Children’s Sermon

Mark 10:2-16

Jesus Loves the Little Children

I thought we might just pause today and think a little bit about what we’re doing here. Why is it important that we come to church? (Solicit children’s answers)

That’s right. Church is a place that we come to worship God and to learn about Jesus’ teachings. We could do those things on our own, but there’s something kind of special about coming to church and worshiping with others, isn’t there? Our church is like a family.

But think for a minute about your own family. You know, most of you began coming to church even before you were old enough to really understand what it was. (As appropriate, you may wish to acknowledge the presence of infants at your own service.) Why do you think your parents thought it was important to start bringing you to church when you were very little? (Solicit children’s answers.)

That’s right. Being a Christian is something that begins learning very early – and while you might not have understood everything at first, even as very little children we begin to understand what a special, loving place church is.

The reason I brought this up is that Jesus talks about children in today’s Gospel story. There are some people who are bringing their young children to be blessed by Jesus and the disciples don’t understand why and try to send them away. But Jesus explains to them that the very best time to learn about the kingdom of God is as a child. It’s why we pause and take this time to make sure that there’s a special time during our service that’s just for you.

Do you think this story might be where the song Jesus Loves the Little Children comes from? He certainly does. I thought maybe instead of closing with a prayer, we might sing it quickly? Will you join me?

Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they’re all precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.