Matthew 19:12-14

Expanded Bible

¹² ·There are different reasons why some men cannot marry [^LFor…]. Some men were born ·without the ability to become fathers [^Las eunuchs]. Others were made ·that way later in life [^Leunuchs] by other people [^Cmales would sometimes be castrated as punishment, or to serve in harems]. And some men have ·given up marriage because [^Lmade themselves eunuchs for the sake] of the kingdom of heaven [^Cthrough abstinence, not necessarily castration]. ·But the person who can marry should accept this teaching about marriage [or The person who can accept this teaching about not marrying should accept it].”

Jesus Welcomes Children^(A)

¹³ Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so he could ·put [lay] his hands on them [^Can act of blessing] and pray for them. [^LBut] His ·followers [disciples] ·told them to stop [scolded/rebuked them], ¹⁴ but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t ·stop [hinder] them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children [^Cmeaning humble and dependent].”