Matthew 19:13

It was customary for people to bring their children to rabbis for blessings. [Note: Carson, "Matthew," p. 420.] The Old Testament reflects this practice (Genesis 48:14; Numbers 27:18; cf. Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3). The disciples rebuked those who brought the children to Jesus for doing so (Mark 10:13; Luke 18:15). The evangelists did not reveal why the disciples did this. However the fact that they did it shows their need for Jesus’ exhortation that followed. They were not behaving with humility as Jesus had previously taught them to do (ch. 18; esp. Matthew 19:5). Moreover Jesus’ teaching about the sanctity of marriage (Matthew 19:4-6) did not affect how they viewed children. The Jews cherished their children but viewed them as needing to listen, to learn, and to be respectful.