Bible Week - Day 4 - God Bless our Children

Bible Week – Day 4 – God Bless our Children

Daily Passage

Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples scolded the people. When Jesus noticed this, he was angry and said to his disciples, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16 GNB)

Teaching

Jesus invites children to approach him, blesses them, and even says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them. Children were no afterthought for Jesus, even if his disciples didn’t think he should spend his valuable time on them.

The Canadian Bible Engagement Study found that children are also affected by the decline in Bible engagement. Specifically, respondents recalled family devotionals that were inconsistent and/or non-participatory. Children are often eager to learn and ask hard questions. They simply aren’t given the opportunity.

Examination

How much interaction do you have with children about faith or the Bible? Do you provide opportunities for them to discuss as members of a community, or are they treated as an afterthought?

React

Consider children in your life: your own, your friends’, in extended family, or in your church. How can you make it more of a habit to give them opportunities to discuss with you what you believe about God, why, and how it affects your life?

Featured Resource

In partnership with OneHope, the Canadian Bible Society has developed a children’s ministry tool called Incredible Islands. It is a safe, online gaming experience that helps children learn about the Bible. Check it out at incredibleislands.ca

Featured-Resource-Incredible-Islands

From computers and tablets to smartphones and social media, kids are constantly learning through online games and media. What if they were learning biblical principles and values while they play? Incredible Islands is a biblically-based virtual world where kids can learn about the Bible and practice godly principles through interactive play and activities that also reinforce reading, math, science, art, and critical thinking skills.

Learn more about Incredible Islands here.