Family · for children

Jesus opens his arms

A teaching for children · Mark 10:13–16

¹³Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. ¹⁴But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them.

Mark 10:13–16 · BSB

Context

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, teaching crowds. Some families brought children to him so he would touch them, as people did with a respected teacher, asking for a blessing. Back then, a child was seen as someone unimportant, who didn’t count yet. The disciples thought the families were bothering the Teacher and tried to send them away. Jesus’ reaction surprised everyone.

What the Bible teaches

Mark uses a strong word: Jesus was indignant. He got angry, but not with the children; with the people trying to keep them away. Then he said: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them!” Jesus is never too busy for you. You don’t have to wait until you’re grown up, well-behaved or good at praying to come close to him.

Then he did something you can picture: he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. To bless is to wish and hand over God’s good to someone. Jesus didn’t just speak well of children; he hugged each one. Nobody stood in line waiting for their turn to be important. If you had been there, he would have looked at your face, said your name and put his hand on your head.

And Jesus turned the lesson toward the adults: whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. A child doesn’t buy their own birthday present; they receive it. That’s how it is with God: we don’t earn his love, we receive it. That’s why parents and children can come to God in the same way, with trust, without pretending to know everything.

In practice

This week, before bedtime, the adult who cares for the child places a hand on the child’s head and says a short blessing, as Jesus did. The child can bless the adult too.

To talk about

Why do you think the disciples wanted to send the children away, and what did Jesus think about that?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you are never too busy for me. I want to come close to you just as I am. Teach me to receive your love as a gift and to open my arms to those who get left out. Amen.