Hinder Them Not: Welcome and Dependence
Youth (13-18) · member guide · Anchor: Matthew 19:13-15· preview
From the sermon Hinder Them Not
1. The Scene
The main passage records:
Then children were brought to him that he might 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.' And he laid his hands on them and went away. (Matthew 19:13-15)
What does Jesus' response reveal about His priorities compared to the disciples' priorities?
2. Becoming Like Children
Jesus pointed back to an earlier teaching:
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)
The sermon said adults need to become like children in humility and dependence, not the other way around. What specific childlike qualities—trust, dependence, or humility—do you think are hardest for teenagers to practice?
3. What Hinders?
The sermon warned against telling young people they are not ready for spiritual matters. What are ways—at school, home, or church—that teens or adults might unintentionally hinder someone from coming to Jesus?
4. God Gives the Growth
The sermon used an analogy from Paul:
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Along with:
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. (Psalm 127:1)
If salvation and spiritual growth are ultimately God's work, how should that affect the pressure you feel to have everything figured out spiritually?
5. Your Dependence
The sermon quoted John MacArthur: a child 'simply submits to the care of his parents... relying on them for all that he needs.' In what area of your life—friendships, future plans, sin struggles, or doubts—do you most need to exercise humble dependence on God this week? What would that look like?
6. Debate: Ready or Not?
Discuss this statement: 'A person needs to understand everything about Christianity before they can truly follow Jesus.'
How does Jesus' command to let the children come—and His teaching that the kingdom belongs to 'such as these'—challenge or support that idea?