Mark 10:13-16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Entrance into the Kingdom of God Requires Childlike Faith

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Children are important to the Lord.

  2. Entrance into the Kingdom of God requires a childlike attitude.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let's not misrepresent the Lord.

  2. Let's bring our children to the Lord.

QUESTIONS

  1. Of what age are the "children" of Mark 10:13?

  2. What prompted the parents to bring their children to Jesus?

  3. How can "blessed" be translated?

  4. "Do not forbid them..." (Mark 10:14). What characteristics were seen here in Jesus?

  5. What was Jesus teaching in this object lesson?

  6. In what ways does a person have to become like a little child?

  7. How can obstacles be overcome that interfere with bringing a child to Christ?

ANSWERS

  1. Babies, young children, pre-teens

  2. It was common in Jesus' day for parents to bring their children to a great rabbi for blessing.

  3. "Fervently blessed"

  4. Tenderness, compassion and social graciousness

  5. That entrance into the kingdom of God required a child-like attitude

  6. Children are essentially trusting and receptive to what is told them; they are not yet cynical or skeptical, but they are open. In the same way, people who become Christians must in simple faith and trust believe that Christ died on the cross for their sins, and accept Him as their personal Savior. They must become child-like in their reception. Furthermore, children are helpless and dependant. Salvation must be received as a gift.

  7. There can be obstacles, but your relationship to your children can overcome them. Eunice's situation was not ideal, for her husband was not a believer (Acts 16:1). Eunice should be an example to single parents or those of mixed marriages. Pray about obstacles, then let the Lord lead.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever." Children were important to the Lord then, and they are important to Him now. How important are they to you? In whatever your sphere of influence, do you sense an urgency in bringing children to Christ?

  2. Why is it important for parents to bring their children to the Lord in their early years? How can they bring their children to Christ?

CHALLENGE

  1. The disciples misrepresented the Lord when they rebuked the people. (The average person would have thought that this was the Lord's policy). Be careful that you do not misrepresent the Lord.

KEY VERSES

  • "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15)

Mark, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMark 10:13-16