Let the Children Come

“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

One day some people were bringing their little children to Jesus. They wanted Jesus to put His hands on them and bless them.

But the disciples told the parents off. “Don’t bother the Teacher!” they said. “He’s far too busy and important for children.”

When Jesus saw what was happening, He was not pleased. He was cross with His disciples.

“Let the little children come to Me,” Jesus said, “and don’t stop them! The kingdom of God belongs to people like these. I tell you the truth, anyone who won’t receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

And Jesus took the children in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.

In those days, lots of people thought that children didn’t matter very much. They were too small, too young, too unimportant. The disciples thought Jesus had more important things to do.

But Jesus didn’t think so. He was cross that anyone would try to keep children away from Him. He wanted them to come. He picked them up, and hugged them, and blessed them.

And then Jesus said something amazing. He said that grown-ups need to become more like children! What did He mean?

Little children trust the people who love them. They know they need help. They don’t pretend to be big and important. They come with open hands, ready to receive what they’re given.

That is how everyone comes into God’s kingdom: not by being big, or clever, or important, but by trusting Jesus like a little child, and receiving His love as a gift.

So if you are a child reading this, or listening to it, Jesus wants you to know this: you matter to Him. You are never too small or too young for Jesus. He is never too busy for you. You can come to Him any time, and He will welcome you with open arms.

Read it in your Bible: Mark 10:13–16

Dear Jesus, thank you that you love children, and that I can come to you any time. Thank you that you are never too busy for me. Help me to trust you like a little child. Amen.