What Did Jesus Say About Treating Children?

When it comes to understanding how to treat children, Jesus’ teachings provide clear and profound guidance.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who interacts with children, His words offer timeless wisdom.

Let’s dive into what Jesus said about treating children and why it matters.

What Did Jesus Say About Treating Children

Jesus’ Emphasis on the Value of Children

Jesus didn’t just mention children in passing; He placed great emphasis on their value.

One of the most direct references comes from the Gospel of Matthew.

Here, Jesus illustrates the importance of children and how we should treat them.

Matthew 18:2-5

In these verses, Jesus calls a little child to Him and says:

“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.”

This passage is powerful for several reasons:

#1. Humility and Innocence:

Jesus highlights the qualities of humility and innocence in children, qualities that adults should emulate.

#2. Welcoming Children:

By welcoming children, we’re essentially welcoming Jesus Himself.

This underscores the importance of treating children with kindness and respect.

The Innocence of Children

Children represent purity and simplicity.

Jesus often used children as a metaphor for the kind of faith and purity His followers should aspire to.

Matthew 19:13-14

In another instance, Jesus emphasizes the need to let children come to Him:

“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.'”

Here, Jesus rebukes His disciples for turning children away, highlighting several key points:

#1. Accessibility to Jesus:

Children should have unimpeded access to Jesus and His teachings.

#2. Kingdom of Heaven:

Jesus directly connects children with the kingdom of heaven, showcasing their intrinsic value and the purity of their faith.

Protecting and Caring for Children

Jesus didn’t just stop at valuing children; He also spoke about the severe consequences of leading them astray.

Matthew 18:6

Jesus 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 vivid imagery highlights:

#1. Seriousness of Harm:

Causing a child to stumble in their faith or well-being is a grave offense.

#2. Responsibility:

Adults have a significant responsibility to protect children from harm and guide them rightly.

Teaching and Disciplining Children

Jesus’ teachings suggest that we should not only protect children but also guide them through proper instruction and discipline.

Proverbs 22:6 (Referenced by Jesus in broader teachings)

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

This underscores:

#1. Early Education:

Teaching children the right values and faith from a young age.

#2. Lifelong Impact:

Early teachings have a lasting impact on a child’s life and faith.

The Role of Parents and Adults

Adults play a crucial role in shaping the lives of children.

Jesus’ teachings encourage adults to lead by example and foster an environment of love and faith.

Ephesians 6:4 (Paul’s teaching influenced by Jesus)

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

Key takeaways include:

#1. Positive Guidance:

Avoid actions that frustrate or dishearten children.

#2. Nurturing Environment:

Focus on upbringing that is rooted in the teachings of the Lord.

Love and Compassion

At the heart of Jesus’ teachings is the principle of love.

This extends profoundly to how we treat children.

1 John 4:19 (John’s teaching reflecting Jesus’ message)

“We love because He first loved us.”

This principle encourages:

#1. Unconditional Love:

Treat children with the same unconditional love that Jesus shows us.

#2. Compassionate Care:

Approach children with compassion, understanding their needs and nurturing their growth.

Practical Ways to Implement Jesus’ Teachings

Here are some practical ways to apply Jesus’ teachings about treating children:

#1. Show Respect:

Always treat children with the same respect you would show an adult.

#2. Listen Actively:

Pay attention to what children say and value their opinions.

#3. Teach by Example:

Model the behaviors and values you want children to learn.

#4. Provide Guidance:

Offer gentle and loving discipline that teaches rather than punishes.

#5. Create Safe Spaces:

Ensure that children feel safe and secure in their environments.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about treating children are clear and impactful.

They emphasize valuing, protecting, guiding, and loving children.

By following these principles, we not only nurture the next generation but also live out the profound love and respect that Jesus showed to all.

Remember, treating children with the care and respect they deserve isn’t just a moral duty—it’s a reflection of our faith and love in action.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who interacts with children, Jesus’ words offer timeless guidance that can help you make a positive difference in their lives.

FAQs: What Did Jesus Say About Treating Children?

1. Why did Jesus emphasize the value of children?

Jesus emphasized the value of children to highlight qualities such as humility, innocence, and purity.

By valuing children, Jesus taught that these qualities are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven and that welcoming children is akin to welcoming Him.

2. What did Jesus mean when He said, “The kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”?

Jesus meant that the kingdom of heaven is open to those who possess childlike qualities of faith, humility, and purity.

Children symbolize the ideal state of openness and trust that believers should aspire to.

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

Jesus rebuked His disciples for turning children away and insisted that they be allowed to come to Him.

This reaction underscored the importance of children in His ministry and the need for them to have direct access to Him and His teachings.

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

Jesus’ warning about causing children to stumble signifies the grave responsibility adults have in protecting and guiding children.

Leading a child astray or harming their faith is a severe offense with serious consequences, emphasizing the need for careful and compassionate guidance.

5. How should parents and adults guide children according to Jesus’ teachings?

Parents and adults should guide children with love, respect, and positive instruction.

This includes teaching them the values of faith from an early age, leading by example, and creating a nurturing environment that fosters their growth and well-being.

6. Why is early education important in Jesus’ teachings?

Early education is crucial because it lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong faith and values.

By starting children off on the right path, as mentioned in Proverbs 22:6, parents and adults help ensure that children retain these teachings throughout their lives.

7. How can we practically implement Jesus’ teachings about treating children?

Practical ways to implement Jesus’ teachings include showing respect to children, listening actively, teaching by example, providing gentle and loving discipline, and creating safe spaces for them to grow and learn.

8. What role does love play in Jesus’ teachings about children?

Love is at the core of Jesus’ teachings about treating children.

Unconditional love, modeled after the love Jesus shows us, is essential for nurturing and guiding children.

This love should be compassionate, understanding, and patient, reflecting the true essence of Christian faith.

9. How can we ensure that children feel safe and valued?

To ensure children feel safe and valued, we must create environments where they are respected, listened to, and protected from harm.

Providing positive guidance, consistent support, and a loving atmosphere helps children thrive and develop their faith and values.

10. What are the long-term benefits of following Jesus’ teachings on treating children?

The long-term benefits of following Jesus’ teachings on treating children include fostering a generation that embodies faith, humility, and compassion.

These children grow into adults who contribute positively to their communities and uphold the values taught by Jesus, creating a more loving and just society.