{They brought} (prosepheron). Imperfect active tense,
implying repetition. So also  Lu 18:15 , though  Mt 19:13  has
the constative aorist passive (pros(886e)echth(8873)an). "This incident
follows with singular fitness after the Lord's assertion of the
sanctity of married life" (Swete). These children (paidia, Mark
and Matthew; reph(885c) in Luke) were of various ages. They were
brought to Jesus for his blessing and prayers (Matthew). The
mothers had reverence for Jesus and wanted him to touch
(haps(8874)ai) them. There was, of course, no question of baptism
or salvation involved, but a most natural thing to do.