They brought (prosepheron). Imperfect active tense, implying repetition. So also Luk 18:15, though Mat 19:13 has the constative aorist passive (prosēnechthēsan). “This incident follows with singular fitness after the Lord’s assertion of the sanctity of married life” (Swete). These children (paidia, Mark and Matthew; brephē 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 (hapsētai) them. There was, of course, no question of baptism or salvation involved, but a most natural thing to do.