13 People were bringing to Jesus little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. 15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.” 16 He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:13-16 - World English Bible

Unlike modern Western society, children stood on the bottom rung of ancient cultural ladder. Women bore children as cheap labor, increasing the wealth of the clan. They were also part of the social safety net, insuring care for the most important members of the extended family, the elderly.

When people brought their children to Jesus for blessing, in the same way they brought their sick and demon-possessed for healing, naturally the disciples tried to dissuade the crowd. Why bother the Master with the insignificant? But that was the point the Lord was trying to make. The Kingdom was made for the least in society; in fact, one had to have the status of a child to enter into God's realm. So, one needed to extend hospitality even to the smallest to be a citizen in the Kingdom.

As an example to his followers, Jesus welcomed and blessed the children.

How do you serve the least in your world?