Welcoming Children to Jesus

Then children were brought to him, that he lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of heaven.' — Matthew 19:13-15

Welcome the group and explain that Jesus wants children to come to Him. The sermon showed us that kids are not just welcome in the kingdom—they are an example of the humble, dependent faith that everyone needs.

## 1. Why did the disciples try to stop the children from coming to Jesus? Leader Note: Expect answers like the disciples thought Jesus was too busy or that children were unimportant. If the group is quiet, redirect: 'Have you ever been told you are too young to do something important?' Theologically, the sermon emphasizes that the disciples viewed children as obstacles, but Jesus sees them as image-bearers who exemplify kingdom humility. Time: 3 minutes.

The disciples rebuked the people, treating the children as a distraction. Why do you think adults sometimes act like kids are in the way instead of valuable?

## 2. What does Jesus mean when He says, 'To such belongs the Kingdom of heaven'? Leader Note: Look for answers about humility and dependence. If someone says this means only kids are saved, redirect using the sermon's clarification: Jesus is describing a childlike posture of trust, not an age limit. The sermon argued that the kingdom is received by those who know they cannot save themselves. Time: 4 minutes.

Jesus is not saying heaven is only for children. He is saying the kingdom belongs to people who are humble and dependent like children. How is a child's trust in a parent similar to the way we should trust God?

## 3. How are children a model of the faith we need? Leader Note: The sermon explicitly tied this to Matthew 18:3-4. Expect answers about kids asking for help, not trying to do everything alone, and relying on parents for daily needs. If stuck, ask: 'What happens if a child tries to buy groceries and pay bills alone?' Theologically, the sermon noted that children make no claims of greatness; they simply submit to care. This mirrors the humble dependence required for salvation. Time: 4 minutes.

'Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.' — Matthew 18:3-4

Children know they cannot survive on their own. They ask for food, shelter, and help. In the same way, we must come to God admitting we need Him for forgiveness and for daily strength. What is one area where you have been acting like you do not need God's help?

## 4. What are ways people hinder children from coming to Jesus today? Leader Note: Expect answers like saying kids are too young for serious faith, making church boring, or ignoring their questions. If answers stay surface-level, redirect: 'Have you ever heard an adult say, 'You will understand God when you are older'?' The sermon warned against demanding that children become like adults before being taken seriously spiritually. Time: 3 minutes.

The sermon made clear that we should never tell kids they must grow up first before knowing Jesus. How can our church better welcome children? What is one way you could help a friend come to Jesus instead of hindering them?

## 5. When is it hardest for you to depend on God like a child? Leader Note: This is the key application. Expect answers about school stress, friend problems, or wanting independence. If a child insists they depend on God perfectly, gently redirect: 'Is there a time you tried to fix a problem before praying?' The sermon framed this as the difference between adult self-reliance and childlike humility; entering the kingdom requires turning from self-sufficiency to trust. Time: 4 minutes.

Jesus said adults need to become like children—not by being silly, but by being humble enough to say, 'I cannot do this alone; I need You, God.' What is one worry or decision you will hand over to Jesus this week?

## Application Prompt Ask each child to finish this sentence: 'This week, I will depend on Jesus like a child by...' Encourage specific answers based on the sermon—praying first instead of worrying, asking a parent or teacher a spiritual question, or reading the Bible even when it feels hard. Close the group in prayer, asking God to give everyone a humble, trusting heart.