Jesus and the Children
People brought children to Jesus, but the disciples tried to stop them. Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me,' and he blessed them.
You will learn to...
- Retell how Jesus welcomed children.
- Understand that children matter to Jesus.
- Learn what 'receiving the kingdom like a child' means.
Words to know
- Bless
- To ask for God's goodness on someone.
- Kingdom of God
- God's loving rule and the people who belong to him.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
Parents brought their children to Jesus so he could bless them. But the disciples told them off, maybe thinking Jesus was too busy.
When Jesus saw this, he was not pleased. He said, 'Let the little children come to me, and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'
Jesus said that anyone who wants to enter God's kingdom must receive it like a little child. Then he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.
Jesus was never too busy for children. Children are important to God. 'Receiving the kingdom like a child' means trusting God simply, the way a child trusts a loving parent.
But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
Family conversation starters
- How does it feel to know Jesus made time for kids?
- How can grown-ups make children feel welcome at church?
Main people: Jesus · Topics: Jesus loves children, God's kingdom, Welcome · Review status: awaiting theological review