Jesus and the Children - Bible Lessons for Kids
Teaching about Jesus' interactions with children provides a meaningful opportunity to help kids understand how deeply they are loved and valued by God. These lessons and teaching ideas feature engaging crafts, hands-on activities, and printable lesson plans to help children explore the story's message in a memorable, age-appropriate way. Whether you're teaching in Sunday school, a Christian classroom, or at home, these ideas make it easy to share this encouraging Bible story in a way that young children can understand and enjoy.
STORY OF “LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME”
The story of Jesus welcoming the children can be found in Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16, and Luke 18:15-17. In this story, Jesus is teaching, and parents bring their children to Jesus to be blessed. The disciples try to send the children away, thinking Jesus was too busy to see them. Jesus rebukes His disciples and says that the kingdom of God belongs to people who have faith like children. Then Jesus welcomed the children, hugged them, and blessed them.
Let the Children Come to Me Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you looking for an engaging way to teach about Jesus’ love for children? Our scripted lessons, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for kids aged 3 to 9.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT JESUS AND THE LITTLE CHILDREN
This story teaches us two things. Firstly, Jesus believes children are important and should not be overlooked. Secondly, Jesus said that we need to have faith like a child, and that the kingdom of God belongs to those with childlike faith. God wants us to be trusting and humble like children. Children need someone to care for them, just like we need God to care for us. Children trust their parents, just like we need to trust God.
crafts and activities for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades
Jesus clearly teaches that all are welcome to join His Kingdom. To help kids remember this important truth, Jesus and the Children Lesson for Older Kids includes both a reflective activity and a printable craft.
Kids will begin by completing an “I Am Loved” graphic organizer where they write and draw things that make them unique, such as their interests, personality traits, talents, and favorite activities. This gives children an opportunity to think about who God created them to be and reminds them that Jesus loves every part of them.
Next, kids will create a printable paper doll chain. They will fold and cut the template to reveal a connected chain of children, then use markers to decorate each figure. Encourage kids to make the children look different from one another to show that Jesus welcomes all kinds of people. Together, the activity and craft reinforce the message that every child is valued, loved, and invited to come to Jesus.
Jesus loves me CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL KIDS
Jesus loves you, and Jesus loves me! This is one of the most important truths children can learn. In this passage, Jesus welcomed children and showed that they are valuable to Him. He made time for them, cared about them, and wanted them to come to Him.
In Jesus and the Children for Preschoolers, kids will create a meaningful craft that helps them see themselves in the story. They will color a picture of Jesus and a self-portrait, then connect the two with a heart that says, “Jesus loves me.” As children work, talk about how Jesus knows them by name, cares about them, and loves them exactly as they are. When finished, the craft becomes a special reminder that they are loved by Jesus and important in God's family.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY “LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME”
Red Light/Green Light: This simple game can be easily connected to the story of children coming to Jesus. The disciples gave them the “red light,” and Jesus gave them the “green light.” If you’re not sure how to play and would like some simple rules, check out the rules for Red Light/Green Light from Playworks.
Accordion Hug Craft: Jesus loves children SO much! So have kids create this simple, loving heart craft from Happy Home Fairy to remind them of how much Jesus loves them.
Come to Jesus Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course using classroom furniture, such as chairs and pylons. Have kids do the obstacle course and pretend they are following it to the end, where Jesus is waiting for them.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT JESUS Welcoming Children
YouTube is a great resource to help kids visualize Bible stories. But it’s important to preview all material to ensure it’s age-appropriate and matches what you want to teach. Here are a couple of video suggestions for Jesus Welcoming Children:
Let the Little Children Come by Joyful Growing: This is a catchy song about the story.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE LIFE OF JESUS?
This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the life of Jesus. Other lessons in this series include Jesus Calls His Disciples, Jesus Tempted in the Desert, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet, The Great Commission, Zacchaeus, and The Transfiguration.
For more Life of Jesus Bible Lessons, check out: