Luk 18:16 | NET2full | STEP | But Jesus called for the children , saying , “ Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them , for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these .

Luke 18:16

16 But Jesus called for the children, ^{▼▼tn Grk “summoned them”; the referent (the children) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God ^{▼▼sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus’ teaching. The nature of the kingdom of God in the NT and in Jesus’ teaching has long been debated by interpreters and scholars, with discussion primarily centering around the nature of the kingdom (earthly, heavenly, or both) and the kingdom’s arrival (present, future, or both). An additional major issue concerns the relationship between the kingdom of God and the person and work of Jesus himself. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.} belongs to such as these. ^{▼▼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.}