Luke 18:15-17 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and
when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them
and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as
these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
Matthew 18:1-5 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, " Who is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child, whom he put among the, and said, "Truly I
tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom
of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me."
While children are the focus of these passages, they are the only people in the story that
do and say nothing of themselves. They are brought by their parents, blocked by the
disciples, called and welcomed by Jesus. They are simply obedient and humble
participants. Jesus said that of all the people involved, we should be like them. We should
go where the Father wills, trusting in his love, blessing, and wisdom. Jesus said that
without this attitude it is impossible to receive the kingdom. We cannot decide who will
enter the kingdom. We can not decide what will happen in the kingdom. We are not in
charge. God is. We are to accept Christ's rule as king, obey the laws of the kingdom and
honor our fellow-citizens. Like children, we must humbly accept our place and do our
best to please the Father.

act out the items so the other students will guess the word. Discuss how babies can't read,
write or talk; and parents have to anticipate their needs. Isn't it wonderful that our
heavenly Father always knows our needs, even if we can't adequately express them?

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Matthew 18:4 Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven.