Day 17 — Let the Children Come

“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. 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.’”

— Mark 10:13–14 (BSB)

Have you ever been told, “Not now, the grown-ups are talking”? Or felt like adults were too busy for you?

One day, parents were bringing their children to Jesus, hoping He would put His hands on them and bless them. But the disciples tried to stop them. Maybe they thought Jesus was too important for kids. Maybe they thought He had more serious things to do. They told the parents to go away.

When Jesus saw it, He was indignant. That means He was upset, even angry. Jesus doesn’t often get angry in the Gospels. But He got angry when people tried to keep kids away from Him!

He said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them!” (Hinder means to get in the way.) Then He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.

Can you picture it? The Son of God, the one who calmed storms and healed the sick, stopping everything to hug kids and pray for them.

Here’s what this means for you: Jesus wants you. He doesn’t think you’re too young, too small or too unimportant. You don’t have to wait until you’re a grown-up to follow Him. Right now, today, you are welcome to come to Him.

Then Jesus said something even more surprising: “The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” In other words, grown-ups need to become like children to enter God’s kingdom.

What did He mean? Little children trust. They depend on their parents for everything. They don’t pretend to have it all figured out. They receive gifts with open hands. That’s how everyone needs to come to God: not proud or self-sufficient, but trusting Him completely.

So you’re not just welcome in God’s kingdom. You’re an example to the grown-ups of how to come!

Think about it: How does it make you feel that Jesus got angry when people tried to keep kids away from Him?

Try this: Is there a younger kid you could help “come to Jesus”? Maybe you could read them a Bible story, teach them a song or pray with them.

Dear Jesus, thank You that You always have time for kids. Thank You that You welcome me and want me to come to You. Help me trust You like a child, with my whole heart. And help me never get in the way of others coming to You. In Your name, Amen.