Two points of significance are found in this passage which begins with intolerance on the part of the disciples who tried to turn away some children who had been brought to Jesus; the reason why the children were not welcomed by the disciples is not made clear, but whatever it was it resulted in a rebuke from Jesus to the disciples. Children had their place in the Kingdom of God (10:14).

In 10:15 there is a different idea that in the sight of God everyone is like a child, entirely dependent on him for life and everything else. Unless we realize our total dependence on God and accept his gifts with the simplicity that we see in a child who trusts its parents to provide for all its needs, we cannot understand the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God offers no welcome to the proud and self-sufficient who have no place for God in their lives.