This lesson teaches children that Jesus welcomes them and loves them, and that God’s family is open to everyone who trusts him. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, the memory verse, and one activity.
Big Idea
Jesus loves children and wants them close to him. Nobody is too little for Jesus, and God’s kingdom belongs to people like them.
Memory Verse
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them wide, as if they are welcoming someone in. Say the verse as you open your hands, and ask the children to do the same motion each time the verse is said. Repeat it three times so the motion and the words stay together.
The Story: Matthew 19 for Kids
One day Jesus finished teaching and walked away from Galilee into the land of Judea. Large crowds followed him, and he healed many of their sick people. Some teachers who were trying to test Jesus asked him a hard question about marriage, and he answered them kindly and wisely.
Then some parents brought their little children to Jesus. They wanted him to place his hands on the children and pray for them. But the disciples thought the children were a bother and told the parents to go away. The disciples were wrong about that.
Jesus saw what was happening and said, “Let the little children come to me. Do not stop them!” He wanted every child to know that he was happy to see them. He picked them up, laid his hands on them, and blessed them before he went on his way.
Later a young man ran up to Jesus and asked how he could have eternal life. The young man had kept many of God’s rules since he was a boy. Jesus looked at him with love, but told him that he still needed to give up the thing that was keeping his heart from God. The young man felt sad and walked away.
Jesus then told his friends that it is very hard for rich people to put God first, but nothing is too hard for God. Peter asked what the disciples would receive for following Jesus. Jesus promised that everyone who follows him will be rewarded, and that the first will be last and the last will be first.
Read It Together
Matthew 19:13-14
13 Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”
(WEB)
Point out that the parents brought their children to Jesus on purpose. Ask the children to notice what the disciples did and what Jesus said about it. Help them see that Jesus wants children to come to him, not to be pushed away.
Matthew 19:26
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
(WEB)
Explain that some things feel impossible to us, but God can do anything. Point out that Jesus said this after the young man walked away sad. Let the children know that they can always bring their worries to a God who is able to help.
Matthew 19:29
Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life.
(WEB)
Help the children understand that following Jesus can cost something, but Jesus gives back far more than we give up. Point to the promise of eternal life as the greatest gift. Remind them that Jesus cares about every person who follows him.
Talk About It
- How do you think the children felt when the disciples told them to go away?
- What did Jesus say to the children, and what does that tell you about how he feels about you?
- Why do you think the young man walked away sad when Jesus asked him to give up his things?
- What is something that feels too hard for you, and how can God help you with it?
- How can you show other people that you want them to come close to Jesus too?
Activity Ideas
Handprint Welcome Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child trace one hand on the paper and decorate the fingers to look like a friendly, welcoming person. Write “Jesus loves me” across the top in large letters. Let the children share their drawings and say one thing they think Jesus would say to them.
Let the Children Come Game
You will need a open space, a few chairs, and a bell or clapping hands. Choose one child to be Jesus and have him stand at one end of the room. The other children start at the opposite end and try to walk slowly toward Jesus while he calls out, “Come, come!” Each time the bell rings, the walkers must freeze, then keep moving forward when Jesus says the words again.
Take-Home Welcome Card
You will need index cards, stickers, and a marker. Ask each child to write or draw a small card that says “Jesus welcomes you” on one side and a picture of themselves on the other. Let them take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it, like on a bedroom door or the refrigerator. Encourage them to share it with a family member during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Jesus defending the worth of children and inviting them into his kingdom, which is a comfort and a challenge to every church community. It also reminds us that following Jesus can require letting go of things we treasure, and that God can do what people cannot. Read the whole chapter yourself so you understand the flow between the questions about marriage, the children, and the rich young man.
Avoid suggesting to children that God rewards them for good behavior or that wealth is always wrong. Keep the focus on Jesus welcoming them and on God’s power, rather than on a formula for earning eternal life.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you that you love us and want us to come close to you. Help us to remember that nobody is too small for you. Please help us to welcome others the way you welcome us. Amen.
