In a beautiful land, Jesus ran from village to village. Many people came to see and listen to him. They wanted to hear Jesus talk about God. The people also brought the sick so that Jesus could heal them, and everyone rejoiced in it.
On a sunny day, some parents brought their children to Jesus. The children giggled and rejoiced when they saw Jesus. The parents wanted Jesus to bless the children and pray for them. But Jesus’ friends, the disciples, thought Jesus had too much to do. They said, “Go away with the children! Jesus has no time.”
But Jesus heard that. He looked at his disciples and said, “Let the children come to me! Don’t hold them back. God loves children very much.”
The children ran to Jesus. He knelt down, smiled at her, and hugged her. Jesus laid his hands on their heads and blessed them. The children felt loved and happy, and the parents were grateful and glad.
Jesus told the adults: “If you want to belong to God, you must become like children. Children trust, they believe and rejoice. So God wants you to trust Him.”
All people understood that children are very important to Jesus, and he loves them with all his heart.
Message of history
God loves children and wants us to trust Him with a cheerful heart, just as children do.
Bible passage
Here is the Bible passage from Mark 10:13-16 in the Schlachter 2000 translation:
“And they brought children to him that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me, and do not forbid them. For the kingdom of God belongs to them. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child will not enter it. 16 And he took her in his arms, laid his hands on her, and blessed her.”
