How Does Jesus Care for Children?

Children hold a special place in the heart of Jesus, and His care for them is evident throughout the Bible.

From His teachings to His actions, Jesus consistently showed deep compassion and love for children.

Let’s explore how Jesus cares for children and what lessons we can draw from His example.

Jesus Welcomes Children

One of the most significant ways Jesus demonstrated His care for children was by welcoming them.

In Mark 10:13-16, we see a beautiful illustration of this:

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them.”

This passage shows several key aspects of Jesus’ care for children:

#1. He valued them:

Despite the disciples’ attempts to send the children away, Jesus insisted they come to Him.

#2. He blessed them:

By laying His hands on them and offering His blessing, Jesus affirmed their worth and importance.

#3. He taught through them:

Jesus used children as examples of how to enter the kingdom of God, highlighting their innocence and trust.

Jesus Protects Children

Jesus also demonstrated His care for children by emphasizing their protection.

In Matthew 18:6, He offers a stern warning:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

This strong language underscores the severity with which Jesus views harm to children.

His protection extends beyond physical safety to their spiritual and emotional well-being.

Jesus’ message is clear: children are to be cherished and safeguarded.

Jesus Heals Children

Another powerful demonstration of Jesus’ care is seen in His healing miracles involving children.

One notable example is in Mark 5:21-43, where Jesus raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead.

Despite being ridiculed for suggesting the girl was merely asleep, Jesus proceeded to her bedside, took her hand, and said,

“Little girl, I say to you, get up!”

Immediately, she stood up and walked around.

This miracle, along with others like the healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Mark 7:24-30) and the healing of the epileptic boy (Mark 9:14-29), highlights several important points:

Jesus responds to parents’ faith:

In each instance, the faith of the child’s parent played a crucial role.

He demonstrates compassion:

Jesus’ willingness to heal shows His deep empathy for the suffering of children and their families.

He showcases His power:

These miracles illustrate Jesus’ divine authority and ability to bring life and restoration.

Jesus Teaches About Children

Jesus frequently used children to teach profound spiritual truths.

In Matthew 18:1-5, when the disciples asked who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called a little child to Him and said:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

From this teaching, we learn:

Humility is essential:

Jesus emphasizes the humility and simplicity of children as qualities to be emulated.

Children symbolize purity and faith:

Their trust and innocence are held up as examples for believers.

Welcoming children equals welcoming Jesus:

How we treat children reflects our treatment of Jesus Himself.

Jesus Includes Children

In the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-14), a young boy plays a crucial role.

When faced with a large crowd to feed, Jesus uses the boy’s five loaves and two fish to perform a miracle.

This story teaches us several lessons:

Children have value:

Even a small offering from a child can be used powerfully by Jesus.

Inclusion in God’s work:

Jesus includes children in His miracles and ministry, showing that they have a place in His plans.

Faith and generosity:

The boy’s willingness to give what little he had demonstrates a powerful lesson in faith and generosity.

Jesus’ Ongoing Care for Children

Jesus’ care for children didn’t end with His earthly ministry.

His teachings and actions set a foundation for how the Church should treat children.

Throughout the New Testament, we see continued emphasis on caring for the young:

Ephesians 6:4:

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

Colossians 3:21:

“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

James 1:27:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”

These verses highlight the responsibility of adults to nurture, instruct, and protect children, continuing Jesus’ legacy of care.

Practical Ways to Reflect Jesus’ Care

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to reflect His care for children in our lives.

Here are some practical ways to do this:

#1. Listen to them:

Give children your full attention, showing them they’re valued and heard.

#2. Protect them:

Advocate for their safety and well-being, both physically and emotionally.

#3. Teach them:

Share the love of Jesus through stories, songs, and everyday conversations.

#4. Encourage their faith:

Create environments where children can grow spiritually, such as Sunday school and family devotions.

#5. Be a role model:

Live out your faith authentically, providing a positive example for children to follow.

Conclusion

Jesus’ care for children is a beautiful testament to His love and compassion.

