Jesus Blesses the Little Children
(Matthew 19:13-15)
One day, some parents brought their little children to see Jesus. They wanted Jesus to pray for their sons and daughters and to place his hands on them to give a blessing. The children were not teenagers or grown-ups. Some were tiny babies in their mothers' arms. Others were just learning to walk and talk.
But when the disciples saw all the children coming, they told the parents to stop. They said, "Do not bother the Teacher. Jesus is too busy and too important for little children." The disciples thought they were helping Jesus. They wanted to protect his time. They thought children should be seen and not heard.
Jesus heard what his disciples were saying. He became very serious. He called the disciples close and said, "Let the little children come to me. Do not stop them." Jesus explained that the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who have faith like a child. Children trust without worrying. They believe without needing to understand everything first. That is the kind of faith God loves.
Then Jesus did something wonderful. He welcomed every single child. He took time to hold the babies. He patted the heads of the toddlers. He smiled at the older children. Jesus placed his hands on them and prayed for each one. He did not rush. He did not act grumpy. He showed everyone that children are very important to God.
After Jesus finished blessing the children, he went on his way. But the parents and children never forgot that day. They learned that Jesus always has time for them. No one is too small or too young to come to Jesus.
A Curious Question
Why do you think the disciples thought children were not important enough for Jesus, and what made Jesus change their minds?
Old Testament Connection
Throughout the Old Testament, God showed his love for families and children. When God made his covenant with Abraham, he promised to bless all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3). Children were included in that promise. King David wrote that children are a reward from God (Psalm 127:3). And the prophet Isaiah said that God gently leads those with young, like a shepherd carrying lambs (Isaiah 40:11). Jesus was showing that he is the Good Shepherd God promised long ago, who always cares for the little ones.
Discussion Questions
1. How do you think the parents felt when the disciples told them to stop bringing their children to Jesus?
2. Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who have faith like a child. What does child-like faith look like?
3. Can you think of a time when someone made you feel like you were too small or too young to do something important for God?
So What? What Can I Do?
1. When you pray, do you feel like your problems are too small for God? Remember Jesus wants all children to come to him. Tell him about your lost toy, your scary dream, or your sad feelings.
2. Is there a younger child in your family or church who feels left out? Invite them to play with you. Show them that Jesus loves them through your kindness.
3. Do you ever think you have to wait until you are older to serve God? You can serve him right now by obeying your parents, sharing with friends, and praying for others.
Memorize God's Word
Matthew 19:14 - "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
• Let the little children come motion with both hands for children to come toward you.
• to me point both thumbs to your own chest.
• and do not hinder them hold one hand up like a stop sign.
• for the kingdom of heaven sweep one hand in a wide circle above your head.
• belongs to such as these open both arms wide to include everyone in the room.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you that Jesus never turns children away. Help us to come to you with simple, trusting faith. Remind us that we are never too small to be loved by you. Show us how to welcome others the way Jesus welcomed us. Amen.
Craft or Activity
Jesus Welcomes Me Door Hanger
Materials Checklist:
How to Make the Jesus Welcomes Me Door Hanger:
- Cut a large rectangle from cardstock, about 4 inches wide and 10 inches tall.
- Write at the top: "Jesus says, 'Let the children come to me.'"
- Draw a picture of Jesus with his arms open, and draw yourself running to him.
- Color your drawing brightly.
- Punch a hole at the top of the rectangle.
- Thread a 6-inch piece of yarn through the hole and tie it into a loop to hang on a door knob.
- Take the door hanger home and hang it on your bedroom door to remind you that Jesus welcomes you every day.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For younger children (ages 4-6), skip the door hanger cutting step. Pre-cut the cardstock shapes and let them focus on drawing and coloring. For older kids (ages 8-10), encourage them to write the full memory verse on the door hanger. To manage the class, have all supplies laid out before the lesson starts. If time is short, let children color the door hanger at home and just assemble the yarn loop in class.