INTRODUCTION

Jesus Blesses the Children

Bible Point:

You’re important to Jesus.

Key Verse:

“Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14).

Big Picture:

Children will remember that they’re important to Jesus.

Jesus Blesses the Children

Mark 10:13-16

Five- and six-year-olds sometimes lose sight of the fact that they’re important. Nothing more quickly raises kids’ self-esteem and joy than when significant adults affirm them. Today and every day, tell your children that they’re important, not only to Jesus but to you as well. When you stop to listen to your children, give extra hugs and attention, and affirm your children’s good choices, you’re creating memories that say, “You’re important to me, and you’re especially important to Jesus.”

PLANTING THE SEED

BIBLE TIME!

This week’s Scripture (Mark 10:13-16) tells us that we are important to Jesus. One day, people brought little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. When Jesus’ disciples saw them coming, they rebuked the people. But Jesus stopped His disciples and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them. Jesus loudly and clearly declares His unfailing love for the children of every race and generation.

KEY VERSE

“Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:14).

BIBLE POINT

You’re important to Jesus.

PLAY AND PRAY

Plan a neighborhood or church prayer walk with your child. One afternoon, walk with your child around your neighborhood or church, and take turns naming children you both know who are important to Jesus. See how many names you can come up with. Pray for each child you name. Explain to your child that Jesus loves everyone, even if we can’t name them all. Affirm your child by telling him or her that he or she is important to you and especially important to Jesus.

ASK

• Why do you think you’re important to Jesus?

FAITHFUL FLAVORS

Ask your child to name some of his or her friends who are important to Jesus. Then have your child invite one of those friends over to make Friendship Roll-Ups together. Give each child a slice of bread with the crust cut off. Let each of the children flatten the bread with a rolling pin. Then let them butter their bread, lay veggie lunch meat and cheese on it, and roll it up burrito-style. Remind kids that they’re important to one another because they’re friends, and remind them that they’re important to Jesus because He loves them. Then pray and thank Jesus.

AGE-LEVEL INSIGHT

Five- and six-year-olds easily identify with Zacchaeus’ frustration at being unable to see Jesus. Young children are often reminded that they’re too small for many fun activities, and they may even be overlooked in situations because of their size. Remind your child that Jesus loved Zacchaeus, even though Zacchaeus was a small person, and that Jesus loves your child, too.

READY, SET, GROW!

This week, your child learned “You’re important to Jesus.” Your child committed to one of these Daily Challenges to remember that he or she is important to Jesus. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

ASK

• Have your mom or dad help you make a super-yummy dessert for your family. When you serve it, remind your family that they’re important to you, and they’re important to Jesus!

• Draw a picture of you and Jesus together, and hang the picture in your room as a reminder that you’re Jesus’ important friend!

• Tell your mom or dad some of the great things you can do, such as run really fast or draw beautiful pictures. Jesus made you special because you’re important to Him!