One day Jesus was walking in a small village and many people gathered around Him. They wanted to hear from Jesus and see what wonderful things He was doing. Jesus told people about God’s love and how they can all be part of God’s great family.
In this crowd were also the parents of some children. The parents wanted Jesus to bless the children and pray for them. They knew that Jesus was very special and had a special love for all people, young and old.
But when the disciples of Jesus saw that the parents were bringing the children to Jesus, they stopped them. “Jesus is busy,” they said. “Leave Him alone, He has no time for children.”
But Jesus noticed what the disciples were doing, and He did not agree with it. In a soft but firm voice, Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t send them away!” The disciples looked surprised, because they had not thought that children could be so important.
Jesus smiled at the children and took them in His arms. He laid His hands on them and blessed them. The children felt loved and secure with Jesus and rejoiced to be close to Him. The parents were happy that their children could receive Jesus’ blessing.
Then Jesus said to the adults standing around Him, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a child will not enter it.” Jesus meant that faith is simple, like the trust of a child. Children are open, honest and trust without a doubt. This is what God wants from all people.
On this day, the disciples and all the people who listened to Jesus learned: For Jesus, children are especially important and He loves them very much. And everyone can learn from children how to trust and love God.
Message of history
God loves children and wants us to trust Him as children – openly and with all our hearts. Children are very important to Jesus and He has a special love for them.
Bible passage
The biblical passage in which the children of Jesus are important can be found in Mark 10:13-16. Here is the full text from the Schlachter 2000 translation:
“And they brought children to him that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them.” For the kingdom of God belongs to them. Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a child will not enter it. And he took her in his arms, laid his hands on her and blessed her.”
