Jesus Welcomes the Children: Bible Story for Kids (Mark 10:13-16)
Episode 3 · 3:19 · Bible passage: Mark 10:13-16
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The story
People were bringing little children to Jesus so that he would touch them, but the disciples rebuked the people who brought them. When Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation and told his disciples to let the children come to him and not to forbid them. Then he took the children in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
From the Bible
Bible quotation, word for word
“Allow the little children to come to me! Don’t forbid them, for God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:14 (WEB, World English Bible)
Bible quotation, word for word
“Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it.”
Mark 10:15 (WEB, World English Bible)
The passage’s point: Jesus welcomed the children and said that God’s Kingdom belongs to such as these. He taught that whoever will not receive God’s Kingdom like a little child will not enter it (Mark 10:14-15).
Application for families: Jesus welcomes children. We can welcome others too.
Read it in your Bible: Mark 10:13-16. Quotations on this page and in the video are from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain. The rest of the narration is a child-friendly paraphrase.
Talk about it
- Why did people bring their children to Jesus?
- What did the disciples do? What did Jesus say to them?
- What did Jesus do with the children after that?
- What do you think it means to receive God’s Kingdom “like a little child” (Mark 10:15)?
- Jesus welcomed the children. Who is someone you could welcome this week, and how?
Try this together
Take turns practicing a warm welcome: a smile, a wave, saying someone’s name and telling them you are glad they are here.
A short prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you that you welcome children and love us. Help us to welcome others too. Amen.
Free printable coloring page
Tap a picture to open the printable PDF (US Letter, landscape). The pages show the Bible reference only.
How to use this story at home, in Sunday school or in a homeschool → · All coloring pages