“Jesus’ Unexpected Welcome”

​YEAH! Church - February 20, 2022

"Doing Life with Jesus”
Today’s Lesson - “Jesus’ Unexpected Welcome”

Video Story/Resource:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRBv1r5JJ0s (The Chosen – Jesus and the Children – counter 15:11-41:25)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPUMDVBO7dY (Saddleback Kids – Jesus and the Children)
Jesus Values Children

Mark 10:13-16 – “13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” 16 Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.”

“Important teachers don’t have time for children!” At least that’s what Jesus’ disciples thought. But not Jesus! When parents brought their children to Jesus for him to give them a blessing (to pray with them), the disciples tried to chase them away. They thought that Jesus wouldn’t want a bunch of kids bothering him…he’s got important work to do and far more important people to talk to.
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When Jesus heard what they were doing, he was angry with his disciples. He scolded them, just as they had scolded the parents. What did they mean by sending the children away as though they didn’t matter as much as anyone else? Jesus loved all people equally! It doesn’t matter to Jesus how old someone is, whether they are a boy or girl, what country they come from, language they speak or even the good and bad things they’ve done. He loves everyone!

We might wonder why the disciples tried to chase the children away, but the fact is that most leaders in Jesus’ day would have done the same thing. When Jesus spent time with the children and made them feel welcome, he was acting in a way that most would not have. Jesus wanted everyone in the crowd that day to understand that all people are important and loved by God. You, too!

Engage:
• Parents wanted to bring their children to Jesus for a blessing. Why did the disciples try to chase them away?
• When Jesus heard what the disciples were doing, he got mad. What was it that made him angry?
• Jesus invited the children to be with him, he even picked them up and gave out hugs. What do you think it would have been like to get a hug like that from Jesus?
• Jesus told the disciples that unless they themselves became like little children, they wouldn’t be able to go to heaven. What did he mean?

Weekly verse:
Galatians 6:3, NLT – “If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”
Prayer – Dear God, thank you that you don’t play favourites. Help me to treat all people well…just like I want to be treated. Help me to always trust you, just like children trust their parents. Thank you for showing that all people are important to you, even if other people say that they are not.

2022 Theme verses:
Colossians 2:6-7, NLT – “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
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~ Pastor Jane