Jesus and the Children
Scripture: Mark 10:13-16
Theme: Jesus loves children and welcomes them
Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
Jesus and the Children , A Sweet Lesson! — Greeting & Wonder: “Did you know Jesus has a big, wonderful heart for all of you?” Hold up your hands like a heart. “Today, we’ll learn how He loves to play, laugh, and hug with children, just like you!” Pause to let children giggle or nod. — Story Time (Simple Retelling): “Once, a grown-up said, ‘Children shouldn’t bother Jesus.’ But what happened when a little boy came running to Him?” (Show a child’s face.) “Jesus took the boy by the hand and said, ‘Let the little children come to me’, just like He loves you!” Repeat: “Jesus loves children! He’s happy when you’re here!” — Interactive Play: “Let’s pretend! Hold hands, this is how Jesus holds us!” (Wiggle fingers like a hug.) “When you talk to God (or sing to Him), He’ll smile and say, ‘You’re mine!’ Like Jesus, He loves all of you, no exceptions!” Sing a short, silly verse: “Jesus loves little children, / All the children red and brown…” (Let them join!) — Closing & Wonder: “Why do you think Jesus wanted to play with that little boy?” (Wait for answers.) “Because He sees your hearts, just like He sees yours! Tomorrow, remember: God’s love is like a big, warm hug, always ready for you!” Blow a kiss and say, “Now go tell a friend: ‘God loves you too!’” — Tip for Volunteers: Use props (a toy child, hand puppets), let kids “pet” a stuffed animal, or act out Jesus’ hug. Keep energy high with praise and simple praise! Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.
Bible Story
Jesus Loves Little Children
One day, many grown-ups and children were walking with Jesus. A big crowd made a noisy noise. The grown-ups said, “Let’s go back to the other side of the river!” But Jesus looked at the children and smiled.
Then He said, “Let the little children come to Me!” His disciples were surprised. They looked at each other and said, “How can we stop them?” But Jesus took the children in His arms. He kissed them and said, “I love you all!”
The children laughed and ran to Him. Jesus put His arms around them and made them sit in His lap. “They belong to God,” He said. “Like these little ones, God wants us to be close to Him!”
Now, think about it, does God love you too? Just like Jesus loved those little children, God loves you very much. He wants you to be His little friend!
— Why This Story Matters: Jesus didn’t just like children, He loved them! Today, God loves you, too. He wants you to come to Him, just like those children did. Just like Jesus said, you can sit with Him and be His special friend forever!
Activities
Supplies:
- Show the Bible: Hold up the Bible and say, “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’ What do you think that means?” Let them share if they know.
- Draw Your Hand: Give each child a sheet of paper. Say, “Now, draw your hand as big as you can! Jesus took little hands in his hands, just like this.” Let them color their hands.
- Make a Crown: Cut the fingers off their hand paper (or help them fold and glue the tips to make a crown shape). Say, “God makes you special like a little king or queen!”
- Share Your Wonder: Ask, “Who do you think Jesus loves most? Why?” Let them point to their crowns and say, “Jesus loves me!”
Supplies:
- Tell the Story: Read Mark 10:13-16 aloud. Ask, “Did you see how Jesus held the children? He held their hands like they were little.”
- Cut Arms: Give each child a paper plate. Say, “Cut this plate into two big circles to make arms!” (Help them fold and cut carefully.)
- Decorate the Arms: Let them color the arms with markers. Say, “These are Jesus’ big, soft arms, like a warm hug!”
- Wrap a Child: Let them glue their arms together at the top to form a circle. Pick a stuffed child (or a friend) and say, “Now, put your arm around your child and give them a big hug, just like Jesus does!” Sing “Jesus Loves Me” together.
- Both activities use simple materials and help little ones explore their wonder in God’s love through hands-on fun!
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions about Jesus and the Children from Mark 10:13-16, designed for preschool and kindergarten children (ages 3, 5):
- When Jesus saw the little children, what did He do differently than the grown-up people?
- (Let them imagine: Did He sit with them? Did He say something special? How does it make you feel when someone treats you like a little kid?)
- What do you think made Jesus so happy to hug those children?
- (Did they remind Him of something important? How can you show love to little kids, just like Jesus did?)
- If you were one of those children, what would you have wanted Jesus to teach you about God or being kind?
- (Maybe something about God’s big love, being brave, or sharing with others? Let them share their ideas!)
- How can we be like Jesus when we see children in our world?
- (Do we listen to them? Do we hold their hands or hug them like Jesus did? Why is that special?)
- These questions encourage wonder, sharing, and simple connections between the Bible story and their own lives! Would you like any tweaks to make them even more playful?
Prayer Focus
“Dear God, Thank you for all the little ones in our classroom, so brave, so curious, and so full of wonder! You made them, just like you made the stars in the sky, and they are so special just because they belong to You. Jesus loves them too, like a big hug for each one of them. Help us to be kind and gentle, just like Jesus, so they know they are safe and loved. Today, we wonder… Where did Jesus go to play with the children? Did He dance with them? Did He tell stories and laugh? God is full of joy for us, can we find that same joy, like little sunshine for the world? Help us to share it, just like Jesus did. Dear Jesus, You said, “Let the little children come to me” (Mark 10:15), and they did, running and smiling, just as they are. Thank you for loving them so much! Let them know that even when they make mistakes or feel small, they are still Your child, as brave and as loved as the biggest hearts in this room. Amen! Now, let’s sing or clap our hands to remember: ‘God loves me, God loves me, like you and me!’” — (Optional: End with a simple action, like clapping for “God loves me” or drawing Jesus with kids as a visual reminder!)
Missions Spotlight
UNICEF estimates that 385 million children worldwide live in extreme poverty. Mission organizations like Compassion International, World Vision, and others work to meet children’s physical AND spiritual needs. Jesus said to let the children come , and we must bring the Gospel to them.
To the Cross
The disciples tried to keep the children away, but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’ Jesus loves every child. He went to the cross for children too. Every child matters to God, and every child needs to hear about Jesus.
Family Take-Home
In this lesson, Jesus gently teaches children that they belong to Him just like adults, showing love and care for all who come to Him. Families can learn to welcome others, big or small, into God’s family with kindness and trust.