INTRODUCTION

Jesus Blesses the Children

Bible Point:

Everyone is important to Jesus.

Key Verse:

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14).

Big Picture:

Help others see how important they are to Jesus.

Jesus Blesses the Children

Mark 10:13-16

Feeling important really matters at your age. Everyone wants to know that they matter to someone and that they are cared for. Feeling secure and valued helps you grow with confidence.

This week you will learn that you are deeply important to God. You are seen, known, and loved in a way that gives your life real meaning. When you understand how significant you are to God, it helps you feel safe and strong as you keep growing in faith and learning more about who God is.

PLANTING THE SEED

Jesus showed great love for all people, especially the smallest. Rather than viewing small children as a nuisance or “in the way” as the disciples did, Jesus welcomed the little children with open arms and told all of his listeners that they needed to be like little children in order to see and know God. (Mark 10:13-16)

• What makes children so special?

• What difference can knowing you’re important to God make in your life?

FAMILY FUN

Tell each other about your favorite activities when you were small children. Then spend a day doing as many of those things as possible together. Enjoy being kids again!

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a commitment to help someone know he or she is important to Jesus:

• Write a note of encouragement to a family member, telling the person how important they are to you and to Jesus.

• Invite a friend to church next week so your friend can learn how much Jesus loves them.

• Express your gratitude to Jesus for wanting to have a relationship with you because you are important to God.