Of Such Is the Kingdom
Month 8: The Heart of Jesus · Memory Verse
Today's Scripture
Read together: Mark 10:14-16
14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.
Memory Verse
“But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “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 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Isaiah 10-12
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Out of a chopped-down stump grows "a Branch" — the Messiah on whom the Spirit of the LORD will rest. Hope keeps sprouting even where it looks dead.)The Heart of It
Today we slow down and let this verse sink deep, because every word carries weight. "Let the little children come to Me." That is an open invitation, not a closed door. "Do not forbid them." Jesus actively clears away anything that would block a child from Him. And then comes the reason. "For of such is the kingdom of God." Jesus isn't saying children are perfect or sinless. He is saying the way a child receives is exactly the way the kingdom is entered. A child trusts. A child depends. A child has nothing to brag about. Verse 15 makes it even sharper. "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." Coming to God like a child isn't one good option. It is the only door in.
Memorizing a verse isn't just exercising your brain. It is planting God's own words inside your heart, where they can grow for the rest of your life (). When you hide in your memory, you are keeping a promise close. Jesus wants you near. Some days you'll feel small. Some days you'll feel like you've messed up. Some days you'll feel like nobody has time for you. On those days, this verse will already be living inside you, ready to whisper the truth. The little children, come to Me. Say it together a few times tonight. Try it with your eyes closed. Then try it with one person leaving out a word and the others filling it in.
Around the Table
Let's learn the part that's just for you: "Let the little children come to Me." Jesus said that about YOU!
Let's do it: March in place and chant it three times, getting a little louder each time, ending with a big "to Me!" and a hug.
This week's verse has two big ideas. Jesus invites children in, when He says "let them come." And He stops anyone from blocking them, when He says "do not forbid." Which half is easier to forget?
Let's talk: Can you say the whole verse from memory yet? What part is trickiest?
Look at verse 15. We receive the kingdom "as a little child." That is not about your age. It is about your posture. Pride says, "I've got this." Childlike faith says, "I need You."
Let's go deeper: Write the verse from memory on paper. Then write one sentence about where you need childlike trust this week.
💬 Conversation Starter
What's a song, rhyme, or fact you learned years ago that you still remember perfectly? Why do you think it stuck?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
People sometimes say the Bible was changed so much over time that we can't trust its words. But the New Testament has thousands of early hand-copies, and they agree on the message. That is far more than we have for any other ancient book. When we memorize , we are learning words we can be confident Jesus actually spoke.
For Dad · Go Deeper
There's a quiet temptation in Christian parenting. We treat our kids' faith as something that will "kick in later," once they're old enough to understand the deep things. Jesus dismantles that. The kingdom belongs to "such as these" now. Your four-year-old reciting "Let the little children come to Me" is not playing pretend until real faith arrives. That simple trust is the real thing. It is the very thing Jesus held up as the model. So memory work in your home isn't filler. You are handing your children Scripture they can carry into seasons you won't be there to navigate for them. Think of exam stress, peer pressure, doubt, and grief. Years from now, the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance words you planted tonight (). Plant generously.
Draws on: Andrew Murray, Raising Your Children for Christ.
Let's Pray Together
"Jesus, thank You that Your words are alive and true. Help us hide this verse in our hearts, so we never forget that You want us close. Make our family people of childlike trust. In Jesus' name, amen."
God's words tucked in my heart will speak to me long after tonight. "Let the little children come to Me."