Jesus & The Children

Summary

Episode Overview

Episode Title: Jesus & The Children
Podcast: The Jesus Podcast
Host: Pray.com (Ethan)
Date: July 28, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode centers on the profound encounter between Jesus and children as told in Luke 18:15-17 and Mark 10:15. Through immersive storytelling and theological reflection, the episode explores the call to have a childlike faith—one marked by trust, wonder, and openness—and Jesus’ revolutionary approach to valuing children and teaching his disciples (and us) about the nature of God’s kingdom.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cultivating Childlike Faith

• The episode opens with an invocation and prayer inspired by Mark 10:15, urging listeners to rediscover the simplicity, innocence, and trust that define a childlike approach to faith (00:00–01:45).
  • “We recognize our need for you and for a faith that is pure and trusting, like that of a child. Grant us, Father, the gift of childlike faith.” (Narrator, 00:15)
• The host Ethan challenges the audience to reflect on whether adult life has crowded out their wonder and made faith too formulaic (05:32–06:08).
  • “Have you lost that childlike wonder at the world? Have you made things overly complicated or formulaic? Today, respond to the call of Jesus to approach life like a child.” (Ethan, 05:32)

2. Storytelling: The Families’ Journey to Meet Jesus

• Ahava and Reuben’s family:
  • A dramatized scene follows this couple’s decision to bring their daughter, Naomi, to see Jesus, seeking his blessing. This ordinary family, through dialogue, represents the curiosity, skepticism, and hope that often accompany faith (02:29–04:33).
  • Their conversation reflects both hesitation (“Are you sure that's the best idea? Something always seems to get stirred up wherever he goes.” – Reuben, 03:05) and faith-filled initiative (Ahava, 03:22).
• The journey:
  • The family’s anticipation and the children’s excitement set the emotional tone, highlighting the eagerness and trust of children compared to adult cynicism (09:49–10:54).

3. Jesus, the Disciples, and the Children: A Gospel Reimagining

• Setting: Disciples relax with Jesus under sycamores, reflecting on recent encounters with Pharisees (06:24–07:50).

  • Playful banter among the disciples reveals their humanity and their ongoing struggle to understand Jesus (06:43–08:36).

• The Arrival of Families:

  • As Ahava’s group arrives, disciples (especially Simon and Matthew) try to keep them and their children away, believing Jesus needs rest and children would be a distraction (11:31–13:01).
  • Jesus interrupts and gently corrects them, welcoming the families and especially the children (13:11–13:28).

• Jesus Welcomes the Children:

  • Jesus invites children to come close, encouraging them to play and enjoy his presence. He models delight and care, even playing and laughing with them (14:03–14:57).
    • “Please let the little children come to me. There is no needing to keep them back. Seeing such childlike wonder and excitement is refreshing.” (Jesus, 14:03)
    • “Jesus paused. When he flashed a silly face at the children, they giggled and hopped onto him. Jesus pretended to fall back, then ran away with one of them on his back.” (Narrator, 14:12)

• Teaching Moment:

  • Jesus uses this as a teachable moment for everyone present:
    • “Do you see how these little children came to me without hesitation or fear? The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Jesus, 15:03)
  • The disciples are convicted—realizing that acceptance and simple trust are the very qualities Jesus wants from his followers (15:19–15:42).

• Jesus Blesses the Children:

  • He offers a beautiful blessing:
    • “May God bless you and protect you. May God show favor and be gracious to you. May he show you kindness and grant you peace. Amen.” (Jesus, 15:57)
  • The disciples perceive a new depth in Jesus, seeing both his authority and his humility/love (16:09–16:44).

