Kingdoms, Kids, and Kindness: A New Context for Luke 18:15-17

The passages concerning children and the kingdom of God have been interpreted by various scholars to indicate a need for humility or childlikeness (Matt 18:1-6; 19:13-15; Mark 9:33-37; 10:13-16; Luke 9:4648; 18:15-17). Humility, simplicity, purity, and trust are themes suggested in this interpretation. When viewed in Luke's context of social justice, this kingdom/child story suggests a different interpretation. The use of ro~ natOtov (has paidion, «as a child») as a comparative clause, the attitudes concerning children, and the context of the texts suggest that this is another lesson about social justice.