By welcoming, protecting, healing, teaching, and including children, Jesus set a powerful example for us to follow.

As we strive to reflect His care in our own lives, we not only honor His legacy but also help nurture the next generation in the faith.

Remember, in every child, we see a glimpse of the kingdom of God, and in caring for them, we honor Jesus Himself.

FAQs: How Does Jesus Care for Children?

1. Why did Jesus emphasize the importance of children?

Jesus emphasized the importance of children because they exemplify qualities like humility, innocence, and trust, which are essential for entering the kingdom of God.

He used children as examples to teach profound spiritual truths and demonstrated that they hold a special place in His heart and His ministry.

2. How did Jesus show His love for children?

Jesus showed His love for children in several ways:

Welcoming them: He insisted that children be brought to Him, blessing them and affirming their value (Mark 10:13-16).
Protecting them: He issued stern warnings against causing children to stumble, emphasizing their protection (Matthew 18:6).
Healing them: He performed miracles, such as raising Jairus’s daughter and healing the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter, showing His compassion and power (Mark 5:21-43, Mark 7:24-30).
Teaching through them: He used children to illustrate important spiritual lessons, highlighting their innocence and faith (Matthew 18:1-5).

3. What did Jesus mean by saying we should become like little children?

When Jesus said we should become like little children, He meant that we should adopt qualities like humility, trust, and innocence.

These attributes are essential for entering the kingdom of God, as they reflect a pure and sincere faith.

4. How can we reflect Jesus’ care for children in our lives?

We can reflect Jesus’ care for children by:

Listening to them: Giving children our full attention and showing that they are valued.
Protecting them: Advocating for their safety and well-being, both physically and emotionally.
Teaching them: Sharing the love of Jesus through stories, songs, and everyday conversations.
Encouraging their faith: Creating environments for spiritual growth, such as Sunday school and family devotions.
Being role models: Living out our faith authentically, providing a positive example for children to follow.

5. Why is protecting children important in Jesus’ teachings?

Protecting children is important in Jesus’ teachings because they are vulnerable and need safeguarding from harm.

Jesus emphasized the severity of causing harm to children, indicating that their well-being is of utmost importance.

Protecting children ensures their physical, emotional, and spiritual safety, aligning with Jesus’ care and compassion for them.

6. What role did faith play in Jesus’ healing of children?

Faith played a crucial role in Jesus’ healing of children.

In many instances, the faith of the child’s parent or guardian was a key factor in the miracle.

This demonstrates the importance of trust and belief in Jesus’ power and compassion to bring healing and restoration.

7. How did Jesus include children in His ministry?

Jesus included children in His ministry by:

Welcoming them: Insisting they be brought to Him and blessing them.
Using their contributions: For example, using a boy’s loaves and fish to feed five thousand people (John 6:1-14).
Teaching about them: Using children to illustrate key spiritual lessons and emphasizing their importance in the kingdom of God.

8. What biblical passages highlight Jesus’ care for children?

Several biblical passages highlight Jesus’ care for children, including:

Mark 10:13-16: Jesus welcomes and blesses children.
Matthew 18:6: Jesus warns against causing children to stumble.
Mark 5:21-43: Jesus raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead.
Matthew 18:1-5: Jesus teaches that we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven.
John 6:1-14: Jesus uses a boy’s offering to perform a miracle.

9. What lessons can we draw from Jesus’ interactions with children?

From Jesus’ interactions with children, we learn:

Value and welcome children: They are important and should be cherished.
Protect and care for them: Their safety and well-being are paramount.
Teach and nurture their faith: They have much to teach us about humility and trust.
Include them: They have valuable contributions to make in the community and God’s work.

10. How does Jesus’ care for children influence Christian teachings today?

Jesus’ care for children influences Christian teachings today by emphasizing the importance of nurturing, protecting, and valuing children.

It inspires Christians to advocate for the well-being of children, create supportive environments for their growth, and model the qualities of humility, trust, and innocence that children exemplify.