Once, a long time ago, Jesus was walking with His friends. The sun was warm and bright, and the birds sang sweet songs in the trees. Many people wanted to see Jesus because He was kind and loved everyone.
Some mothers brought their little children to Jesus. They wanted Him to bless them and pray for them. The children were small and full of energy, like little butterflies fluttering around.
But when the disciples saw the children, they said, “Jesus, these children are bothering you. Please tell them to go away.” The disciples thought Jesus was too busy for children.
Jesus saw this and smiled with love. He said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! God’s kingdom belongs to those who are like these children.” Jesus wanted everyone to know that children are very important to Him.
Jesus took the children in His arms and hugged them gently. The children felt safe and happy, like they were wrapped in a warm, soft blanket. Jesus told His friends, “If you don’t receive God’s kingdom like a little child, you will never enter it.”
Jesus loved the children very much. He wanted everyone to know that God loves children just as much as grown-ups. Jesus shows us that children are special, and He cares about their hearts.
When the children left, they smiled and laughed, feeling Jesus’ love like the sunshine on their faces. The people watching saw how much Jesus cared, and their hearts felt warm and happy too.
Jesus teaches us that no matter how small or young we are, we are important to God. He wants us to come to Him with open hearts, just like children do.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that Jesus loves you very much? Like a good friend, He wants to hold you close and bless you every day.
Questions to think about
- Why did the mothers bring their children to Jesus?
- What did the disciples want Jesus to do with the children?
- How did Jesus feel about the children?
- What did Jesus say about God’s kingdom and children?
- How can we be like children when we come to Jesus?
Message of the story
Jesus loves children very much and wants everyone to know that God’s kingdom belongs to those who trust Him like little children.
Bible passage
Mark 10:13-16 (World English Bible)
13 They were bringing children to him, so that he might touch them. The disciples saw it, and they told them to stop.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was displeased and said to them, “Let the children come to me! Don’t stop them! For God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children.
15 Truly I tell you, whoever doesn’t receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.”
16 Jesus took them in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
