Many people read these words and interpret them in the light of the next verse. Since Jesus talks about receiving the kingdom like a child (Mark 10:15), this verse is then interpreted as referring to those who are like children. The kingdom does not belong to children of believers; it belongs to those who come like children.1,2,3
However, this interpretation fails to consider Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples. He rebukes them because they were stopping babies/young children from coming to him. These children must be allowed to come to him because the kingdom of God belongs also to them, the children of believing parents.4
If it belonged only to those who are like children, why would Jesus have become angry when the disciples excluded the children? If it is not for the children of believers, why would excluding the children of believers be a problem?
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.