Let the Little Children Come
Month 9: The Road to Jerusalem · Bible Story
Today's Scripture
Read together: Mark 10:13–16
13 Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 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
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.””— Mark 10:45 (BSB)memorize this week
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Ezekiel 27–29
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 255 of 365 — God speaks to proud cities and kings, yet He still bends down to bless children.)The Heart of It
Jesus is on the long road south toward Jerusalem, where the cross is waiting. Crowds press in. Important questions hang in the air. And parents start bringing their little ones to Him, just to be touched and blessed. The disciples think they are protecting Jesus from a distraction, so they shoo the children away. But Jesus is "greatly displeased" with them. He says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God." Then He takes them up in His arms, lays His hands on them, and blesses them. The King headed to His throne stops to hold the smallest people in the crowd.
This is what God is like. He doesn't measure people by how big or useful or impressive they are. A child can't argue theology or earn a reputation. And Jesus uses that very child as a picture of how everyone must come to Him. We come empty-handed. We come trusting. We come glad to be held. "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." That's good news for your littlest ones. And it's humbling news for the rest of us. We don't climb up to God by being grown-up enough. We come like children, knowing we need Him. And He gladly welcomes us into His arms.
Around the Table
When some grown-ups tried to send the children away, Jesus said, "No! Let them come to Me!" He picked them up and hugged them. Jesus is never too busy for you.
Let's do it: Open your arms wide like Jesus and say, "Jesus wants me to come to Him!" Then give someone a big hug.
Jesus said we all have to come to God like little children. That means trusting and humble, not proud. The children didn't have to be important first. They just came.
Let's talk: What does it mean to trust Jesus "like a child"? How is that different from trying to earn God's love?
Jesus makes a child the model of saving faith. We receive the kingdom. We don't achieve it (). Coming to Christ means admitting we can't save ourselves and welcoming the grace He offers.
Let's go deeper: Why do you think pride is one of the hardest things to bring to Jesus? What would it look like to come to Him with empty hands this week?
💬 Conversation Starter
Have you ever felt too small or too unimportant for something? How does it feel to know Jesus stopped everything just to bless the kids?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
Some say Christianity is harsh or unkind to children. But look at Jesus. He is indignant when anyone keeps a child away from Him, and He gathers them into His arms. The God of the Bible delights in the small and the overlooked. We can answer that charge gently and gladly, pointing right to this scene ().
For Dad · Go Deeper
Notice that Jesus does not save the children automatically. He calls them to come, welcomes them, and blesses them. Our part as fathers is to bring our kids to Jesus and never put a single obstacle between them and Him. The disciples meant well. But their "guarding" became a barrier. So ask honestly. Is anything in our home quietly telling my children that Jesus is too important to be bothered with them? Maybe it's busyness. Maybe it's a short temper. Maybe it's a faith I only talk about but don't live. The road to Jerusalem shows a Savior heading toward the costliest service imaginable, who still has time to hold a child. Make your home a place where coming to Jesus is the easiest thing in the world.
Draws on: R. Kent Hughes, Mark: Jesus, Servant and Savior.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You that Jesus is never too busy for us. Help each of us come to You like a trusting child, with open hands. Bless our children. Draw them close to Yourself. In Jesus' name, amen."
Jesus is never too busy for me — He welcomes me with open arms.