4. Reflection & Application (Host Ethan)

• Breaks down the story and unpacks its meaning for listeners (16:44–end):
  • Jesus values children not just because of their innocence or cuteness, but because they embody the way to receive God’s kingdom—openly, trustingly, without pretense.
  • Adults often complicate faith and life, losing the wonder and openness that God desires.
  • Ethan presents a challenge to listeners: are you letting the grind and pressures of adulthood crowd out your ability to simply trust, marvel, and receive?
    • “They trust easily. They have this incredible capacity to wonder and to be in awe. They're not weighed down by the worries and stresses that we adults often carry… Jesus is telling us that this is the kind of faith we need. A faith that trusts, that marvels, that receives God's blessings without overthinking or trying to earn it.” (Ethan, 17:12)
  • Invites listeners to rediscover childlike trust in God’s love and presence.
    • “Let’s take a moment today to ask God to renew in us that childlike faith. Let’s ask him to help us trust him more deeply, to marvel at his creation, to receive his love and blessings with open hearts, just like a child.” (Ethan, 19:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Narrator/Prayer:
  • “Grant us, Father, the gift of childlike faith. Help us to approach you with open hearts, full of awe and wonder, and at your love and grace.” (00:15)
• Ahava and Reuben’s Dialogue:
  • “If he is who they say he is, we could ask for his blessing upon her.” – Ahava (02:50)
  • “That doesn’t sound like the kind of rabbi who has a way with children.” – Reuben (03:14)
• Jesus Welcomes Children:
  • “Please let the little children come to me. There is no needing to keep them back. Seeing such childlike wonder and excitement is refreshing.” – Jesus (14:03)
  • “Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” – Jesus (15:03)
  • “May God bless you and protect you. May God show favor and be gracious to you. May he show you kindness and grant you peace. Amen.” – Jesus (15:57)
• Host Reflection:
  • “They trust easily… When a child looks at a sunset, they don’t think about the physics... They just marvel at the beauty of it.” – Ethan (17:20)
  • “How often do we adults try to make ourselves worthy of God’s love or pretend that we’ve got it all figured out? Jesus says no, just come. Come like a child, with open hands and an open heart.” – Ethan (18:01)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• Opening Prayer & Framing of Episode – 00:00–01:45
• Family Story – Deciding to Seek Jesus – 02:29–04:33
• Children’s Journey and Discussions on Faith – 05:32–11:00
• Arrival and Interactions with Disciples – 11:31–14:03
• Jesus’ Welcome and Play with Children – 14:03–15:19
• Teaching Moment & Blessing – 15:03–15:57
• Disciples’ Reflection – 15:19–16:44
• Host’s Theological Reflection & Challenge – 16:44–end

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Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• Jesus powerfully redefined what it means to receive God’s kingdom—through trust, awe, and simplicity.
• The episode serves as an invitation: Reclaim your own childlike openness toward God, let go of cynicism and striving, and simply receive.
• No matter your situation or spiritual maturity, you are welcomed by Jesus just as much as the smallest child.

Memorable Call to Action:
“Let’s take a moment today to ask God to renew in us that childlike faith.… to receive his love and blessings with open hearts, just like a child.” (Ethan, 19:32)

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This episode blends rich narrative with heartfelt teaching, making the ancient story of Jesus and the children immediate and transformative for today’s listener.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Most certainly. I tell you, whoever will not receive God's kingdom like a little child, he will in no way enter into it. Mark 10:15 Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts thanking you for the gift of your kingdom. We acknowledge that we often become too serious and rigid in our ways, losing the innocence and wonder that you desire in us. Lord, we recognize our need for you and for a faith that is pure and trusting, like that of a child. Grant us, Father, the gift of childlike faith. Help us to approach you with open hearts, full of awe and wonder, and at your love and grace. Remove the barriers of cynicism and doubt that cloud our spirits and restore in us a sense of innocence and joy. Give us the strength to embrace simplicity in our walk with you and empower us to trust fully in your plans and promises. Let our lives reflect your goodness and love, and may we inspire others to seek your kingdom with the same childlike faith. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for a tender and heartwarming story inspired by the Gospels. If you've enjoyed this podcast, be sure to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend Ahaba busily scurried around the kitchen as the fire crackled and roared. The smell of freshly baked bread danced through the room. The front of her clothes were dusted with flour and stained with grape juice, proudly worn by the hard working mother. Her husband Reuben sat slightly reclined at the table, bouncing their daughter playfully on his knee.

[Ahava]

Have you heard? The rabbi from Nazareth is said to be in the area. Hmm.

