Little Children Meet Jesus

Reference

Mark 10:13-16

Introduction

Some people were bringing their children to Jesus. They wanted him to put his hands on each child's head. But most people thought that little children were not important. The disciples thought that. They thought that Jesus was too busy to talk to children. But the disciples were wrong. Jesus loved the children very much. He was happy when they came to him. Christians should be angry when people do not show love to children.

Children accept love as a gift. They trust and obey a person who gives them love. And they know that they need help. Jesus said that people should trust God in the same way. God loves everyone. People need God to excuse them for the wrong things that they have done. They cannot do anything themselves to cause God to excuse them. They cannot work for that and they cannot pay money for that. If people are really sorry God will excuse them. God will offer that as a gift for the person. When people accept that gift God will become their king. Then they will be living in God's kingdom. When people live in a kingdom they must obey the king's rules. To live in God's kingdom people must accept God's gift. And they must obey his rules. Jesus hugged the children and he prayed for them. He asked God to give them good things. That showed that he loved the children very much.

Questions to ask

(v13) Why did people want Jesus to put his hands on their children's heads?

(v13) Why did the disciples try to keep the children away from Jesus?

(v14) Why was Jesus angry?

(v14) Is it only children who can live in God's kingdom?

(v14) Who can live in God's kingdom?

(v15) What must people do to live in God's kingdom?

(v16) Why did Jesus hug the children?

Something to do

The disciples wanted to help Jesus. But they did not do the right thing. Do you ask God to show you the way to work for him?

The disciples told the people to stop bringing children to Jesus. Jesus told the disciples that they should not do that. But he also taught them the reason why. Can you help people to learn God's way?

Everyone was of value to Jesus.  He showed love to all people. Can you try to love everyone?