Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that he might lay his hands upon them in blessing; but the Saviour's disciples thought His work too important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came to Him with their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. They thought these children too young to be benefited by a visit to Jesus, and concluded that He would be displeased at their presence. But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased. The Saviour understood the care and burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their children according to the word of God. He had heard their prayers. He Himself had drawn them into His presence.

Det var blandt jøderne skik at bringe børnene hen til en eller anden rabbiner, for at han kunne lægge sine hænder velsignende på dem; men Frelserens disciple anså hans gerning for alt for betydningsfuld til, at han måtte lade sig afbryde på denne måde. Da mødrene kom til ham med deres små børn, betragtede disciplene dem med misbilligelse. De mente, at disse børn var for små til at have nogen gavn af at komme til Jesus, og de sluttede heraf, at han ikke ville synes om deres tilstedeværelse. Men det var disciplenes optræden, som han ikke syntes om! Frelseren forstod mødrenes omsorg og byrdefulde gerning ved at søge at oplære deres børn efter Guds ord. Han havde hørt deres bønner. Det var ham selv, som havde draget dem til sig.