Mesa Valley Church of Christ Grand Junction, Colorado
Illustration for Jesus Blesses the Children

Jesus Ages 3–8 Story 16 of 25

Mark 10:13–16 · ESV memory verse below

Jesus Blesses the Children

Who is this?

Jesus. Parents brought little children so He would touch them. The disciples tried to send them away.

What happened?

Jesus was indignant. He welcomed the children, taught that the kingdom belongs to such as these, and blessed them.

The story

People were bringing children to Jesus that He might touch them. The disciples rebuked them—maybe they thought Jesus was too busy for little ones.

But when Jesus saw it, He was indignant. He said, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.”

He taught that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Coming to Jesus means trust, not pride.

And He took them in His arms and blessed them, laying His hands on them. Jesus still wants children near His word and His people.

Memory verse (ESV)

Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:14

Talk about it

Ages ~4–7

  1. Did Jesus want the children to come?
  2. What did Jesus do with His hands?

Ages ~8–12

  1. Why was Jesus displeased with the disciples?
  2. What does “do not hinder them” mean for parents and churches?
  3. How can you help a younger child come close to Jesus’ teaching?

Family activity

Each child gets a gentle hand on the shoulder while you pray Mark 10:14. Then let a child welcome another family member with the words “Come to Jesus.”

Parent take-home

Read Mark 10:13–16. Jesus was displeased when the disciples hindered the children; He welcomed them and blessed them. Practice making room for a younger child in prayer or song tonight—Jesus still wants little ones near His word.

Talk on the way home

  1. Did Jesus want the children to come?
  2. What did Jesus say about the kingdom and children?
  3. How can our church and home welcome children?

More family reading ideas: family Bible study guides.

Print coloring and activities (PDF) All children’s stories

In the PDF: coloring page, memory verse with blanks, plus kid activities (circle). Circle only one answer. Talk about why the others are wrong.

For parents and teachers

This is a short reading—stay in it. Jesus wanted the children, and He used them to teach grown people about the kingdom. A child does not earn a place by being clever; he comes.