By Michael C. Mack

1. On a scale of 1-5 (1—not at all; 5—very much) how much would you enjoy working in the church nursery for a year? Explain your response. 

Read Luke 18:15-17; Mark 10:16.

2. Why would Jesus’ disciples feel the need to be his gatekeepers? (See also Matthew 14:15 and 15:21-23 for other times when they tried playing this role.)

3. The babies in this passage are a stark contrast to the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 (from last week’s study). What are some of the major differences between the Pharisees and children and how they approached Jesus?

4. What faith-producing traits, attitudes, or trust do innocent children illustrate for Christians?

5. Name some specific examples of what it looks like for someone to receive the kingdom of God like a little child.

6. We talk a lot about maturing in our faith, so it may seem somewhat paradoxical to discuss becoming childlike in our faith. How do you reconcile these views?

7. In which area do you desire to grow more childlike in your faith?

• Total acceptance of Jesus

• Total trust in Jesus

• More innocent in my thinking

• More humble in my attitude

• More dependent upon God

• An increased sense of wonder of God and his ways

• Other:

Michael C. Mack leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).