Gospel Parallels: Children Brought to Jesus to Be Blessed

Mark 10.13–16 || Matt 19.13–14; 18.3; 19.15 || Luke 18.15–17 || John 3.3, 5

Parallel is from Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels, parallel #253

Mark

Now people were bringing little children to him for him to touch, but the disciples scolded those who brought them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” After he took the children in his arms, he placed his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10.13–16 NET)

Matthew

Then little children were brought to him for him to lay his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded those who brought them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19.13–14 NET)

and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! (Matthew 18.3 NET)

And he placed his hands on them and went on his way. (Matthew 19.15 NET)

Luke

Now people were even bringing their babies to him for him to touch. But when the disciples saw it, they began to scold those who brought them. 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. I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” (Luke 18.15–17 NET)

John

Jesus replied, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3.3 NET)

Jesus answered, “I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3.5 NET)

The previous translation is from the NET Bible translation. Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.