Day 22 — Welcome the Little Ones

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.’ Then He had a little child stand among them. Taking the child in His arms, He said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes not only Me, but the One who sent Me.’”

— Mark 9:35–37 (BSB)

Jesus’ disciples had been walking along the road, arguing. When they got to the house, Jesus asked, “What were you discussing on the way?” Nobody answered. They were too embarrassed. They had been arguing about which of them was the greatest.

So Jesus sat down and taught them. “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Then He did something unexpected. He called a little child over and had them stand right in the middle of the group. He took the child in His arms and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me.”

In Jesus’ day, little children weren’t considered very important. They couldn’t do much. They couldn’t give you anything or make you look good. But Jesus said that when you welcome a little child, you’re welcoming Him!

Now, you’re not a little child anymore. You’re growing up! And that means there are kids younger than you who look up to you: little brothers and sisters, cousins, kids at church, neighbors, kids in younger grades at school.

It’s easy to think younger kids are annoying. They follow you around. They want to play baby games. They ask a million questions. But Jesus says that how you treat them matters. When you’re kind to a younger kid, you’re being kind to Jesus.

Here are some ways to welcome younger kids:

• Play a game they like, even if it’s “too young” for you.
• Be patient when they ask questions.
• Include them instead of shooing them away.
• Help them when they’re struggling.
• Set a good example. They’re watching you and copying what you do!

Younger kids notice how older kids treat them. You have the chance to be someone they remember as kind, the way Jesus is kind.

Think about it: Who are some younger kids in your life? How do you usually treat them?

Try this: Spend some time today with a younger kid. Play with them, read to them or help them with something, and do it cheerfully.

Dear Jesus, thank You for welcoming children. Help me welcome younger kids the way You do. Make me patient and kind, and help me set a good example for them. When I serve them, help me remember I’m serving You. In Your name, Amen.