Jesus Welcomes Children
When people brought children to Jesus, the disciples tried to send them away. Jesus stopped them and showed that children mattered to Him.
KEY VERSE & MEMORY LINE
Suffer the little children to come unto me. Mark 10:14
What students should learn
- Retell what happened when children were brought to Jesus.
- Explain that Jesus did not treat children as unimportant.
- Recognize that children can pray, learn Scripture, worship, and grow in faith.
- Practice welcoming and including others.
1. People brought children to Jesus
Families wanted Jesus to touch and bless their children. They believed being near Jesus mattered.
Children were not a distraction to Jesus. He made room for them.
2. The disciples tried to stop them
The disciples rebuked the people who were bringing children. They may have thought Jesus had more important things to do.
Jesus corrected that idea. He showed that children were worth His attention.
3. Jesus welcomed them
Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.” He then took the children in His arms and blessed them.
This helps children understand that they are not too young to learn about Jesus, pray, worship, ask questions, or grow in faith.
4. We can welcome others too
Following Jesus includes making room for people who may feel left out.
Children can practice welcome by inviting someone to join a game, sitting with someone who is alone, sharing, listening, and using kind words.
Talk about it
- Why were people bringing children to Jesus?
- What did the disciples do?
- How did Jesus respond?
- What is one way you can help another child feel welcome?
Put it into practice
- Remember that Jesus cares about you.
- Ask Jesus for help in prayer this week.
- Invite someone who is left out to join you.
- Use kind words that help others feel included.
PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for caring about children. Help me come to You, learn from You, and help other people feel welcome too. Amen.
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
Take the lesson with you.
Do one intentional welcoming act each day this week—invite, include, encourage, share, or listen.
FOR PARENTS & GUARDIANS
Continue the conversation at home.
Your child learned from Mark 10:13–16 that Jesus welcomed children and treated them as important.
Ask:
- What did Jesus say when the disciples tried to stop the children?
- How does it make you feel to know Jesus welcomed children?
- Who can you help feel included this week?
Home practice:
Read Mark 10:13–16 together and let your child draw a picture of Jesus welcoming children. Ask them to name one way your family can welcome someone.