Surprises! Surprises

Gò0dNews for Kids

Surprises! Surprises!

by Brenda Dedmon

Do you like surprises? I like surprises that are fun and make me happy! One day, my friends had a surprise birthday party for me and I was really surprised—especially when some friends from out of town came! Have your parents ever planned a surprise trip for your family? Do you remember how excited you were when they told you? As the day got closer, did your mother begin to help you pack what you would need and talk about all the things you would do? I am sure you were getting excited! It is always fun to go and discover new places and do different things.

There were some children we read about in the Bible who had a big surprise when their parents told them they were going to see Jesus. They had heard about this man named Jesus who had healed sick people, healed blind people, and helped crippled people to walk. This story is in the Bible in Mark 10:13-16. Read the following story as it might have happened:

One day, there was an excitement in the city when people heard Jesus was there teaching. There were a group of parents who heard this news and they thought how fun it would be for Jesus to meet their children and give them a blessing. They hurried home and gathered their children and told them they were going to meet Jesus. The children were so happy they put on their best clothes to go. As they were walking down the dusty road, they were laughing and chanting— “we are going to see Jesus!” Some gathered flowers on the roadside and some picked up rocks to take to Him. They were a noisy group walking down the road because they were so excited.

Jesus’ disciples heard the group before they could even see them. They gathered and determined that Jesus would not want to be bothered with the children. They decided to turn them away. As soon as they saw them, they told them they had to leave. The children were so disappointed. However, Jesus saw what was happening and said, “No, don’t stop them, let them come and see me.” The children began to run to Jesus, and He took them on His lap and talked to them. They shared the flowers and rocks with Him.

The disciples were surprised that Jesus would spend time with children. Jesus said to them, “Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in” (Mark 10:13-16). He then gathered the children around Him and prayed a blessing over them.

As the parents were returning home, they were so happy that Jesus told their children He loved them and that they were an important part of His ministry. The children all agreed this was the best surprise ever!

Gather with your family and discuss ways you know Jesus loves you. How do you think you can show Jesus you love Him? Some things may even surprise you!

About The Author Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.