Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 19:13

"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them." — Matthew 19:13 (ASV)

Children in Jesus’ day were often brought to rabbis and elders to be blessed, customarily by placing hands on them (cf. Genesis 48:14). The disciples rebuked the parents and others who were bringing their children. Why? Perhaps they were annoyed that Jesus was being delayed on his journey to Jerusalem, or they felt they were being interrupted in their important discussion. Although children in Judaism of the time were deeply cherished, they were thought in some ways to be negligible members of society: their place was to learn, to be respectful, and to listen.