[Reuben]

That should make the markets an interesting place today. And I've heard all sorts of people come out of the shadows to meet him.

[Ahava]

Yes, I've heard the same thing. But I was thinking perhaps we could go see him as well. I was thinking we could take Naomi. If he is who they say he is, we could ask for his blessing upon her.

[Narrator]

Upon hearing her name, the little girl giggled and kicked with glee. She was delighted to be a part of the conversations.

[Reuben]

Are you sure that's the best idea? Something always seems to get stirred up wherever he goes. Word is his own town tried to throw him off a cliff for teaching in the synagogue. That doesn't sound like the kind of rabbi who has a way with children.

[Ahava]

Maybe we can just try. I'll even talk to Rebecca about bringing her little ones too. And if it looks like it's not a good place for the children, we'll leave. But of course the decision is yours.

[Narrator]

Reuben looked up from his breakfast. He adored his wife and knew she only wanted the best for their little family. She never asked for much and was always content with their humble life. And though she respected Reuben, they always made their decisions together. They were one flesh and endeavor to honor one another. As she patiently waited her husband's response, her eyes twinkled with the same spark of love he remembered seeing on their wedding day.

[Reuben]

Well, what are we waiting for? If you want to beat the crowds, we better get going.

[Narrator]

Ahava beamed with a brilliant smile. Naomi leaped from her father's embrace and raced around the room in excitement, her mind already filling with dreams of the day's adventures.

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[Ethan]

Have you lost that childlike wonder at the world? Have you made things overly complicated or formulaic? Today, respond to the call of Jesus to approach life like a child. This is the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com today. Today is day two of our miniseries on Jesus, disrupting the status quo and showing us a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus teachings and passion and we'll learn about God's heart for people and his kingdom. Today we're going to take a moment to sit at the feet of Jesus as he teaches us something precious about faith through the eyes of children. Our passage is From Luke chapter 18, verses 15 through 17, where Jesus says, let the little children come to me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

[Narrator]

Jesus and the disciples sat encircled in a grassy plain. They shielded themselves from the heat under a collection of sycamore trees. Before them lay plates of forged fruits and satchels of bread, the typical but appreciated meal for the sojourners.

[Reuben]

Did you see the look on the Pharisees faces today? They really thought they had him with that divorce question.

[Jesus]

I'll be honest, they would have had

[Narrator]

me on that one.

[Reuben]

Sure. But to be fair, they probably confuse you with most questions.

[Narrator]

Jesus was glad to sit back and observe the disciples process each day's events. He chuckled at the lightheartedness they had with one another. They had grown to accept their eclectic group for all of their differences. At one point in time, they had wondered why Jesus had called them from their various backgrounds of fishing, tax collecting, and more. However, any differences that once separated them had dissolved away in being accepted and called by Jesus. To them, being a disciple of Jesus was a badge of honor. After spending most of the hours of the day controlling the crowds that pressed in to hear the Messiah or witness a miracle, they were proud to sit with him alone afterwards.

[Jesus]

Rabbi, is there anything else planned for today? It depends on whose plans you're talking about today. It seems like you've all settled in for the day, but I wouldn't be surprised if my father had other plans for us.

[Reuben]

What sort of plans? Another teaching? Oh. Oh, maybe some miracles. Those are always incredible to watch. Do you need us to do anything?

[Narrator]

Thomas was always full of questions and his desire to satiate his curiosity about the world. He was determined to understand Jesus and his ministry better, never allowing the words of others to define his perceptions of their rabbi. Jesus chuckled at Thomas's alacrity.

[Jesus]

If you pause to take a breath between all your questions, maybe I could answer one of them as much as I would like answers to all the same questions.

[Reuben]

Is it possible that Jesus didn't say

[Jesus]

what the plans were on purpose? Ah, you're not too far off, Andrew. Today will be a lesson in following me. Just do all that I have shown you to do.

