Lessons from the Disciples Rebuking the Children

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Nineteenth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:13-15*

*First Reading : Jos 24:14-29*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11*

*Lessons from the Disciples Rebuking the Children*

*1) Reasons for Rebuking the Children*

The disciples likely rebuked the people for practical and cultural reasons:

*Children were seen as low status:* In that cultural context, children were not given the same importance as adults. 

They had no power or authority, and the disciples may have thought Jesus' time shouldn't be "wasted" on them.

*Protecting Jesus’ time*: The disciples may have thought they were managing Jesus’ schedule, trying to shield Him from what they saw as non-essential interruptions.

*Misunderstanding of Kingdom values:* The disciples still didn’t fully grasp that the Kingdom of God overturns societal norms — the first will be last, and the least will be the greatest.

*2) Jesus' reaction to the Situation*

*Jesus is Indignant*: This is one of the few times we see Jesus expressing anger. 

Their action directly contradicts His mission and message.

*A Public Correction*: Jesus uses this as a teaching moment. He rebukes the disciples and highlights children as examples of the kind of faith needed to enter the Kingdom.

*Affirmation of Children’s Value:* Jesus’ response shows that children — and by extension, the humble, the weak, the dependent — are welcomed, valued, and blessed in God’s kingdom.

*3) Not to Hinder the Access to Jesus*

The rebuke is a warning to not become obstacles between people (especially the weak or marginalized) and Christ.

Moreover Children represent dependence, trust, and humility — qualities essential for receiving God's grace.

Are we gatekeepers or guides children spiritually.

*4) Misunderstanding the Heart of the Kingdom*

The disciples’ rebuke reveals a misunderstanding of Jesus’ values. 

They likely thought they were protecting Jesus from what seemed like a trivial distraction. 

But in doing so, they missed the heart of Jesus’ mission — to welcome the humble, the overlooked, the marginalized.

*5) Spiritual Blindness in Religious Zeal*

Ironically, the disciples — though close to Jesus — still missed His heart. 

It’s a warning that even those engaged in spiritual work can be spiritually blind if they're not in tune with the character of Christ.

Proximity to religious activity is not the same as alignment with Jesus’ heart.

*6) Final Words*

The ones considered insignificant (children) are shown to be central to the Kingdom, while the ones thought to be closest to Jesus (the disciples) are corrected. 

It’s a call to rethink our assumptions about who belongs, and how the Kingdom of God reorders values — lifting the lowly, welcoming the excluded, and exalting childlike faith.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*