A blog from Mark 10:13–16
Most people can sing at least a few words of the old Vacation Bible School song: “Jesus loves the little children…” While it may sound simple, the truth behind those words is profound.
In Mark 10:13–16, we see a powerful picture of how Jesus views children, and how His church should view them as well. At a time when children were often overlooked, undervalued, and treated as insignificant, Jesus made it clear that they matter deeply to Him.
The Loathing of Children
As Jesus traveled and ministered, parents brought their children and even infants to Him for a blessing. Their actions demonstrated faith. They believed Jesus was worth bringing their children to.
The disciples, however, saw things differently. They rebuked the parents and tried to send them away.
This reaction reflected the common cultural attitude of the Greco-Roman world. Children were often viewed as property, a burden, or individuals with little value until they became productive adults. Sadly, the disciples adopted this worldly perspective and treated children as though they were unimportant and not worth Jesus’ time.
While our culture may look different today, the temptation remains the same. Society often values people based on productivity, independence, or what they can contribute. Children can be viewed as inconveniences rather than blessings.
Jesus challenges us to reject that mindset. Children are not interruptions to ministry; they are a vital part of it. They are gifts from God, created in His image, and worthy of our love, attention, and investment.
The Loving of Children
Mark tells us that Jesus was indignant when He saw the disciples turning children away. This was not mild disappointment. Jesus was deeply grieved and strongly displeased.
His response was clear:
“Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them.”
Jesus loved children, and He calls His followers to do the same.
Loving children means more than simply appreciating them. It involves action.
Loving Children Includes Protection
Children need protection from the many dangers that threaten them, whether through abortion, abuse, trafficking, or exploitation. Followers of Christ should be champions for the vulnerable.
Loving Children Includes Provision
Children flourish when adults step into their lives with care and commitment. Whether through adoption, foster care, mentoring, or faithful parenting, loving children means helping provide what they need to grow.
Loving Children Includes Proclamation
Most importantly, children need the Gospel.
The church’s mission is not merely to entertain children but to introduce them to Jesus. Next Generation ministry exists to support parents, share the message of salvation, teach children how to follow Christ, and provide a safe environment where spiritual growth can happen.
If Jesus welcomed children, the church must do the same.
The Leading of Children
Jesus then makes a surprising statement:
“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
Children understand something adults often forget: they cannot do everything themselves.
A child depends on others for help, protection, and provision. In the same way, salvation comes only to those who recognize their spiritual need and place their trust completely in Christ.
No one enters God’s Kingdom through good behavior, church attendance, baptism, religious rituals, or personal effort.
We enter by humbly admitting our need for a Savior and trusting what Jesus has done on our behalf.
Too often we think children must become more like adults before they can come to Christ. Jesus turns that idea upside down and says adults need to become more like children.
The humility, dependence, and trust that characterize children are the very qualities God desires in every believer.
Jesus Loves the Little Children
The passage concludes with one of the most tender pictures in all of Scripture. Jesus takes the children into His arms, lays His hands on them, and blesses them.
What a beautiful reminder of the heart of our Savior.
Jesus loves children. He values them. He welcomes them. He blesses them.
And because He does, His church must prioritize reaching, discipling, and investing in the next generation.
May we be a church that extends Jesus’ love to children and may we all come to Him with the humble faith of a child.
Watch the full message here –
