The Kingdom Belongs to Children
Updated: 4 days ago
OUTLINE:
MAIN POINT: Being a follower of Jesus means valuing and reflecting on Children.
I. Prioritizing Christ’s Presence for Children v13, 14a, 15
A. As Parents
B. As a Church
II. Picturing Child Permittance to the Kingdom v14b
Beyond the Walls (Grace and Growth)
Weekly Reading:
Day 1 — Welcoming the Interruption
Matthew 19:13; Mark 10:13–14
Do I view noisy, chaotic, or dependent people—including children—as inconvenient distractions to my agenda, or as sacred opportunities to reflect Christ?
When my plans or routines are interrupted by the needs of others, does my reaction look more like the scolding disciples or the welcoming Savior?
What is one practical shift I can make this week to slow down and show intentional patience toward someone who disrupts my comfort?
Day 2 — The Trap of Transactional Service
Matthew 19:13–14; Luke 14:12–14
Am I tempted to invest my time, energy, and relationships only where I receive status, recognition, or a return on my investment?
How does ministering to the "least of these"—those who can offer nothing in return—purify my motives and align my heart with Jesus?
Who in my church or community lacks social status or influence, and how can I intentionally serve or encourage them this week?
Day 3 — Objective Humility and Absolute Dependence
Matthew 19:14; Psalm 131:1–3
In what areas of my life am I still relying on self-sufficiency, intellect, or personal achievement rather than complete dependence on God?
How does the position of a child—who possesses no earned merit and must simply receive care—picture the way I must receive God's grace?
Where do I need to stop saying "I've got this" and instead come to God in honest, helpless prayer?
Day 4 — Leading the Next Generation to the Living Water
Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Matthew 19:13
Am I passively hoping the children or young people in my sphere of influence pick up faith by accident, or am I actively bringing them to Jesus?
What daily or weekly rhythm (such as shared scripture reading, intentional prayer, or gospel conversations) can I establish or strengthen in my home?
How can I use ordinary, everyday moments to point the next generation toward the beauty and truth of Christ?
Day 5 — Grace Beyond Expectations
Genesis 48:13–19; Matthew 19:14–15
Do I secretly believe that God's favor belongs to the most polished, successful, or influential people, or do I marvel at His grace to the unexpected?
How does remembering that God delights in blessing the overlooked comfort me when I feel like an outcast or "odd duck"?
How can I extend God's non-transactional, surprising grace to someone in my life who feels overlooked or unvalued?
Day 6 — A Church Family for Every Child
Matthew 18:5; 1 Corinthians 12:21–25
Even if I do not currently have young children at home, do I recognize my responsibility as part of the local church to love, know, and disciple the young?
What small, intentional act—like learning a child's name, asking them about their faith, or serving in a children's ministry—can I do to make the next generation feel valued?
How can I encourage and come alongside the parents, nursery workers, and teachers who faithfully labor to disciple children?
Day 7 — Generational Faithfulness and Eternal Legacy
Psalm 78:4–7; 2 Timothy 1:5
When I evaluate my life's success, am I more focused on temporary achievements (career, status, sports) or on leaving an eternal spiritual legacy?
How do my daily choices, values, and priorities shape the spiritual trajectory of those coming behind me?
What specific prayer can I pray today for the spiritual protection, salvation, and lifelong faithfulness of the children in my family and church?
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