[Narrator]

Their minds began trying to comprehend Jesus mysterious intentions. The disciples finished their lunch in silence, wondering how they would know what they were supposed to do. Reuben huffed and puffed as he pulled the cart behind him. More of their neighbors had accepted Ahava's invitation to join them on their day trip than he expected. He had thought it would be easier to pack the kids into the cart, save for the newborns strapped to their mothers. As sweat dripped from his brow with each strained step, he questioned whether he had made the right choice. Behind him, a Hava and their neighbors were sharing all the stories they had heard about the man named Jesus.

[Ahava]

I heard he performs miracles wherever he goes. One of my cousins in Cana said it started at a wedding there. I don't know about miracles, but they say when he teaches, even the Pharisees have trouble finding their voices a Pharisee

[Reuben]

without something to say. Now I'd say that's the real miracle.

[Narrator]

Despite his jesting, Reuben had to admit that he was curious if all the stories he had heard about the rabbi were true. He had picked up pieces of tales from traveling merchants in the marketplace as he tended to his shop. They said they had witnessed Jesus use a boy's lunch to feed a whole multitude of gatherers, and that after that, he had taught one of the most potent messages they had ever heard. If even just a fraction of the stories were true, making this trip was worth meeting Jesus of Nazareth. As Reuben was about to suggest stopping for lunch, Ahava raised her voice with a sudden gasp.

[Ahava]

I see a group up ahead. Maybe they know where Jesus is. And if not, it's at least a good reason to stop for lunch.

[Narrator]

Hearing the word lunch made Reuben's stomach grow. He wished one of the other fathers would offer to take a turn with a cart. He turned back to check on the kids. Naomi was perched at the base of the wooden handles, holding on as if driving a yoke of oxen. Seeing her joy seemed to lighten the load and gave him the strength to continue. The families neared the group of men as several stood to greet them.

[Jesus]

Shalom. Shalom.

[Reuben]

What brings you all this way with

[Jesus]

so many young ones?

[Narrator]

Andrew smiled at the little ones huddled together in the cart. He contorted his face with a grin, making the kids all laugh.

[Reuben]

Shalom. Shalom. Our apologies for interrupting your lunch, but we had heard rumors that the rabbi called Jesus of Nazareth was in the area, and my family and neighbors were hoping we could meet him.

[Narrator]

Simon stepped forward from the group.

[Reuben]

I'm sorry, but our teacher is taking a break for the day.

[Ahava]

So you mean he's here?

[Narrator]

Ahava could hardly believe it. She was sure the Lord had led them straight here. She turned back to the children.

[Ahava]

Little ones, the rabbi is here. Carefully climb out of the cart, Miss,

[Reuben]

perhaps you misheard me. I said our teacher is taking a break for today.

[Jesus]

Yes, but I'm sure he'll be teaching again soon. Why don't you and your precious F come back?

[Reuben]

Then?

[Jesus]

I promise you it will be well worth it.

[Reuben]

I'm not sure this is the place for children, Matthew. They're distracting and and loud. What if they interrupt our rabbi's teaching?

[Narrator]

Matthew did his best to round out Simon's directness. His diplomatic ways of managing conflicts were still ingrained in him. Years behind the bars of his tax collecting booth taught him that people are much more easily swayed with flattery than force.

[Ahava]

But we've made it all this way. Is there a chance we could just have a few?

[Narrator]

Ahava's words were cut short as another man from the group moved to introduce himself.

[Jesus]

Please excuse my friends. It appears they're having a hard time remembering the instructions I gave them today. Simon, Matthew, perhaps you should take a seat before our guests take offense to our lack of hospitality.

[Narrator]

Simon and Matthew shrunk back as all the disciples fell silent.

[Jesus]

My friends, come join us for lunch. I'm sure the parents could use a rest. While the children stretched their legs, he

[Narrator]

winked at Reuben, whose soaked robes showed that he had clearly done the heavy lifting. He wheeled the cart around to where the disciples were gathered. Jesus followed and found a spot in the middle of a long log. The children jump from the cart, one after another, piling around Jesus. Their parents attempted to keep their children from crowding too close to Jesus out of respect.

[Jesus]

Please let the little children come to me. There is no needing to keep them back. Seeing such childlike wonder and excitement is refreshing.

