Jesus Blesses the Children
Mark 10:13-16; Matthew 19:13-15; Luke 18:15-17 New Testament PrincipleLove
When people brought little children to Jesus, His disciples tried to send them away. Jesus was upset and said, "Let the little children come to Me." He took them in His arms and blessed them. Jesus loves children and welcomes everyone who comes to Him like a child.
Jesus loves children and welcomes them just as they are. Because He loves us first, we receive His love like a gift, and we love and welcome others.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“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
The Big Story · Redemption
Sin made the world a place where the small and weak get pushed aside. Jesus came to welcome the little ones into God's kingdom, a preview of the day when everyone who trusts Him lives in His love forever.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Receive it like a child
- Bible Kitchen (taste the story): Welcome cups
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Let them come
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus loves me and wants me!
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Come to Jesus, Color Jesus and the children
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
When the disciples tried to send children away, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me." He took them in His arms and blessed them. Jesus loves kids, and He welcomes everyone who comes to Him like a child.
Start here
Ask, "Has a grown-up ever told you, 'Not now, I'm busy'? How did it feel?" Say, "Today some kids got told 'not now.' Let's see what Jesus said about it."
Bible story 6 min
Jesus was teaching big crowds. People brought their little children to Him. They wanted Jesus to put His hands on them and pray for them. Some even brought babies!
But the disciples scolded the parents. "Jesus is too busy for kids!" they said.
When Jesus saw this, He was upset. He said, "Let the little children come to Me. Don't stop them! God's kingdom belongs to ones like these."
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Act it out 10 min
You’ll need: A blanket, A chair
- Choose Jesus, two disciples and parents. Everyone else is a child.
- Act out the skit. When Jesus says "Let them come," the children run to Him.
- Switch parts and act it again.
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
When the disciples turned children away, Jesus was indignant. He welcomed the children, blessed them and taught that God's kingdom must be received like a little child receives a gift. Jesus loves children, and we come to Him by receiving His love, not earning it.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Three Gospels, one welcome, Gift or earn?
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
Jesus' indignation at His disciples and His embrace of the children reveal the heart of God for the small and overlooked. His words about receiving the kingdom "like a little child" teach that God's kingdom is a gift received with trust, not a prize earned by status or effort.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 6 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Like a little child, Nothing to prove
- 5 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at school, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Love
The same principle in other Bible stories.
Seeing God's WorldMade for RelationshipsMatthew 22:34-40; Genesis 2:18-24; 1 John 4:19-21When someone asked Jesus for the greatest commandment, He gave two that belong together – love God with everything, and love your neighbor as yourself. From the beginning God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone." We were made for relationship with God and with each other.New TestamentLove
Jesus the KingJesus Dies for UsLuke 23:13-49; Isaiah 53:4-6Jesus was innocent, but He let Himself be put on a cross. He forgave the people who hurt Him and died in our place, because He loves us.New TestamentLove
Jesus the KingThe Lost SonLuke 15:1-32Jesus told a story about a son who ran away and wasted everything, and a father who ran to welcome him home, showing how much God loves lost people.New TestamentLove
The Woman at the WellJohn 4:1-42Jesus stopped at a well in Samaria and talked with a woman others avoided. He knew everything about her and still offered her living water, and He told her He was the Messiah. She ran to tell her town, "Come and see!" Jesus loves us first, so we love others too.New TestamentLove