“The children’s friend”
Opening Prayer:
Gospel:
Mark 10: 13-16
People would often bring children to Jesus to be blessed by him.
One day the disciples sent the children away to let Jesus get some rest.
But seeing this, Jesus scolded his disciples and said, “ Let them come to me,
and do not stand in their way. Anyone wishing to enter the kingdom of God
must first become like one of these little children.”
Then taking them in his arms, he blessed each one of them.
Discussion Questions:
- What can we learn about Jesus through this story?
That he wanted to spend time with the children, talking and listening to what they had to say. The children were just as important to him as grownups.
- Have you ever found that sometimes grownups are too busy, or tired to listen to you?
It may be difficult sometimes to get their attention and make them really listen to what you have to say. Jesus was never too busy or tired to listen to children. Even if Jesus was tired or busy, he never sent the children away, He was always ready to listen to them.
- Why did Jesus say that grownups need to become more like children to enter the kingdom of God?
He said this because children love Jesus and TRUST in his goodness. They listen to his message and are ready to try and live as he taught them. They know Jesus is a special friend, who is never too busy to listen to them.
So Jesus’ message is this: adults should remember to love and to listen to Jesus like children do. If they do this, their lives will be pleasing to God and they will share eternal life with him in the kingdom of heaven.
Bonus Questions:
What do you like about this story?
What is something meaningful you can take from this story?
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Friend of the children, you are always ready to listen
To what we have to say.
As we become adults, help us remember the special
Trust and friendship we share with you as children.
Allow it to grow within us, and draw us ever closer to you.
AMEN