Meeting guide · command 60

Let the Children Come

Welcome children to Jesus and remove the barriers that keep them from receiving His blessing and kingdom.

Read

Read the complete passage aloud.

Primary passage

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.”

World English Bible

Mark

Mark 10:13–16

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. 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.” 16 He took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

World English Bible

The disciples rebuke people bringing children, but Jesus becomes indignant, welcomes the children, embraces them, and blesses them.

Discuss

Listen carefully to what Jesus says.

  1. What does Jesus command?
  2. What does this passage reveal about Him?
  3. Where do we resist this command?
  4. What is difficult or unclear?
  5. Which adult priorities or assumptions unintentionally hinder children from coming to Jesus?

Practice

Choose one specific act of obedience.

Identify one practical barrier children face in your community and take a child-safe, accountable step to improve welcome, access, attention, or protection.

Return

Come back and discuss what happened.

What barrier did you remove, and how did the change improve welcome or protection for children?

Close together

Pray. Then prepare to teach.

Pray

Jesus, make room among us for children. Protect them, bless them, and correct every barrier we create.

Teach

Keep welcome joined to safeguarding; access to Jesus never reduces the need for transparent, accountable protection of children.