Christ affirms that in the kingdom of God the small and the humble are received with love, and He sternly condemns the attitude that, considering them insignificant, keeps them away from Him.