Learn the Story of Jesus
Season: 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.6 — Blessing the Children
6.6 — Blessing the Children: Jesus welcomed the very ones others tried to send away.
6.6 — Blessing the Children
The Kingdom Belongs to Such as These
As Jesus continued His journey toward Jerusalem, people brought children to Him.
Parents wanted Jesus to touch them, pray for them, and bless them.
The disciples saw the situation differently.
They believed Jesus was too important, too busy, and too occupied with greater matters.
They tried to send the families away.
Jesus responded immediately.
His reaction surprised everyone.
He welcomed the children.
He embraced them.
He used the moment to teach an important lesson about faith and the Kingdom of God.
The story reminds believers that God’s Kingdom often values the very people the world overlooks.
Scripture References
Matthew 19:13–15
Mark 10:13–16
Luke 18:15–17
Psalm 127:3–5
Deuteronomy 6:4–9
Isaiah 40:11
The Story
People began bringing children to Jesus.
They wanted Him to bless them and pray for them.
The disciples rebuked the parents and attempted to keep the children away.
When Jesus saw what was happening, He was displeased.
He said:
“Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Jesus welcomed the children.
He took them into His arms.
He laid His hands on them.
He blessed them.
Then He taught a lesson that went far beyond the children themselves.
He explained that anyone who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.
The disciples expected Jesus to focus on powerful people.
Instead, Jesus pointed to children as an example of faith.
Understanding the Story
Why Did the Disciples Try to Stop the Children?
The disciples likely thought they were protecting Jesus’ time.
In their minds, important teachers spent time with important people.
They failed to understand how much children mattered to Jesus.
Why Is Jesus’ Response Significant?
Jesus did not merely tolerate the children.
He welcomed them.
He embraced them.
He blessed them.
His actions revealed God’s love and concern for children.
What Does It Mean to Receive the Kingdom Like a Child?
Jesus was not speaking about immaturity.
He was speaking about trust, dependence, humility, and openness.
Children naturally depend upon others.
Jesus teaches that people must approach God with similar trust.
Understanding Jesus
Children in the Ancient World
Children were loved by their families, but they possessed little social status.
They held no power or influence.
Many adults would have considered them unimportant compared to religious leaders, wealthy individuals, or political figures.
Jesus challenged that way of thinking.
He demonstrated that every person has value in God’s eyes.
Why Does Jesus Use Children as an Example?
Children often trust what they are told.
They recognize their dependence upon others.
They receive gifts rather than earning them.
These qualities help illustrate how people enter God’s Kingdom.
Salvation is received, not earned.
What Does This Teach About God’s Character?
God welcomes people who come to Him in faith.
His love is not reserved for the powerful, successful, or influential.
He welcomes anyone who comes with humility and trust.
Understanding Jesus: Family and Faith
Jewish families played a central role in teaching faith.
Parents were expected to teach God’s commandments to their children.
Faith was passed from generation to generation.
By blessing the children, Jesus affirmed the importance of families and spiritual formation.
The scene reminds believers that children are not merely the future of the church.
They are valuable members of God’s family today.
Old Testament Connections
Throughout the Old Testament, children are described as blessings from God.
God repeatedly instructed parents to teach His truth to the next generation.
Moses encouraged families to speak about God’s commands throughout daily life.
The Psalms celebrate children as gifts from the Lord.
Jesus continues this biblical emphasis by welcoming and blessing them.
Missing Context Check
Is Jesus Teaching That Children Are Sinless?
No.
The Bible teaches that all people need God’s grace.
Jesus is using children as examples of trust, humility, and dependence.
Does Childlike Faith Mean Childish Faith?
No.
Jesus encourages childlike trust, not childish behavior.
Mature faith continues to trust God while growing in understanding.
Why Did Jesus Bless the Children?
His actions demonstrated God’s love, care, and concern for them.
The blessing also provided a living example of the welcome God offers to all who come to Him.
A Deeper Look: Receiving Rather Than Achieving
Much of the world teaches people to earn acceptance through performance.
The Gospel teaches something different.
Children receive gifts.
Children trust caregivers.
Children depend upon others.
Jesus uses these qualities to illustrate how people come to God.
The Kingdom is not achieved through status, power, wealth, or accomplishment.
It is received through faith.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for other lessons that explore humility, faith, and God’s grace.
Key Themes
Jesus Welcomes Children
Every person has value in God’s Kingdom.
Faith Requires Trust
Believers come to God with dependence and confidence in His care.
The Kingdom Is Received
Salvation is God’s gift rather than a human achievement.
God Values the Overlooked
Jesus repeatedly welcomes those whom society often ignores.
Why This Lesson Matters
Modern culture often values success, influence, and achievement.
Jesus points to children as examples of trust and humility.
The lesson challenges believers to approach God with faith rather than self-reliance.
It also reminds churches and families of the importance of nurturing children spiritually.
Children matter to Jesus.
Therefore, they should matter to His followers.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Friend of Children.
The Compassionate Savior.
The Teacher of Faith.
The One Who Welcomes All.
Jesus demonstrates that God’s love extends to every generation.
Living the Message
Spend time thanking God for the children and young people in your life.
Pray for parents, grandparents, teachers, and church leaders who help pass faith to the next generation.
Ask God to strengthen your trust in Him.
Approach God this week with the confidence of a child who knows they are loved.
Reflection Questions
Why did the disciples try to stop the children?
Possible answers:
They thought Jesus had more important things to do.
Why did Jesus welcome the children?
Possible answers:
Because they mattered to Him and provided an example of faith.
What does it mean to receive the Kingdom like a child?
Possible answers:
To approach God with trust, humility, and dependence.
What does this story teach about God’s love?
Possible answers:
God welcomes all who come to Him in faith.
Why are children important in God’s Kingdom?
Possible answers:
They are valued by God and play an important role in His family.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus welcomed, blessed, and taught through the example of children.
Reasons We Believe
God values every person and welcomes those who come in faith.
Obedience in Action
Encourage and invest in the spiritual growth of a child or young person.
Walk It Out
Approach God this week with greater trust and dependence upon Him.
Related Lessons
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.2 The Parable of the Lost Son
6.5 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
6.7 Blind Bartimaeus
5.3 The Greatest in the Kingdom
Related Pages
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.7 Blind Bartimaeus
The disciples tried to send the children away.
Jesus welcomed them.
Then He taught a lesson that still challenges believers today:
The Kingdom of God belongs to those who come with childlike faith.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
