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 know they are important to Jesus.

Jesus Blesses the Children

Mark 10:13-16

You are growing and changing in amazing ways. You are not a little kid anymore, but you are not quite a big kid yet either. Sometimes that can feel tricky, like you are stuck in the middle. You might feel like you are not noticed as much as younger kids or not included with the older ones. But here’s the truth: you matter right now.

This week you will learn that Jesus treasures you just as you are. Jesus did not wait for kids to grow up before caring for them. Jesus welcomed them, blessed them, and said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children like you. You belong right where you are. Your voice matters, your faith matters, and you are important to Jesus today.

GROWING IN TRUTH

PLANTING THE SEED

Jesus had been preaching and teaching as He traveled all through the land. Everywhere He went, crowds and crowds of people gathered. Everyone wanted to see Him and hear what He had to say. One day, some people wanted Jesus to touch and bless their children. They tried to get close to Jesus, but Jesus’ disciples told them to get away. The disciples told the people not to bother Jesus. But that’s not the end of the story.

When Jesus saw what was happening, He became upset. He told the disciples to let the little children come to Him because the kingdom of God belonged to people who were like children. In fact, Jesus said that anyone who refused to come to God as a little child wouldn’t be allowed to enter His kingdom. Of course, Jesus didn’t mean that only children could enter God’s kingdom! He meant that we need to have the simple faith of children.

So Jesus took the children into His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

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).

ASK YOUR FAMILY

• How do you know you’re important to Jesus?

• How can you show others that Jesus is important to you?

• What can your family do to help others know they’re important to Jesus?

FAMILY FUN

Practice blessing each other. It can be as simple as placing your hand on a family member’s shoulder and saying, “May God bless you and keep you safe.” Go out of your way to be kind to the new student in school or to the student who doesn’t have many friends. Remember, that child is just as important to Jesus as you are!

READY, SET, GROW!

Choose a Daily Challenge to help you remember that Jesus helps you to believe.

• Send yourself a postcard, email, or text to remind yourself that you’re important to Jesus.

• Write Jesus a postcard, thanking Him for seeing you as important. Keep the postcard somewhere you’ll see it and be reminded of how much Jesus values you.

• List all the great things about yourself, and thank Jesus for making you special.