Theme Discussion
Mark 10: 13-16 - Jesus Blesses Little Children
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
This is a familiar story, one that we often use at baptisms in our church. It’s a message that Jesus welcomes everyone – even little children – with open arms.
Why do you think the disciples tried to keep the children away from Jesus?
Do you feel welcome or unwelcome at church? What makes you feel that way?
Do you think there might be some people who don’t feel welcome at church? What things can we do to change that?
In this story, Jesus tells the people gathered that you need to receive that welcome to God’s kin-dom the way a little child does. Let’s unpack that a bit…
When someone welcomes you with arms wide open, how do you react? Is it different if that person is someone you know well or someone you have just met? What makes that difference?
Trust, love, and acceptance are all important parts of being able to open your arms to receive a welcome like that – and they are all important parts of being open to God.
Do you think this is easier for children than it is for adults? Why?
Response Activity Ideas
Loving You THIS Much
Materials: construction paper, scissors, colouring tools, glue/tape
Trace your hands on construction paper and cut out. Cut out a long strip of paper (glue or tape 2 strips together to make it longer if you wish) and accordion-fold it. Attach a hand on each end of the strip. Finally, write a message on the hands and/or paper strip that reflects your ideas about this Bible passage, maybe:
“Jesus Welcomes Us with Open Arms” OR “God Loves Me THIS Much – and more!” OR “All Are Welcome Here!” OR “I love you SO much!”
Jesus Loves Me Song – Rock You version
Tap twice on your legs and then clap once. You’re ready to listen and sing along with the CGS and Bell Canto camp version of Jesus Loves Me!
Challenge! Can you write a new verse about Jesus welcoming everyone in place of the ‘Jesus loves me, this I know’ section?
JESUS LOVES ME/WE WILL ROCK YOU
Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so, little ones to him belong in his love they will grow strong.
Singing Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na
Sing about his love, His love is what we sing about Sing about his love, His love is what we sing. Sing about his love, His love is what we sing about Sing about his love, His love is what we sing.
Singing Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na
Yes, Jesus loves me (clap, clap) (2X) Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so
Jesus loves me when I'm good, when I do the things I should. Jesus loves me when I'm bad, even though it makes him sad.
Singing Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na
Sing about his love, His love is what we sing about Sing about his love, His love is what we sing. Sing about his love, His love is what we sing about Sing about his love, His love is what we sing.
Singing Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na Na na na na na na na na na Whoo! Na na na na na na na na na
Yes, Jesus loves me (clap, clap) (2X) Yes, Jesus love me, The Bible (clap) tells me (clap) so.
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