They may have thought they were doing Jesus a favor by helping Him protect His time and conserve His strength. They did not consider the children to be important. Jesus taught them they needed to receive the children in His name and to be careful not to cause any of them to stumble. They continued to forget what He had taught them. In their dependence on others, in their receptiveness, in their acceptance of themselves and their position in life.
Children live by faith.
They trust others to care for them throughout their childhood. God wants us to be child-like in our faith. We enjoy life in God's kingdom through faith, trusting in God's love and daily care for our needs. When a child is hurt, he takes the hurt to Mom and Dad. Jesus calls us to see His kingdom through the child-like eyes of faith.