How Does Jesus View Children? - PowerfulJesus.com

Understanding how Jesus views children gives us valuable insights into His teachings and the essence of the Christian faith.

In the Bible, Jesus’ interactions with children are numerous and profound, highlighting their significance in His ministry and the Kingdom of God.

Let’s delve into the various aspects of how Jesus sees children, their role in His teachings, and what we can learn from His perspective.

Children in the Eyes of Jesus

Jesus Welcomes Children

One of the most direct and powerful instances showing Jesus’ view of children is found in Matthew 19:14.

When the disciples tried to prevent children from approaching Him, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

This statement is profound for several reasons:

#1. Inclusion:

Jesus explicitly includes children in His ministry, demonstrating that everyone, regardless of age, is welcome in the Kingdom of God.

#2. Value:

By saying the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to children, Jesus places immense value on their presence and innocence.

Children as Models of Faith

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus teaches, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Here, Jesus uses children as a benchmark for the type of faith required to enter God’s Kingdom.

Key takeaways from this teaching include:

#1. Humility:

Children are humble, dependent, and trusting, traits that Jesus highlights as essential for believers.

#2. Purity:

The innocence and purity of children symbolize the ideal state of heart for followers of Christ.

Protection and Care for Children

Jesus also emphasizes the importance of protecting and caring for children.

In Matthew 18:6, He warns, “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 statement underscores:

#1. Responsibility:

Adults have a significant responsibility to nurture and protect children, ensuring they grow in faith without stumbling.

#2. Severity:

Jesus doesn’t mince words about the severity of leading children astray, indicating the high stakes involved in their spiritual upbringing.

Practical Lessons from Jesus’ View on Children

#1. Embrace Childlike Qualities

To live out Jesus’ teachings, we should strive to embrace childlike qualities in our faith and daily lives.

This means:

Trusting God Completely:

Like children trust their parents, we should place our full trust in God’s plans and provisions.

Being Humble:

Recognize our dependence on God and approach Him with humility.

Maintaining Purity:

Strive for a pure heart, free from deceit and malice.

#2. Prioritize Children’s Well-being

Jesus’ view on children compels us to prioritize their well-being in all aspects.

This includes:

Providing for Physical Needs:

Ensure children have access to food, shelter, education, and healthcare.

Fostering Spiritual Growth:

Teach them about God’s love, encourage their faith, and guide them in spiritual practices.

Protecting from Harm:

Be vigilant against any form of abuse or neglect and create safe environments for their growth.

#3. Teach and Lead by Example

Children often learn by observing the adults around them.

Jesus’ teachings remind us to:

Live Out Our Faith:

Demonstrate a living faith through our actions, showing love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Be Role Models:

Set a good example in words and deeds, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God.

Encourage Questions:

Allow children to ask questions about faith and life, providing answers that nurture their understanding and curiosity.

Biblical Stories Highlighting Jesus and Children

Jesus Heals a Child

In Mark 5:21-43, Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter, showing His compassion and power.

Key points from this story include:

Compassionate Response:

Jesus responds to Jairus’ plea, showing that He cares deeply about children’s well-being.

Miraculous Power:

Jesus’ ability to heal and raise the dead demonstrates His divine authority and the importance He places on life.

Feeding the Five Thousand

In John 6:9, a boy’s offering of five loaves and two fish becomes a significant part of Jesus feeding a multitude.

This story illustrates:

Children’s Contributions:

Even small contributions from children are valuable in God’s work.

Inclusion in Miracles:

Jesus includes a child’s offering in a miracle, highlighting that everyone, regardless of age, can be part of God’s plan.

Final Thoughts

Jesus’ view of children is clear and powerful.

He sees them as valuable members of God’s Kingdom, models of faith, and individuals to be protected and nurtured.

By embracing childlike qualities, prioritizing their well-being, and leading by example, we can live out Jesus’ teachings in our daily lives.

Let’s take to heart His profound respect and love for children, ensuring we reflect these values in how we treat and guide them.

Understanding and adopting Jesus’ perspective on children not only enriches our faith but also helps build a more compassionate and inclusive world, where every child is valued, protected, and nurtured in the love of God.

FAQs on How Jesus View Children

1. Why did Jesus emphasize the importance of children in His teachings?

Jesus emphasized the importance of children to highlight their innocence, humility, and trust, which are essential qualities for entering the Kingdom of God.

He also demonstrated that everyone, regardless of age, is valuable in God’s eyes.

2. What does Jesus mean by “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”?

By saying “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” Jesus is affirming that the qualities seen in children—innocence, humility, and trust—are vital for anyone seeking to enter God’s Kingdom.

It underscores the value of a pure and humble heart.

3. How can we apply Jesus’ teachings about children in our daily lives?

We can apply Jesus’ teachings by embracing childlike qualities such as trust, humility, and purity in our faith.

Additionally, prioritizing the well-being of children, nurturing their spiritual growth, and protecting them from harm are practical ways to live out His teachings.

4. Why did Jesus warn against causing children to stumble?

Jesus warned against causing children to stumble to highlight the severe responsibility adults have in nurturing and protecting children’s faith.

Leading children astray is a grave offense in Jesus’ eyes, emphasizing the importance of guiding them correctly.

5. What can we learn from Jesus’ miracles involving children?

Jesus’ miracles involving children, such as healing Jairus’ daughter and feeding the five thousand with a boy’s offering, show His compassion, power, and inclusivity.

These stories teach us that children are integral to God’s work and that their contributions, no matter how small, are valuable.

6. How did Jesus demonstrate His love for children?

Jesus demonstrated His love for children by welcoming them, using them as examples of faith, and emphasizing their importance in His teachings.

He showed compassion and care, ensuring that children were valued and protected in His ministry.