Mark 10:14-16

10:14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹  10:15 I tell you the truth, ²  whoever does not receive ³  the kingdom of God like a child ⁴  will never ⁵  enter it.” 10:16 After he took the children in his arms, he placed his hands on them and blessed them.

[10:14]  ¹ sn The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Children are a picture of those whose simple trust illustrates what faith is all about. The remark illustrates how everyone is important to God, even those whom others regard as insignificant.

[10:15]  ² tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

[10:15]  ³ sn On receive see John 1:12.

[10:15]  ⁴ sn The point of the comparison receive the kingdom of God like a child has more to do with a child’s trusting spirit and willingness to be dependent and receive from others than any inherent humility the child might possess.

[10:15]  ⁵ tn The negation in Greek (οὐ μή, ou mh) is very strong here.