Jesus Welcomes Children

There are times in our lives when we feel unwelcome, out of place, unwanted. In Jesus’ time, this was true for the children. They were considered humble, lowly, and unimportant. The disciples tried to control the children so that they could not go to Jesus and see Him. However, Jesus rebuked the disciples and welcomed the children with open arms. Jesus calls us to accept all people and not to care about what they may look like, the type of clothes they may wear, the type of house they may live in, etc. Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the children and he invited them to come to Him. Part of accepting all people is also showing them respect. Why can it be difficult to show respect to the poor, the weak, the unsuccessful? Think of your own friendships…do your friends accept you for who you are? Do they treat you with respect? Do you treat them with respect like Jesus respects us?

Bible Text: Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-15

Bible Verse: But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14

Faith Trait: Respect

Talk Points:
*How do I follow Jesus’ example of welcoming and lifting up children?
*Describe a time when someone did something to make another person feel unwelcome. How do you think the other person felt? How did you feel?
*Have you ever felt unaccepted or unwelcome? What was that like? What did you do?
*Describe a time when you felt welcomed and accepted. Where were you? Who welcomed you? What happened?
*Why do you think Jesus loved and welcomed children?
*What does respect mean? Who do people often respect the most? Who do people seem to respect the least?

Reminders:
*BUGs Event on Feb. 21 from 1:45-5pm. We will be going tubing at Afton. Cost is $13.00. Sign up at the kiosk.
*NO Club 56 next week- Feb. 17. Please consider attending one of the Ash Wednesday services (5:30 or 7pm)
*We will continue to have Club 56 during the season of Lent (Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, and 24) PLEASE make note of this!!!

Take time for your children as Jesus did! Blessings!