September 21, 2025
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Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

Mark 10:13-16
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

1. The Disciples Misunderstood the Kingdom

2. Jesus Welcomes the Humble

3. Jesus Embraces and Blesses

The kingdom of God isn’t for the proud, the polished, or the powerful—it’s for the humble, the weak, the dependent.

Next Steps

• I confess my sin and turn to Jesus as King for the first time.
• I commit to pursuing Jesus with a heart of dependence, not performance.
• I choose to be intentional and invitational in how I serve others.

Deep Dive

1. Share a time when you felt most like a child in your faith. What was that like?
2. Read Matthew 18:3-4. How does this shape your understanding of conversion and discipleship?
3. How can we, as a church, become more welcoming to those often overlooked?

Springboards

1. If you had $10 million, what would you do first? How could that much money be dangerous?
2. Read Mark 10:17-31. Why do you think the rich young ruler was sorrowful?
3. Read Matthew 6:24. What are some modern ways we attempt to serve both God and money?