Jesus and the Children

Light a candle and remember the presence of God is with you.

Before you begin, cut out the Lent Wreath pieces.

The season of Lent is the time when we prepare for Easter. The church uses the color purple to show when we are getting ready for something important.

Every week is a different piece of a what becomes very special story.

Let each person cut out or touch a piece of the is week’s wreath.

Jesus, God’s special son, spent a lot of time traveling, sharing, showing, and loving others.

Place Jerusalem on the right if where you are sitting. 

Place the road going towards Jerusalem.

Jesus was living the gospel - The “Good News” of God. Jesus was like a candle that brought light to those who felt sad.

Place Jesus on the road to the right (far from Jerusalem).

Lots of people followed him on these roads to different places.

Move Jesus down the road and place the two disciples beside him.

Families would come and listen to him speak. They liked to be near him.

Place the child(ren) and youth(s) around Jesus.

I wonder if you have ever been somewhere, like the zoo or a movie, where you wanted to see what was happening?

Place the disciples between Jesus and the children.

One time, there were people who told the children that they would bother Jesus and they needed to get out of the way. The children could not see Jesus.

But Jesus can see us – even when we feel that there are things, like people, in the way.

Move the disciples back beside Jesus—not blocking the children.

Jesus moved those blocking the children and welcomed them close to him. He even honored these children, like you, making them feel extra important.

Move the child and youth to Jesus.
Have Jesus give a hug and bless each one.

Cup your hand over the child in a blessing motion.

Jesus told all that these children were the most special part of God’s kingdom. Everyone should be like children if they wanted to be close to Jesus.

Sit in silence for a moment.