Teaching of Jesus About Little Children

When you think of the teachings of Jesus, images of parables, miracles, and profound wisdom often come to mind.

Among these teachings, His views on children stand out as particularly compassionate and insightful.

Jesus placed significant emphasis on children, often using them as symbols to convey deeper spiritual truths.

In this article, we’ll explore what Jesus taught about little children, drawing from biblical passages and stories to give you a clear understanding of His message.

Jesus Welcomes the Children

One of the most famous moments highlighting Jesus’ attitude toward children is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Matthew 19:13-15 (NIV)

“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.”

In this scene, Jesus’ disciples tried to prevent children from approaching Him, perhaps believing He was too busy or important for them.

However, Jesus corrected them, emphasizing that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.

Key Takeaways

Children are valued in the kingdom of heaven: Jesus made it clear that children hold a special place in God’s kingdom.

Their innocence, humility, and openness are qualities that adults should emulate.

Inclusivity: Jesus’ actions showed that His message and blessings were for everyone, regardless of age or status.

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

In another teaching moment, Jesus used a child as an example to illustrate greatness in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:1-5 (NIV)

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he 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.’”

Insights from This Passage

Humility is essential: Jesus highlighted that greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about power or status but about humility and simplicity, qualities embodied by children.
Transformation: To enter the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said we must “change and become like little children.”

This suggests a need to adopt child-like qualities in our faith and approach to God.

Protecting the Innocent

Jesus also spoke strongly against causing harm to children or leading them astray.

Matthew 18:6 (NIV)

“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.”

Understanding This Warning

Severe consequences for causing harm: Jesus used vivid imagery to express the gravity of causing harm or leading children into sin.

This underscores the importance of protecting and nurturing the young.

Responsibility: There’s a profound responsibility on adults to guide children in faith and righteousness, ensuring they grow up in a loving and safe environment.

Jesus’ Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Beyond His teachings, Jesus’ interactions with children show His deep care and affection for them.

He healed children, raised them from the dead, and used them as key figures in His parables and miracles.

Examples of Jesus’ Miracles Involving Children

Healing the Nobleman’s Son (John 4:46-54): Jesus healed a royal official’s son who was near death, demonstrating His power and compassion.
Raising Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-43): Jesus brought a synagogue leader’s daughter back to life, showing His authority over death and His deep empathy for human suffering.
Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14): In this miracle, a boy’s offering of five loaves and two fish became the basis for feeding a multitude, illustrating how Jesus valued and used the simple, pure contributions of a child.

Children as Examples of Faith

Jesus frequently pointed to children as models of the kind of faith required to enter God’s kingdom.

Mark 10:15 (NIV)

“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Characteristics of Child-like Faith

Trust: Children trust without reservations.

This is the kind of trust Jesus encourages us to have in God.

Dependence: Just as children rely on their parents for everything, we are to rely on God for our needs.
Curiosity and Wonder: Children approach life with curiosity and wonder, which mirrors the openness and eagerness we should have in our relationship with God.

Practical Applications of Jesus’ Teachings

Understanding Jesus’ teachings about children can transform how we interact with and perceive them.

Here are some practical ways to apply these teachings:

Embrace Child-like Qualities in Your Faith

Seek to be humble: Avoid pride and arrogance; instead, approach life with a sense of humility and openness.
Trust God completely: Like a child trusts a parent, place your trust in God’s plan and provision.
Be open and curious: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek deeper understanding in your spiritual journey.

Protect and Nurture Children

Create safe environments: Ensure that children are protected from harm and negative influences.
Provide loving guidance: Lead by example and teach children about faith, kindness, and integrity.
Value their contributions: Encourage children to share their thoughts and contributions, recognizing their potential and worth.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about little children are rich with lessons for all of us.

He not only affirmed the value and dignity of children but also used them as powerful symbols of the qualities necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven.

By embracing humility, trust, and openness, and by protecting and nurturing the young, we can live out the profound truths Jesus shared about the importance of children in the kingdom of God.

In reflecting on these teachings, let’s strive to embody the child-like qualities Jesus admired and to treat every child with the love, respect, and protection they deserve.

FAQs on the Teaching of Jesus About Little Children

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

Jesus highlighted children because their innocence, humility, and genuine faith exemplify the qualities needed to enter the kingdom of heaven.

He often used children as models to illustrate how we should approach God—with openness, trust, and simplicity.

2. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Let the little children come to me”?

In Matthew 19:13-15, Jesus welcomed children, demonstrating that they have a special place in God’s kingdom.

This statement emphasizes inclusivity and the value Jesus placed on children, showing that everyone, regardless of age, is important to Him and should be allowed to come to Him.

3. How can we “become like little children” as Jesus taught?

To “become like little children” (Matthew 18:3) means adopting child-like qualities such as humility, trust, and openness in our faith.

It involves letting go of pride, fully trusting in God’s care, and approaching life and faith with a sense of wonder and curiosity.

4. What does Jesus’ warning about causing children to stumble mean?

In Matthew 18:6, Jesus warns against leading children into sin or causing them harm, using strong imagery to highlight the severe consequences of such actions.

This underscores the responsibility adults have to protect, guide, and nurture children in a loving and righteous manner.

5. How did Jesus’ actions reflect His teachings about children?

Jesus’ interactions with children, such as healing them and using their small contributions to perform miracles, demonstrated His deep care and value for them.

His actions showed that children were not just important to His message but were also active participants in His ministry.

6. What qualities of children did Jesus highlight as important for believers?

Jesus pointed to several child-like qualities as important for believers:

Humility: Acknowledging our dependence on God and others.
Trust: Having complete faith in God’s care and plan.
Openness and Wonder: Approaching faith and life with eagerness to learn and understand.

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

We can apply Jesus’ teachings by:

Embracing child-like faith: Being humble, trusting, and open in our relationship with God.
Protecting and nurturing children: Creating safe, loving environments and guiding them in faith and morals.
Valuing their contributions: Encouraging and respecting children’s thoughts and actions, recognizing their worth and potential.

8. Why did Jesus use a child to illustrate who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

In Matthew 18:1-5, Jesus used a child to illustrate that greatness in the kingdom of heaven is measured by humility and lowliness, not by power or status.

He emphasized that the most important qualities are those often found in children: humility, simplicity, and a genuine heart.

9. How do Jesus’ teachings about children challenge our modern views on childhood?

Jesus’ teachings challenge us to view children not merely as dependents but as individuals with inherent worth and significant roles in spiritual life.

His perspective encourages us to value and respect children, to protect their innocence, and to learn from their purity and faith.

10. What biblical passages can I read to learn more about Jesus’ teachings on children?

Here are some key passages:

Matthew 19:13-15: Jesus welcoming the children.
Matthew 18:1-5: Jesus teaching about greatness in the kingdom of heaven using a child.
Mark 10:15: Jesus explaining the necessity of receiving the kingdom like a child.
Matthew 18:6: Jesus’ warning against causing harm to children.

11. How did Jesus’ teachings about children impact the early Christian community?

Jesus’ teachings elevated the status of children within the early Christian community, encouraging believers to treat them with respect and care.

His emphasis on the qualities of children likely influenced how the community valued humility, trust, and openness in their faith practices.

12. What are some practical ways to nurture a child’s faith based on Jesus’ teachings?

To nurture a child’s faith, you can:

Model humility and faith: Show by example how to live humbly and trust in God.
Create a loving and safe environment: Ensure children feel secure and valued in their spiritual growth.
Encourage their curiosity and questions: Foster a love for learning and exploring faith.
Include them in faith practices: Involve children in prayer, worship, and community activities, acknowledging their role in spiritual life.