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Explanation for:
Matthew
19
:
15
And when he had imposed hands upon them, he departed from thence.
8
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Apollinarius of Laodicea","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The only thing that prevents the creature from approaching the Creator is corruption and distortion, while a lack of understanding does not obstruct this approach. For He seeks completeness, and to that completeness, the approach is granted. Thus, the statement \\"Of such is the kingdom of heaven\\" (Matt. 19:14) is appropriately made. He did not say ‘them’ but rather ‘such,’ as it is a common human trait to lack wisdom. Turning away from this deficiency, the apostle cautioned, \\"Be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children\\" (1 Cor. 14:20). Mark elaborated on this expression, emphasizing, \\"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein\\" (Mark 10:15). Luke conveys a similar message, and Matthew adds, \\"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven\\" (Matt. 18:4). God desires that what we naturally possess, we also choose to uphold: innocence, kindness, and love for our parents, even when they are stern with us. The father’s correction of his children illustrates the application of God's power."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Mark notes that He welcomed the children, placing His hands upon them to shower them with His blessings. This act was in response to the request of those who had brought the children to Him, who desired that He pray for them and bless them. In doing so, He demonstrated His readiness to embrace and draw close to the unkind, bestowing His protective power upon them, enriching and sanctifying their lives."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The apostles, believing that allowing mothers with their children to approach Him was a distraction from His sacred mission, decided to turn them away. However, the Lord quickly addressed their misguided intentions, instructing them, “Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” After welcoming the children and placing His holy hands upon them, He conveyed to His disciples and the gathered crowd that “whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a child,” meaning with purity and a selfless heart, “shall not enter therein.” Following the Lord's example, the Church that He established began to embrace children into its community through the sacrament of baptism, not postponing this grace until they reached a certain age."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Observing this, Jesus Christ called the children to Him and addressed the disciples, who exhibited unreasonable jealousy, with exasperation, saying, “Let the children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” The teachings of kindness, purity, meekness, and humility that the Lord imparted to His disciples through the example of a child were evidently overlooked by them. Reminding them of this, He reiterated what they could learn from a child: “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” The only individual permitted to enter the kingdom of God is the one who welcomes it within, bearing the same heart and trust of a sincere, innocent child. In these brief statements, Jesus conveyed the same message He had previously articulated in more detail: that anyone seeking entrance into His Kingdom must humble themselves like a child and subsequently grow to embody the admirable qualities that are inherent to an untainted childhood. Thus, who is closer to the Savior than the pure spirits of children? To foster understanding among His disciples and all His followers, the Lord received the children with genuine warmth, embracing and blessing them as He laid His hands upon them. It is said in tradition that among those children Jesus blessed were the Evangelist Mark and St. Ignatius the Theotokos. St. Ignatius was notably the young boy whom Jesus held and remarked: unless he received the kingdom of God as a child, he would not enter it. With a pure love for Christ, St. Ignatius cherished His holy name in his heart and prayed to Him incessantly, leading to the title ‘Theotokos.’ A disciple of the holy Apostle John the Theologian, he was appointed Bishop of Antioch by the Apostle Peter. St. Ignatius worked diligently for God's glory, nurturing the faithful entrusted to him. He exemplified all the virtues of a bishop: he was righteous, pious, moderate, chaste, and meek. He was granted the ability to perceive the celestial countenances of angels and was the first to establish antiphonal singing in the Church. During the persecution of Christians orchestrated by Emperor Trajan, St. Ignatius was martyred by lions in the Roman Coliseum. Remarkably, his heart survived, and upon its opening, the pagans were astonished to find inscribed in golden letters the name ‘Jesus Christ,’ affirming the saint's designation as ‘Theotokos.’ St. Ignatius's relics were later transferred to Antioch in Syria and subsequently returned to Rome. His feast days are commemorated on December 20/January 2 and January 29/February 11. St. Mark is honored among the seventy Apostles. The home of Mark’s mother, Mary, was adjacent to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Christ prayed prior to His suffering. On that fateful night, the holy Apostle Mark followed Christ, cloaked, evading the soldiers who captured Him. St. Mark preached the Gospel in Seleucia, Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Rome, authoring the Gospel that recounts the miracles and divine might of the Savior, which the Church regards as inspired scripture. St. Mark established the Church of Christ in Egypt and served as its first bishop, preaching in Africa, Libya, and Nectopolis while performing numerous miracles. In Alexandria, he also enacted miraculous healings. When the pagans attempted to immolate the body of the holy apostle, darkness fell, thunder crashed, and an earthquake shook the ground, prompting the pagans to flee in fear while the Christians reverently buried St. Mark’s remains. His memorial is celebrated on January 4/17 and April 25/May 8."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus responded to the cries of the mothers and the objections of the disciples by saying, \\"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven\\" (Matthew 19:14). The Kingdom of Heaven is reserved for those who are innocent and pure like children. Previously, Christ had addressed the apostles when they inquired about who holds the greatest position in the kingdom of heaven. He reiterated that anyone who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it (Mark 10:15). Do not prevent them from approaching Me. Parents and guardians, take these words to heart and place them in a prominent place within your homes, reflecting on them as you fulfill your roles. Ensure that you do not obstruct your children from coming to Christ, and remain vigilant to prevent anyone from leading them astray. Recognize that you bear the responsibility for the well-being of this flock of Christ. However, merely refraining from obstruction is insufficient; you carry a greater obligation to guide your children towards Christ. And do not be deterred by the presence of a teacher of the law designated for the children’s instruction. While he imparts the Law of God, it is your duty to engrave this Law within their hearts, ensuring its practice; instill in them the understanding that true happiness in this life emanates from loving one’s neighbors with a selfless and forgiving spirit; and through your actions demonstrate that a life in Christ is the only fulfilling life within the Kingdom of God, paving the way to the Kingdom of Heaven. If you find yourself unable to lead your children to Christ due to your own unbelief or lack of commitment to a life of faith, then seek a different path; do not assume the weight of this responsibility, however moral it may be, which could lead you to acknowledge that it would be better for a millstone to be tied around your neck and for you to be cast into the sea! (see above, Matthew 18:1-6)."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"And after laying His hands on them, He departed from that place. St. Chrysostom teaches us that to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, we must earnestly strive to embody the virtue of humility and blend straightforwardness with insight. This represents the essence of an angelic life. The soul of a child is untainted by passions; a child forgives easily and approaches those who have wronged them as if they were friends, forgetting any offense. Regardless of how much a mother disciplines her child, her love remains unparalleled. If offered a queen adorned with a crown, the child would still choose to be with a mother dressed in simple garments, valuing her presence over opulence. A child does not differentiate between what is their own or another's based on wealth or poverty, but rather through the lens of love. This is why Jesus stated, \\"Of such is the kingdom of heaven,\\" granting us the freedom to act as children do by nature. The Pharisees, driven by deceit and arrogance, incurred a curse for testing the Lord and withdrew, while the children, untouched by these vices, were blessed. Let us strive to be childlike, for it is truly impossible to perceive the Kingdom of Heaven any other way."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Believing that God answers the supplications of righteous individuals on behalf of others, numerous mothers approached Jesus Christ with their children, seeking His touch to bless them. Due to the large crowd, not everyone had high hopes of receiving what they sought. Nevertheless, the mothers held such deep respect for Christ that they were content with even a single touch from Him upon their children. The disciples, perhaps perceiving this as a trivial matter and not wishing to disturb the Lord, tried to prevent the mothers from bringing their children to Him. This unkind act from the disciples upset Jesus significantly, prompting His anger. When the children were eventually permitted to come to Him at His command, the Lord not only touched them and laid His hands upon them but also gathered them in His embrace, bestowing His blessings upon them. This act demonstrated His profound love for the pure and innocent nature of childhood. Jesus then reiterated to His disciples that these children are among the most esteemed in the kingdom of God, and He emphasized that adults can only enter this kingdom if they approach it with the faith of a child."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Mothers approached Him with their children, seeking His blessing. For reasons unknown, the disciples sought to prevent them from coming forward. However, the Lord intervened, stating that anyone desiring to receive the honor of the kingdom of God must possess a childlike spirit."}]}
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