Take the Children to Jesus

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them.”
— Mark 10:13 NKJV

During Jesus’ time, parents often took their children to rabbis for a blessing. In Mark 10:13-16, the disciples turned parents away when they tried to bring their children to Jesus.

Why the Disciples Turned Them Away

This moment shows why we must take the children to Jesus with faith and confidence. Why would the disciples discourage the parents? Why would they keep children from Jesus?

Their actions seem puzzling. Jesus had already taught them to welcome children in His name. He also warned about the seriousness of causing a child to stumble.

The disciples may have thought children would distract the Lord from His ministry. Perhaps they forgot the heart of Jesus and how He cherished the sincere faith of children.

It is possible that they neglected to trust the training—the lessons they had received from Jesus. Whatever their reasons, their actions show how easily we can lose sight of His teaching and begin to prioritize our own interests over God’s.

Childlike Faith and Humble Trust

Children often reflect humility, trust, and sincerity. These are qualities adults can easily lose.

Authentic faith depends on approaching God with openness. It does not depend on age, status, or intellect. When Jesus blesses the children, He reminds us to let go of pride and come to God with the simple dependence of a child.

How We Bring Children to Jesus Today

Children are often humble and receptive to the kingdom of God. They trust their parents to care for them. They also receive what is given with simple faith.

When we were born again, we entered the kingdom of God by faith. We were helpless and fully dependent on God’s grace and mercy to sustain us.

When we have a problem, we take it to our heavenly Father. When children have a problem, they take it to their parents. In our relationship with God, we should remain childlike in faith, but not childish in behavior.

For the parents of Jesus’ time, bringing children to Him was a matter of sight. For parents today, it is a matter of faith.

We no longer take our children to the physical presence of Jesus as the parents did in Galilee. Yet we still bring children to Jesus through prayer, teaching, worship, and a home where faith can grow.

In our homes, we invite Jesus to bless our little ones by teaching them His Word and leading them in prayer. We cannot see His hands or hear His spoken blessing, but we trust that He welcomes our children with the same love and acceptance. Our role is to lead them to Christ, confident that His Spirit is present, powerful, and drawing young hearts into His kingdom.

Lord Jesus, I bring my children—and all the children of the world—to You. Surround them with Your love, guard them from evil, draw their hearts to You, and let them grow in faith, wisdom, and obedience. Bless them with Your peace and keep them safely in Your care.