Day 1 - Lord's Day - Sunday | Daily Devotions | The KJV Standard Lesson Commissary, 2025-2026 |

 April 19

Lesson 7 (KJV)

Children: Gift and Model

Devotional Reading: Psalm 8

Background Scripture: Matthew 18:1–6; Mark 9:36–37, 42; 10:13–16; Luke 2:1–20

Mark 9:36–37, 42

36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,

37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

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42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

Mark 10:13–16

13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Key Text

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.—Matthew 10:15

Social Teachings of the Church

Unit 2: Fulfilling Our Obligations to Family and Community

Lessons 5–8

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Summarize Jesus’ interactions with children in Mark 9 and 10.

2. Assess daily habits against the backdrop of Jesus’ invitation to become “like children.”

3. Repent of ways he or she has been like the disciples, rebuking (even internally) the “least of these.”

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Role Models

B. Lesson Context: Historical

C. Lesson Context: Children

I. Jesus and a Child (Mark 9:36–37, 42)

A. Welcoming, Part 1 (vv. 36–37)

Childlike Trust

B. Warning, Part 1 (v. 42)

II. Disciples and Children (Mark 10:13–16)

A. Welcoming, Part 2 (vv. 13–14)

B. Warning, Part 2 (vv. 15–16)

Messy Kingdom

Conclusion

A. Greatness Is Childlikeness

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

How to Say It

Aramaic	Air-uh-may-ik.
Caesarea Philippi	Sess-uh-ree-uh Fih-lip-pie or Fil-ih-pie.
Capernaum	Kuh-per-nay-um.
centurion	sen-ture-ee-un.
Deuteronomy	Due-ter-ahn-uh-me.
Perea	Peh-ree-uh.

Introduction

A. Role Models

“Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating,” said John Wooden, a well-known and successful NCAA basketball coach. “Modeling” is the process of teaching skills and behaviors through observable actions and imitation. It is more than being told how to do something; consider that “actions speak louder than words.” Therefore, role models positively influence our lives by sharing their wisdom, knowledge, and experience through observational learning. They live alongside us and teach by demonstrating exemplary attitudes, behaviors, skills, and habits. A role model can make a big difference in a young, impressionable life.

In today’s text, Jesus speaks and models His lesson to the disciples. As the most significant role model in history, we seek to learn and imitate His values and ways.

B. Lesson Context: Historical

Our text lands between Peter’s confession of Jesus, “Thou art the Christ” (Mark 8:29), and the triumphal entry (11:1–10). Sandwiched between these events are clarifying motifs that define God’s kingdom as upside-down and contrary to natural human instinct. Examples of these motifs are the high cost of discipleship (10:21–22), the difficulties of wealth (10:24–31), and a redefinition of greatness (10:36–45). Throughout this section, Jesus exalts the weak and lowly while humbling the powerful and proud.

Just before today’s text, Jesus and His disciples traveled the 25 miles between Caesarea Philippi and Capernaum (Mark 8:27; 9:33). Caesarea Philippi was a town in the hill country at the base of Mount Hermon. Capernaum was a small fishing village that Jesus used as the base of His ministry on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:13). Mentioned in all four Gospels and named more than any other town in the New Testament, Capernaum is mentioned except Jerusalem. It is where the centurion asks for Jesus’ help and where He heals the paralytic who was dropped through the roof (Matthew 8:5; Mark 2:1–12). In contrast, Scripture mentions Caesarea Philippi only twice: in Matthew 16:13 and its parallel in Mark 8:27.

C. Lesson Context: Children

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century AD, children held little significance. Adults viewed them as lacking reason and requiring training. The aim of their training was to learn their parents’ business and duties. Their value was in their contribution to the family. In the extreme, children were considered property—to be nurtured or disposed of as the head of household determined. The same was true in Jewish households, but God also taught His people to consider children as a blessing (Psalm 127:3–5). God instructed parents to teach Israel’s faith to their children and train them properly in behavior and wisdom (Deuteronomy 11:19; 31:12–13; Proverbs 22:6). Still, they had little power or status.

I. Jesus and a Child

(Mark 9:36–37, 42)

                                                                                     A. Welcoming, Part 1 (vv. 36–37)

 

What Do You Think? Do you learn best by reading/hearing verbal instructions, watching someone demonstrate, or trying things yourself? Digging Deeper Why do you think modeling is more effective than telling someone what to do? Share examples of modeling.

 

What Do You Think? What does Jesus mean when He talks about receiving people in His name? Digging Deeper How do we actively receive children, immigrants, the poor, and the needy in our communities?

Childlike Trust

         

                                                                                               B. Warning, Part 1 (v. 42)

 

What Do You Think? How does hyperbole (overstatement or exaggeration) assist in teaching a difficult concept? Digging Deeper Where else does Jesus use hyperbole? Make a list of examples.

II. Disciples and Children

(Mark 10:13–16)

                                                                                             A. Welcoming, Part 2 (vv. 13–14)

What Do You Think? Why did the disciples criticize those who brought children to Jesus? Digging Deeper What do you think parents hoped Jesus’ touch would do for their children?

                                                                                              B. Warning, Part 2 (vv. 15–16)

What Do You Think? What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a little child? Digging Deeper How can we be childlike in faith without being childish?

                                                                                               A. Greatness Is Childlikeness

                                                                                               B. Prayer

Conclusion

A. Greatness Is Childlikeness

Culture teaches us that the “good life” is for the smart, powerful, and accomplished. This concept is a constant refrain across academia, workplaces, the media, and social circles. Even our children express this outlook—bragging about how good they are at something, how well they do in school, or how much bigger they are than younger siblings. This behavior points to social and cultural values that promote competition and comparison to determine who’s in and who’s not. Jesus’ point is quite the opposite.

Jesus teaches a nonhierarchical mindset among His followers. He challenges His disciples to recalibrate their values and embrace a new kingdom mindset. Jesus encourages unity, service, and childlike faith. He calls His people to accept entry into His kingdom with the delight of a child receiving a gift. To be sure, there are childish attitudes and actions we must avoid, correct, or otherwise put behind us (1 Corinthians 13:11; 14:20; Ephesians 4:14; Hebrews 5:13–14; 1 Peter 2:2). Knowing what those are and how to grow beyond them while honoring and embracing Jesus’ viewpoint is our continuing challenge.

How might you adjust your goals, vantage points, and perceptions to better align with Jesus’ directives? In what ways might you embrace childlikeness, vulnerability, innocence, and trust on a day-to-day basis?

B. Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for welcoming us into Your kingdom as You welcomed the little children. Teach us to depend on You as a child depends on an adult. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember

The kingdom of God belongs to the childlike.

Involvement Learning

Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).

 Jon Weatherly, Becki Rogers, and Mark A. Taylor, “Children: Gift and Model,” in The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2025–2026, ed. Taylor Z. Stamps et al., vol. 73, The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary (Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2026), 287–288.