What does Luke 18:16 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 18:16 captures a profound teaching moment in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

In this passage, Jesus is addressing his disciples and the crowd after they had attempted to prevent children from coming to Him.

He insists that children be allowed to approach without hindrance and emphasizes the importance of receiving the Kingdom of God as a child.

This carries both a literal and a symbolic message: literally, Jesus welcomes children into his presence, countering the societal norms that often diminished the value of children.

Symbolically, the phrase suggests that the qualities often found in children, such as humility, trust, and innocence, are essential for those who wish to enter the Kingdom of God.

Historical Context

During the time that the Gospel of Luke was written, children were not often valued as full members of society in the way they are today.

Their social standing was low, and they generally did not have a voice.

Jesus' actions and teachings regarding children were counter-cultural, as He frequently used children as examples of the type of faith and attitude required to enter the Kingdom of God.

By doing so, He challenged the prevailing cultural norms and indicated a profound respect for the intrinsic worth of children.

Theological Insights

Theologically, the statement from Jesus that "of such is the kingdom of God" has been interpreted in various ways. One common view is that it presents the concept that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children, which is to say, those who exhibit trust, dependency, and humility.

Some Christian traditions see this as an indication of the necessity for a 'child-like faith,' characterized by simplicity and openness to God's will.

There are also interpretations that emphasize the grace of God.

Since children in that era had no status and could not earn their way into favor, their inclusion in the Kingdom is seen as entirely due to God's welcoming nature, a grace given freely without respect to social standing or achievements.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire individuals and communities to approach faith and relationship with God in a manner that is open, trusting, and devoid of pretense, much like a child.

It can also lead to action in relation to children's ministries or any endeavor that helps to protect and uplift the young.

Emulating the welcoming nature of Jesus, people can apply this teaching by being inclusive and valuing all members of their communities, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized.

Cross-References

• Matthew 19:14 “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
• Mark 10:14 “...Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”
• Matthew 18:3 “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Language Study

The key phrase "Suffer little children to come unto me" uses the word "suffer," which in the King James Version of the Bible, means to permit or to allow.

It is a translation of the Greek word ‘ἄφετε’ (aphete), which means "let" or "release."

"Kingdom of God" comes from the Greek ‘βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ’ (basileia tou Theou), with ‘basileia’ often interpreted as ‘reign,’ 'rule,' or ‘sovereignty,’ indicating a focus on the dynamic nature of God’s reign more than a static place.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader religious and cultural context of the ancient world, children were often not as valued as they are in many contemporary cultures.

However, in the Hebrew faith, there existed a strong tradition of valuing future generations, as seen in the practices around dedication and teaching of children (e.g., the Jewish Shema and Passover traditions).

Comparatively, Jesus’ teaching is both consistent with Jewish values regarding the care for future generations and revolutionary in elevating children as exemplars of faith.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, while there are no direct correlations between this verse and scientific concepts, it has been noted in psychological studies that the traits of children, such as the capacity for wonder, resilience, and straightforwardness, have positive effects on learning and mental health.

These attributes could be seen as beneficial in the context of personal and spiritual growth, resonating with Jesus’ teachings in this passage.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians comment on this verse, focusing on Jesus' radical inclusiveness and his teaching on the nature of those who will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Commentaries often highlight that this verse is a radical subversion of social norms of the time, as it gives children an honored place, which was not common in ancient society.

One common commentary perspective is that children are an embodiment of the kind of receptive attitude necessary to be part of God’s kingdom and that their status as dependent and powerless is reflective of the position all believers should take in relation to God's sovereignty.

Scholars like William Barclay note that in a world where children were usually seen and not heard, Jesus gives them a place of honor. The Matthew Henry Commentary emphasizes that the disposition of a Christian must be child-like in humility, meekness, and compliance.

Moreover, experts agree that such attitudes are essential for both entering into and living out the values of the Kingdom of God.