This lesson teaches children that Jesus welcomes everyone, especially little children, and that he loves them and wants them close. Children ages 5 to 11 can learn it in about 20 to 30 minutes, using a short Bible story, a memory verse, a few questions, and a simple craft.
Big Idea
Jesus loves children and wants them close to him. He welcomes every child who comes to him, just as they are.
Memory Verse
Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, then open their arms wide as they say the verse. The wide arms show how much room Jesus has for them. Practice it together three times so the motion and the words stick.
The Story: Mark 10 for Kids
Jesus was walking and teaching a big crowd of people. Some parents came up to him, and they brought their little children so Jesus could touch them and pray for them. The parents wanted their children to be near the special teacher from God.
But the disciples did not like this. They thought the children were too little and too busy to bother Jesus, so they told the parents to take them away. Maybe the disciples thought Jesus had more important things to do than to hold a baby or a small child.
When Jesus saw what was happening, he was upset with his disciples. He said, “Let the little children come to me! Do not stop them.” Then he told them that the kingdom of God belongs to children like these, and that anyone who wants to enter it must trust Jesus like a child does.
Jesus took the children up into his arms. He held them close and blessed each one of them. The children were not in the way at all. Jesus was happy to see them and wanted them near him.
Later in the chapter, a rich man ran up to Jesus and asked how he could have eternal life. Jesus helped him see that his money had become more important to him than following God. The man was sad and walked away. This story shows that trusting Jesus matters more than anything we own.
Near the end of the chapter, a blind man named Bartimaeus sat by the road and called out to Jesus. Many people told him to be quiet, but he kept calling for help. Jesus stopped, asked what he wanted, and healed his eyes. Bartimaeus could see again, and he followed Jesus down the road.
Read It Together
Mark 10:13-14
13 They were bringing to him little children, that he should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.
(WEB)
Point out that the parents brought their children to Jesus, and that the disciples tried to stop them. Ask the children how they think Jesus felt when he saw this. Help them notice that Jesus was not bothered by the children at all.
Mark 10:15
Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
(WEB)
Explain that receiving God’s kingdom like a little child means trusting him simply and openly, the way a child trusts a loving parent. Show that Jesus is not asking children to be smart or perfect, only to come to him with trust.
Mark 10:16
He took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
(WEB)
Point out the actions in this verse: Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them. Remind the children that Jesus still wants to be close to them today, and that they can talk to him in prayer any time.
Talk About It
- What did the disciples think about the children coming to Jesus, and why do you think they felt that way?
- How do you think the children felt when Jesus held them and blessed them?
- What is one thing you could say to Jesus today, the way a child talks to a friend?
- Why do you think Jesus said the kingdom of God belongs to children like these?
- How can you show someone that Jesus welcomes everyone, including people who seem little or unimportant?
Activity Ideas
Hand Print Welcome Picture
You will need paper, washable paint or crayons, and a pencil. Have each child trace one hand on the paper and decorate it into a picture of themselves or a friend. Write the words “Jesus welcomes me” along the bottom. Explain that each handprint shows that Jesus holds every child close.
Open Arms Game
Choose one child to stand in the middle of the room as “Jesus.” The other children walk slowly toward him from the far side of the room. When a child reaches him, the leader opens his arms wide and says, “Welcome, come close.” Let everyone have a turn. Talk afterward about how it felt to be welcomed.
Welcome Card for Home
You will need index cards or scrap paper, markers, and a pen. Have each child draw a small picture of Jesus holding a child on one side, then write the memory verse or a short message such as “Jesus loves me” on the other side. Encourage them to give the card to a family member or put it on the fridge as a reminder all week.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that Jesus values people whom others may overlook, including children. For adults, it is a reminder that faith is received with humble trust rather than earned by status, wealth, or achievement. The same chapter also warns that riches can become a barrier when they take the place of God.
When teaching children, avoid overstating what the passage says about the rich man or about the cost of discipleship. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love and welcome, and let older children explore the harder parts of the chapter at a later time.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and wanting us close to you. Help us trust you the way little children do. Thank you that we can come to you any time, just as we are. Amen.
