Jesus and the Little Children

As we grow up, we carry more weight, more wounds, and more responsibility. Life is hard, and sometimes the simplicity of the gospel gets buried under busyness and expectations. But Jesus offers a different kind of invitation—one that calls us back to childlike wonder, trust, and dependence.

REVIEW: To build the Kingdom of God, we must build the next generation.

READ: Matthew 18:3–5 –
“Then he said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.’”

DISCUSS: How can we show the same value for the next generation that Jesus did? What can you do this week to bring a child—or someone new in faith—closer to Jesus?

REVIEW: To receive the Kingdom, we must become like the next generation.

READ: Matthew 11:25 –
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants.’”

DISCUSS: How can you practice more dependence, joy, and trust in Jesus this week?

REVIEW: Childlikeness is the pathway to maturity.

READ: Psalm 131:1–2 –
“Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I do not get involved with things too great or too wondrous for me. Instead, I have calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like a weaned child.”

DISCUSS: What keeps you from resting in God’s presence like a child with a parent? How can you grow in humble dependence on Jesus rather than self-reliance?

ASK

What part of childlike faith do you want to rediscover—joy, dependence, trust, or wonder?

PRAY

Father, thank You for valuing children and for calling us to faith that is simple, humble, and full of trust. Teach us to value the next generation the way You do and to depend on You like children depend on their parents. Help us to quiet our souls, find rest in Your presence, and live with joy in Your kingdom. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, take a step toward childlike faith and kingdom building:

• Value the next generation: Serve, encourage, or pray for the children and students in our church and community.
  
  
• Become like a child: Practice dependence through prayer, worship, or Sabbath rest.
  
  
• Model faith for your family: Lead your children—or those watching you—in a rhythm of seeking Jesus daily.
  
  
• Give with faith through Build His House: Your generosity is investing in the next generation and creating space for them to encounter Jesus.
  
  
• Live joyfully: Approach God with wonder, trust, and celebration, believing that His kingdom truly belongs to those who come like little children.
  
  

The invitation of Jesus is simple yet profound—come to Me like a child. In humility and faith, receive the kingdom and help build it for those who will come after us.

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