Some Pharisees approached him and asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ They were putting him to the test.
3.He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’
4.They replied, ‘Moses allowed us to draw up a writ of dismissal in cases of divorce.’
5.Then Jesus said to them, ‘It was because you were so hard hearted that he wrote this commandment for you.
6.But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female.
7.This is why a man leaves his father and mother,
8.and the two become one flesh. They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh.
9.So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide.’
10.Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this,
11.and he said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her.
12.And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.’
13.People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them,
14.but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
15.In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’
16.Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.
Deeper Dive into the Passage
**Hypotheses:**
1. **Jesus’ Emphasis on Humility and Innocence:** – **Hypothesis:** Jesus was highlighting the importance of humility and innocence, qualities often found in children, as essential for entering the kingdom of God. This was a counter-cultural message in a society that valued status and power
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary suggests that Jesus’ actions and words here are a radical redefinition of what it means to be part of God’s kingdom.
2. **Rebuke of Disciples’ Misunderstanding:** – Jesus’ indignation towards the disciples’ rebuke of the children indicates a correction of their misunderstanding of his mission. The disciples were likely influenced by societal norms that undervalued children
The Catholic Study Bible notes that Jesus often used children as examples to teach his disciples about the values of the kingdom of God.
3. **Inclusivity of God’s Kingdom:** – **Hypothesis:** The passage underscores the inclusivity of God’s kingdom, where even those considered least in society, like children, are given priority. This was a direct challenge to the social hierarchies of the time
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible points out that Jesus’ actions here are a demonstration of the inclusive nature of God’s love and kingdom.
**Historical Context and Audience:**
The Gospel of Mark was written for a community facing persecution and hardship. The emphasis on children, who were among the most vulnerable in society, would have resonated deeply with an audience experiencing marginalization. By elevating children, Jesus was offering a message of hope and inclusion to those who felt powerless.
**Modern Interpretation:**
Today, this passage can be interpreted as a call to value humility, innocence, and openness. In a world often driven by power and status, Jesus’ message remains counter-cultural. For example, in modern educational settings, this passage might inspire a focus on nurturing the inherent dignity and potential of every child, regardless of their background.
**Historical Accuracy:**
While the exact details of this account may be debated among scholars, the core message aligns with the broader themes of Jesus’ teachings found throughout the Gospels. The historical accuracy of Jesus’ interactions with children is supported by multiple Gospel accounts, making it likely that such events did occur.
Some Pharisees approached him and asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ They were putting him to the test.
3.He answered them, ‘What did Moses command you?’
4.They replied, ‘Moses allowed us to draw up a writ of dismissal in cases of divorce.’
5.Then Jesus said to them, ‘It was because you were so hard hearted that he wrote this commandment for you.
6.But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female.
7.This is why a man leaves his father and mother,
8.and the two become one flesh. They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh.
9.So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide.’
10.Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this,
11.and he said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her.
12.And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another she is guilty of adultery too.’
13.People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them,
14.but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
15.In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’
16.Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.
Deeper Dive into the Passage
**Hypotheses:**
1. **Jesus’ Emphasis on Humility and Innocence:** – **Hypothesis:** Jesus was highlighting the importance of humility and innocence, qualities often found in children, as essential for entering the kingdom of God. This was a counter-cultural message in a society that valued status and power
The New Jerome Biblical Commentary suggests that Jesus’ actions and words here are a radical redefinition of what it means to be part of God’s kingdom.
2. **Rebuke of Disciples’ Misunderstanding:** – Jesus’ indignation towards the disciples’ rebuke of the children indicates a correction of their misunderstanding of his mission. The disciples were likely influenced by societal norms that undervalued children
The Catholic Study Bible notes that Jesus often used children as examples to teach his disciples about the values of the kingdom of God.
3. **Inclusivity of God’s Kingdom:** – **Hypothesis:** The passage underscores the inclusivity of God’s kingdom, where even those considered least in society, like children, are given priority. This was a direct challenge to the social hierarchies of the time
The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible points out that Jesus’ actions here are a demonstration of the inclusive nature of God’s love and kingdom.
**Historical Context and Audience:**
The Gospel of Mark was written for a community facing persecution and hardship. The emphasis on children, who were among the most vulnerable in society, would have resonated deeply with an audience experiencing marginalization. By elevating children, Jesus was offering a message of hope and inclusion to those who felt powerless.
**Modern Interpretation:**
Today, this passage can be interpreted as a call to value humility, innocence, and openness. In a world often driven by power and status, Jesus’ message remains counter-cultural. For example, in modern educational settings, this passage might inspire a focus on nurturing the inherent dignity and potential of every child, regardless of their background.
**Historical Accuracy:**
While the exact details of this account may be debated among scholars, the core message aligns with the broader themes of Jesus’ teachings found throughout the Gospels. The historical accuracy of Jesus’ interactions with children is supported by multiple Gospel accounts, making it likely that such events did occur.
