Come Unto Me!

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April 24, 2005 - Matthew 19:13-15

Open It

  1. What are some ways people abuse positions of authority?

  2. Where do we draw the line between being productive and being rushed, or between being dedicated and being driven?

  3. What are the most exciting and the most frightening aspects of parenthood?

  4. What would you do differently if you could live your childhood over again?

Explore It

  1. What people were being brought to Jesus? Why? (19:13)

  2. Why were children being brought to Jesus? (19:13)

  3. To whom did some parents bring their children? Why? (19:13)

  4. How did the disciples react to the fact that children were being brought to Jesus? (19:13)

  5. On whom did the disciples vent their displeasure? (19:13)

  6. How did Jesus correct the disciples? (19:14)

  7. Why did Jesus command the disciples to allow the children to come to Him? (19:14)

  8. According to Jesus, what kind of people will possess the kingdom of heaven? (19:14)

  9. What did Jesus do for the little children? (19:15)

  10. What did Jesus do after he spent time with the children? (19:15)

Get It

  1. Why do you think the disciples got irritated about the children being brought to Jesus?

  2. What are some ways you get so caught up in your schedule or "to do" list that you are insensitive or even rude to the people around you?

  3. What is the purpose behind the church practice of "infant dedication/baptism"?

  4. What are some ways we might hinder children from coming to Christ?

  5. What did Jesus mean by saying that "the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these"?

  6. What are the advantages to trusting in Christ at an early age?

  7. How early can a child truly comprehend the gospel?

Apply It

  1. What are some specific ways you could bless a child today?

  2. How can you become more childlike in your faith over the next month?

Notes

Matthew 19:13-15: The disciples must have forgotten what Jesus had said about children (Matthew 18:4-6). Jesus wanted little children to come because he loves them and because they have the kind of attitude needed to approach God. He didn't mean that heaven is only for children, but that people need childlike attitudes of trust in God. The receptiveness of little children was a great contrast to the stubbornness of the religious leaders who let their education and sophistication stand in the way of the simple faith needed to believe in Jesus.

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