Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them,
Here, I. Christ foretels his own approaching sufferings. He passed through Galilee with more expedition than usual, and would not that any man should know of it (Mar 9:30); because he had done many mighty and good works among them in vain, they shall not be invited to see them and have the benefit of them, as they have been.
Commenting on Mark 9:30-40
And he took a child,.... Which was in the house, and which he called unto him, and set by him, as the other evangelists observe: and set him in the midst of them; his disciples, that all might see and learn from this instance; and when he had taken him in his arms; and embraced him, to show his great regard to humility, and humble...