Exploring Catholic Social Teaching
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HANDOUT A<br />
Jesus’ Friends<br />
Directions: Read or listen to the three stories from Scripture. Discuss the<br />
question following each story with your classmates.<br />
Scripture Story #1: Read Matthew 19:13-15.<br />
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and<br />
pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to<br />
me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as<br />
these.” After he placed his hands on them, he went away.<br />
Explanation:<br />
To rebuke means to scold harshly.<br />
At this time in history, children were not encouraged to speak to adults<br />
unless they were spoken to. In this passage, children also meant really little<br />
ones, mainly babies. The disciples might have thought that bringing babies to<br />
Jesus would delay His teaching and interrupt what He was there to do.<br />
Discussion Questions<br />
1. Who was Jesus spending time with in this passage?<br />
2. Are you surprised that Jesus spent time with children? Why or why<br />
not?<br />
3. How do you think the disciples reacted when Jesus asked them to<br />
bring the babies to Him?<br />
4. How do you think the parents of the babies felt when Jesus was<br />
willing to bless their children?<br />
5. What does this story teach you about Jesus?<br />
© SOPHIA INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS 41
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