It is worthy of notice that this touching incident follows here, as well as in the parallel passage in St. Matthew (Matthew 21:13). He immediately after the discourse about the marriage bond. And they brought unto him ( προσέφερον)—literally, were bringing—little children ( παιδία)—St.
Luke (Luke 18:15) calls them "babes" ( βρέφη)—that he should touch them ( ἵνα ἅψηται αὐτῶν). St. Luke has the same word ( ἵνα ἅπτηται); but St. Matthew (Matthew 21:13) says "that he should lay his hands on them and pray."
The imposition of hands implies a formal benediction; the invoking of Divine grace upon them, that they might grow up into wise and holy men and women. Why did the disciples rebuke them? Perhaps because they thought it unworthy of so great a Prophet, whose business was rather that of instructing those of full age, to be spending his time upon little children.