[Narrator]

Jesus looked to the children, then to their parents, then to his disciples, who were quietly watching and not wanting to take another misstep. Jesus paused. When he flashed a silly face at the children, they giggled and hopped onto him. Jesus pretended to fall back, then ran away with one of them on his back. The other children squealed and chased him through the nearby meadow. Jesus pretended to gallop like a horse, and each child took turns riding. Jesus whinnied, brayed, and stomped like a horse. He trotted back to the others and sat down. The children hopped onto his lap. They were near close, content.

[Jesus]

Do you see how these little children came to me without hesitation or fear? The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

[Narrator]

Jesus words pierced the disciples hearts. Immediately, conviction swept over them. How could they have forgotten how openly Jesus had accepted them despite their childish ways? And all he had asked them to do was show the same kind of love to others.

[Jesus]

Now may it please my Father in heaven to pour out blessings on these young ones.

[Narrator]

His eyes dropped to the small faces gazing up at him. He placed his hands on their heads and smiled.

[Jesus]

May God bless you and protect you. May God show favor and be gracious to you. May he show you kindness and grant you peace. Amen.

[Narrator]

The disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles and wonders. They heard him teach with authority to thousands of people. They had proudly stood by his side as he ran circles around the arguments of The Pharisees and scribes. But watching him now, laughing and playing with these precious families, they understood that there was always more to learn about the Messiah.

[Ethan]

Let's picture this scene. Parents are bringing their little ones to Jesus, hoping he would touch them, bless them, maybe even say a prayer over them. These were likely young children, even infants, being carried in their parents arms. Now you'd think this would be a heartwarming moment. But the disciples saw it differently. They rebuked the parents, probably thinking Jesus is too busy for this. We've got important things to do, places to go, sermons to preach. But Jesus, oh how I love Jesus. He stops everything and calls the children to him. He says, let the little children come to me and do not forbid them, for as such is the kingdom of God. Now what's going on here? Jesus isn't just being nice to kids, though that's certainly part of it. He's teaching us something profound about the nature of faith and about the kingdom of God. He's saying that if we want to enter the kingdom of God, we need to have a faith that's like a child's. Think about children for a moment. They trust easily. They have this incredible capacity to wonder and to be in awe. They're not weighed down by the worries and stresses that we adults often carry. When a child looks at a sunset, they don't think about the physics of light refraction. They just marvel at the beauty of it. They receive life with open hands and open hearts. Jesus is telling us that this is the kind of faith we need. A faith that trusts, that marvels, that receives God's blessings without overthinking or trying to earn it. But let's be honest, as adults, we often lose that childlike wonder, don't we? Life gets busy. We're hustling, grinding, trying to keep everything together. And before we know it, even our relationship with God can become formulaic. Something to check off the to do list. We can easily slip into thinking that we have to earn God's love or that we have to have all the answers before we can really enjoy his presence. Yet here's Jesus gently reminding us, don't forget to be like these little ones. Don't forget to trust, to wonder, to simply come to me. One commentator noted, children receive the blessing of Jesus without trying to make themselves worthy of it or pretending they don't need it. Isn't that powerful? How often do we adults try to make ourselves worthy of God's love or pretend that we've got it all figured out? Jesus says no, just come. Come like a child, with open hands and an open heart. I remember hearing that in Jesus Day it was customary for mothers to bring their children to a distinguished rabbi on their first birthday so that he might bless them. These mothers in Luke chapter 18 were simply doing what was natural to them, bringing their children to someone they trusted to bless them. They might not have known all the theological implications, but they knew Jesus is good and they wanted their children to be near Him. So what about us? Are we bringing our childlike hearts to Jesus? Are we allowing ourselves to be in awe of his goodness, to trust him with a simple, unburdened faith? Or have we allowed the stress and the grind of life to cloud our wonder, our joy and our openness to God's blessings? Let's take a moment today to ask God to renew in us that childlike faith. Let's ask him to help us trust him more deeply, to marvel at his creation, to receive his love and blessings with open hearts, just like a child. And let's also remember that just as Jesus welcomed those little children, he welcomes each of us, no matter where we're at or what we're carrying. He's calling us to come to him, to lay down our burdens and to simply be in his presence.