Jesus and the Children
People bring children to Jesus. The disciples try to stop them, but Jesus welcomes the children and blesses them.
Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17
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The Story
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'
And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
The disciples thought Jesus was too busy and too important for children. They were wrong. Jesus was 'indignant'—one of the strongest words used for His emotions in the Gospels.
Children in that culture had little status, yet Jesus held them up as examples. What is it about children that opens the kingdom? They come with empty hands, trusting simply, not trying to earn or deserve. They know they are dependent.
Jesus didn't just tolerate the children—He took them in His arms and blessed them. He still welcomes all who come to Him with childlike faith.
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Kids Version
Lots of parents brought their kids to see Jesus. They wanted Jesus to put His hands on their children and bless them.
But the disciples tried to stop them!
'Go away! Jesus is too busy for kids! He has important things to do!'
When Jesus saw this, He was NOT happy with His disciples.
'STOP!' Jesus said. 'Let the children come to Me! Don't keep them away!'
Then Jesus said something really important:
'The kingdom of God belongs to people like these kids. I'm telling you the truth: if you don't come to God like a little child, you won't get into His kingdom at all!'
What does that mean? Kids trust simply. They don't pretend to be all grown-up and important. They know they need help.
That's how we should come to God—not bragging about how good we are, but trusting Him like a little kid trusts their parents.
Then Jesus did the sweetest thing. He picked up the children. He held them in His arms. He put His hands on them and BLESSED them.
The disciples thought kids weren't important enough. JESUS thought kids were perfect examples of faith!
So if you're a kid reading this: Jesus LOVES you. You're not too small or too young. You matter SO much to Him. He wants you to come to Him just as you are!
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Scripture — Mark 10:13-16 (KJV)
13And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein .
16And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Memory Verse
“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.”
— Mark 10:13 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Jesus and the Children” in the Bible?
People bring children to Jesus. The disciples try to stop them, but Jesus welcomes the children and blesses them. This story is found in Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17.
Where is “Jesus and the Children” found in the Bible?
“Jesus and the Children” is found in Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17, in the book of Mark.
What can children learn from “Jesus and the Children”?
This story teaches children about Childlike faith, Jesus' love for all, Kingdom of God. Some parents wanted Jesus to bless their kids. The disciples said no! But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to Me!' He hugged them and blessed them.