Sermon 76 in Series Luke 18:15-17

[15] Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [17] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions 1. How does this account highlight the value of children? How does it encourage you to lead the children in your life to Jesus? 2. Why is a passage like this so helpful as we prepare for VBS this week? How does it function as a reminder to avoid certain pitfalls as we go through each night? 3. Why do the disciples rebuke those who bring the children? What is Jesus’ response, and what does that say about his character and purposes? 4. In what ways do we sometimes relate to children with a “too busy” or “too petty” mindset? How does this passage correct that tendency and heighten our intentionality? 5. What reason does Jesus give for receiving the children? Where else in the New Testament do we see Jesus using children as a picture? 6. How do we lose sight of humility in the Christian life? How does this passage, along with the previous one, challenge you in that area?

References: Matthew 18:1-14 (corporate reading); Philippians 2:1-11; Luke 17:11-12; Matthew 19:13; Mark 10:16; Luke 5:13; 6:19; Numbers 6:24-26; Ephesians 1:3; John 6:35; 4:10; 11:25; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15; Mark 3:9-10; 10:14; Luke 9:46-48; Matthew 18:3-4; James 4:10; 1 Peter 2:2; Matthew 5:3.