What Does Jesus Say About Protecting Children?

When it comes to protecting children, Jesus’ teachings are clear and compelling.

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the value of children and the importance of their care and protection.

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone who cares about the well-being of children, understanding Jesus’ perspective can provide profound insights and guidance.

Jesus’ Love for Children

One of the most notable aspects of Jesus’ ministry is His deep love for children.

This love is evident in several passages where He interacts with them, teaches about them, and uses them as examples for adults.

The Importance of Children

In Matthew 18:1-5, the disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus responds by calling 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.”

In this passage, Jesus highlights the humility and innocence of children, qualities He values highly.

He also makes it clear that welcoming and valuing children is akin to welcoming Him.

Protecting the Innocent

Jesus’ protective stance towards children is even more explicit in Matthew 18:6, where He says,

“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 severity of causing harm to a child.

Jesus uses vivid imagery to convey the seriousness of protecting children from harm and leading them astray.

Practical Ways to Protect Children

Jesus’ teachings are not just theoretical; they call for practical action.

Here are some ways you can protect children in your community, inspired by His teachings:

#1. Providing a Safe Environment

Creating a safe physical and emotional environment for children is crucial. This includes:

Ensuring physical safety:

Make sure that children are in environments free from physical harm, whether at home, school, or play areas.

Emotional safety:

Children should feel loved, valued, and heard.

Encourage open communication and be attentive to their needs and concerns.

#2. Education and Guidance

Educating children about right and wrong, and guiding them with love and patience, is a fundamental way to protect them:

Teach moral values:

Instill values such as honesty, kindness, and respect.

Use stories and examples from the Bible to illustrate these lessons.

Be a role model:

Children learn a lot from observing adults.

Demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes you want them to adopt.

#3. Standing Against Abuse

Jesus’ strong words in Matthew 18:6 remind us of the importance of standing against any form of abuse:

Recognize signs of abuse:

Be aware of the signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

These can include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, and fearfulness around certain individuals.

Take action:

If you suspect a child is being abused, it’s important to take immediate action.

This could involve contacting child protective services or law enforcement.

#4. The Spiritual Protection of Children

In addition to physical and emotional protection, Jesus emphasizes the spiritual well-being of children.

Nurturing Faith

In Mark 10:13-16, people bring their children to Jesus so He can bless them, but the disciples rebuke them.

Jesus is indignant and says,

“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.”

Then He takes the children in His arms, places His hands on them, and blesses them.

This passage highlights the importance of nurturing a child’s faith.

Here are some ways to do that:

#1. Prayer:

Teach children to pray and include them in family prayers.

#2. Bible stories:

Share age-appropriate Bible stories that can help children understand and connect with their faith.

#3. Church involvement:

Encourage regular participation in church activities and Sunday school.

Encouraging a Child-like Faith

Jesus often used children as examples of the kind of faith He desires in all believers.

In Matthew 19:14, He says,

“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 not just about the innocence of children, but also about their pure, unwavering trust and dependence on God.

Trust and Dependence

Children naturally trust and depend on their caregivers.

Jesus wants us to have the same trust and dependence on God:

#1. Trust in God’s provision:

Just as children trust their parents to provide for their needs, we should trust God to provide for ours.

#2. Dependence on God’s guidance:

Like children who look to their parents for direction, we should seek God’s guidance in our lives.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about children are clear and powerful.

He values their innocence, emphasizes their protection, and encourages nurturing their faith.

By following Jesus’ example, we can create a safer, more nurturing environment for children, ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Protecting children is a collective responsibility.

It involves creating safe environments, educating and guiding them, standing against abuse, and nurturing their faith.

As we embrace these principles, we not only protect the most vulnerable among us but also honor the teachings of Jesus, who said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

By doing so, we can build a community that truly reflects the love and care that Jesus demonstrated during His ministry.

FAQs on What Does Jesus Say About Protecting Children?

1. Why does Jesus emphasize the protection of children?

Jesus emphasizes the protection of children because He values their innocence and purity.

He uses them as examples of the humility and trust required to enter the kingdom of heaven and strongly condemns anyone who causes them harm.

2. What specific Bible verses highlight Jesus’ views on children?

Key verses include:

Matthew 18:1-5: Jesus emphasizes humility and the importance of welcoming children.
Matthew 18:6: Jesus condemns causing harm to children.
Mark 10:13-16: Jesus blesses the children and underscores their importance in the kingdom of God.

3. How can we create a safe environment for children?

To create a safe environment, ensure:

Physical safety: Secure environments free from harm.
Emotional safety: A loving, attentive, and communicative atmosphere where children feel valued and heard.

4. What are some ways to educate and guide children according to Jesus’ teachings?

Educate and guide children by:

Teaching moral values: Instill values like honesty, kindness, and respect using Biblical stories.
Being a role model: Demonstrate the behaviors and attitudes you want children to adopt.

5. What actions should be taken if a child is suspected to be abused?

If you suspect a child is being abused:

Recognize signs of abuse: Look for unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, and fearfulness.
Take immediate action: Contact child protective services or law enforcement to ensure the child’s safety.

6. How can we nurture a child’s faith according to Jesus’ teachings?

Nurture a child’s faith by:

Teaching prayer: Include children in family prayers.
Sharing Bible stories: Use age-appropriate stories to help children connect with their faith.
Encouraging church involvement: Participate in church activities and Sunday school.

7. What does Jesus mean by having a child-like faith?

A child-like faith involves:

Trusting in God’s provision: Just as children trust their parents, we should trust God.
Depending on God’s guidance: Seek God’s direction in life, much like children look to their parents for guidance.

8. How can adults model the behaviors and attitudes Jesus taught regarding children?

Adults can model these behaviors by:

Demonstrating love and patience: Show consistent love and patience in interactions with children.
Standing against abuse: Actively protect children and advocate against any form of harm.
Encouraging their spiritual growth: Foster a faith-filled environment where children can grow spiritually.

9. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me”?

This means that treating children with love, care, and respect is equivalent to welcoming Jesus Himself.

It highlights the importance of valuing and protecting children as part of our faith practice.

10. How does nurturing a child’s faith contribute to their overall protection?

Nurturing a child’s faith contributes to their protection by providing them with moral and spiritual guidance, helping them develop a strong foundation of values, and fostering a supportive community that cares for their well-being.