What Did Jesus Say About The Children? What Jesus Taught About Children

When you think about Jesus’ teachings, children might not be the first thing that comes to mind.

However, Jesus had a lot to say about them.

He not only welcomed children but also used them to teach important lessons about faith, humility, and the Kingdom of God.

Let’s explore what Jesus said about children and what those teachings mean for us today.

What Did Jesus Say About The Children What Jesus? Taught About Children

#1. Jesus Welcomed Children

One of the most well-known instances of Jesus’ interaction with children is found in the Gospel of Mark:

Mark 10:13-16:

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.

Here, Jesus made it clear that children are not only welcome but essential in the Kingdom of God.

His reaction to the disciples’ attempt to turn the children away shows just how important they are to Him.

#2. Humility and Innocence

Jesus often used children to illustrate the qualities necessary for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

He emphasized humility and innocence, virtues that are often embodied by children.

Matthew 18:3-4:

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.”

In this passage, Jesus highlighted the need for humility.

Children, by nature, are humble and dependent on others.

Jesus called us to adopt a similar attitude, acknowledging our dependence on God.

#3. Protection of Children

Jesus also stressed the importance of protecting children.

He issued a stern warning to anyone who would cause them to stumble.

Matthew 18:6:

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 the value Jesus placed on children’s spiritual well-being.

He made it clear that leading children astray is a serious offense.

#4. Children as Examples of Faith

Children are often seen as examples of pure, unpretentious faith.

Jesus used their trust and openness as a model for how we should approach God.

Luke 18:17:

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

Children’s faith is characterized by trust and acceptance.

They don’t complicate things with doubt or pride.

Jesus called us to embrace a similar faith, one that is simple and genuine.

#5. Blessings and Value of Children

Throughout His ministry, Jesus continually demonstrated the high value He placed on children.

They were not just important to Him; they were seen as a blessing.

Psalm 127:3:

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

This verse, though from the Old Testament, aligns with Jesus’ view of children as blessings.

Jesus affirmed that children are to be cherished and valued, reflecting their significance in God’s plan.

Key Lessons from Jesus’ Teachings About Children

From these passages, we can extract several key lessons:

#1. Inclusion:

Jesus made it clear that children should be included and valued in the community.

Their presence is essential in the Kingdom of God.

#2. Humility:

We should emulate the humility and dependence of children, recognizing our need for God.

#4. Protection:

It’s crucial to safeguard children’s physical and spiritual well-being.

Leading them astray is a grave matter.

#5. Faith:

We are called to adopt the simple, trusting faith of a child.

#6. Value:

Children are blessings from God and should be treated as such.

Practical Applications

Understanding what Jesus taught about children has practical implications for our lives today.

Here’s how you can apply these teachings:

In Your Family:

Treat children with respect and love.

Encourage their spiritual growth and nurture their faith.

In Your Community:

Advocate for policies and practices that protect children’s well-being.

Support initiatives that help children in need.

In Your Church:

Ensure that children are welcomed and valued.

Create environments where they can learn about and experience God’s love.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about children are clear and direct.

He valued them, welcomed them, and used them to teach us about humility, faith, and the Kingdom of God.

By embracing these teachings, we not only honor Jesus’ words but also contribute to a world where children are cherished and protected.

Let’s strive to see children as Jesus did – not just as the future, but as a vital part of our present spiritual journey.

FAQs: What Did Jesus Say About The Children? What Jesus Taught About Children

1. Why did Jesus welcome children?

Jesus welcomed children because He saw them as an essential part of the Kingdom of God.

He valued their innocence, humility, and faith, and He used them as examples to teach important spiritual lessons.

2. What does Jesus mean by becoming like little children?

When Jesus said we must become like little children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, He was emphasizing the need for humility, innocence, and a trusting faith.

Children are naturally humble and dependent on others, qualities that Jesus wants us to adopt in our relationship with God.

3. How did Jesus protect children in His teachings?

Jesus strongly emphasized the importance of protecting children.

He warned against causing them to stumble or leading them astray, indicating that it would be better for such a person to face severe consequences than to harm a child.

4. What can we learn from children’s faith according to Jesus?

Children’s faith is characterized by trust and simplicity.

Jesus pointed to this kind of faith as an ideal for believers, encouraging us to approach God with a straightforward and trusting heart, free from doubt and pride.

5. Why are children considered a blessing in the Bible?

Children are considered a blessing because they are seen as a heritage from the Lord, a reward from Him.

This view is consistent with Jesus’ teachings, which highlight the intrinsic value and worth of children in God’s eyes.

6. How can Jesus’ teachings about children be applied in our lives today?

Jesus’ teachings can be applied by:

Valuing and respecting children in our families and communities.
Ensuring their physical and spiritual well-being.
Encouraging their faith development.
Advocating for policies that protect and nurture children.

7. What does it mean to receive the Kingdom of God like a child?

To receive the Kingdom of God like a child means to have a humble and trusting faith.

Just as children trust and depend on their parents, we are called to trust and depend on God with the same simplicity and confidence.

8. How did Jesus react when His disciples tried to turn children away?

Jesus was indignant when His disciples tried to turn children away.

He corrected them and emphasized that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children, highlighting their importance and value in His teachings.

9. What role do children play in the Kingdom of God according to Jesus?

Children play a significant role in the Kingdom of God as exemplars of the qualities that Jesus values: humility, innocence, and faith.

Their presence and example are crucial for understanding and entering the Kingdom.

10. Why is it important to protect children’s spiritual well-being?

Protecting children’s spiritual well-being is important because Jesus highlighted the severe consequences of leading them astray.

Their faith and innocence are precious, and ensuring their spiritual growth is a responsibility that Jesus takes very seriously.

11. What specific Bible verses mention Jesus’ teachings about children?

Key Bible verses include:

Mark 10:13-16: Jesus welcomes children and blesses them.
Matthew 18:3-4: Jesus teaches about becoming like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 18:6: Jesus warns against causing children to stumble.
Luke 18:17: Jesus emphasizes receiving the Kingdom of God like a child.

12. How does understanding Jesus’ view of children affect our treatment of them today?

Understanding Jesus’ view of children should lead us to treat them with greater respect, care, and love.

It encourages us to protect their well-being, nurture their faith, and value their presence in our families, communities, and churches.