Mark 9:36 earlier shows Jesus taking a child in his arms to teach humility — here he repeats the gesture to bless the children.

In Genesis 48:14-16, Jacob lays hands on grandsons to bless them — the same gesture Jesus uses to bless children.

Isaiah 40:11 depicts God as a shepherd gathering lambs in his arms — Jesus embodies this here by taking children in his arms and blessing them.

Matthew 19:15 is the parallel account of Jesus blessing the children, confirming the same action and words.

Leviticus 9:22 shows Aaron blessing the people with lifted hands — Jesus performs a similar priestly blessing on the children.

In Luke 2:28, Simeon takes baby Jesus in his arms and blesses God — a mirror of Jesus blessing children, showing blessing flows both ways.

Luke 24:50 shows Jesus lifting his hands to bless the disciples — a similar gesture of blessing as he does to children here.

In Luke 24:51, Jesus blesses his disciples as he ascends — blessing is a consistent act from children to ascension.