What Jesus Said About Kids - PowerfulJesus.com

When it comes to the teachings of Jesus, one of the most compelling topics is His views on children.

If you’ve ever wondered what Jesus said about kids and why His words are still so influential today, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into the insights Jesus offered about children, shedding light on His profound respect and affection for them.

Children in Jesus’ Time

Before we explore Jesus’ words, it’s helpful to understand the context of children in His time.

In ancient Jewish culture, children were valued but not always given the same importance as adults.

Their status was often low, and they had little authority. However, Jesus’ approach was radically different.

Jesus Welcomes Children

One of the most notable stories about Jesus and children is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Here’s a summary of what happened:

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.”

This moment is powerful.

Despite the disciples’ attempts to keep the children away, Jesus openly welcomes them.

He emphasizes that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like children.

It’s a clear message: children are precious in the eyes of God.

Childlike Faith

Jesus didn’t just welcome children; He also held their qualities in high regard.

He often pointed to children to illustrate essential spiritual truths. For example:

Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV): “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.'”

Here, Jesus underscores the importance of humility and trust, virtues often found in children.

He encourages His followers to adopt a childlike faith—a faith that is pure, humble, and fully trusting in God.

The Greatest in the Kingdom

Jesus’ disciples once asked Him who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

His response was unexpected:

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.'”

Jesus elevates the status of children by saying that those who humble themselves like a child will be the greatest in His kingdom.

This teaching flips societal norms on their head and places immense value on humility and innocence.

Protecting the Innocent

Jesus was also very clear about the protection of children.

He had stern warnings for those who would cause harm to them:

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.”

These are some of Jesus’ harshest words.

They highlight the severe consequences for leading children astray or causing them harm.

It shows His deep care and protective instinct for the young and vulnerable.

Teaching and Caring for Children

Jesus’ interactions and teachings imply that adults have a significant responsibility towards children.

This involves not only protecting them but also teaching and nurturing them in a loving environment.

Proverbs 22:6 (NIV): “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Although this verse is from Proverbs and not directly from Jesus, it aligns with His teachings.

It emphasizes the importance of early guidance and instruction, shaping children’s futures positively.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Jesus’ teachings about children are rich with love, respect, and a call to humility.

He welcomed children, valued their childlike faith, highlighted their importance in the kingdom of heaven, and sternly warned against causing them harm.

His approach was revolutionary for His time and continues to resonate deeply today.

If you’re looking to understand the essence of Jesus’ view on kids, remember these key points:

Welcoming: Jesus always welcomed children and saw them as integral to His kingdom.
Faith and Humility: He valued their innocence and pure faith, urging adults to adopt similar qualities.
Protection: Jesus was protective of children and emphasized the severe consequences of leading them astray.
Responsibility: Adults are called to teach, nurture, and guide children with care and love.

These teachings serve as a timeless reminder of the special place children hold in the heart of Jesus and the importance of treating them with the utmost respect and care.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone who interacts with children, Jesus’ words offer profound guidance on how to honor and support the youngest among us.

FAQs: What Jesus Said About Kids

1. What did Jesus say about letting children come to Him?

Jesus welcomed children and instructed His disciples to allow them to come to Him.

In Matthew 19:14 (NIV), He said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

2. Why did Jesus emphasize becoming like children?

Jesus highlighted the importance of humility and pure faith, traits often seen in children.

In Matthew 18:3-4 (NIV), He said,

“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.”

3. How did Jesus view the status of children in the kingdom of heaven?

Jesus elevated the status of children, stating that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like them.

He considered their humility and innocence as key virtues for His followers.

4. What warnings did Jesus give about harming children?

Jesus issued stern warnings against causing harm to children.

In Matthew 18:6 (NIV), He said,

“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.”

5. What responsibilities did Jesus imply adults have towards children?

Jesus’ teachings imply that adults have significant responsibilities towards children, including protecting them, teaching them, and nurturing them in a loving environment.

6. How did Jesus’ view of children differ from the cultural norms of His time?

In Jesus’ time, children were often seen as having low status and little authority.

Jesus, however, valued and respected children, welcoming them and elevating their status by associating them with the kingdom of heaven.

7. What can we learn from Jesus’ teachings about children today?

Jesus’ teachings about children remind us of the importance of humility, innocence, and pure faith.

They also emphasize the need to protect, nurture, and teach children with love and care.

8. Are there other Bible verses that align with Jesus’ teachings on children?

Yes, Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) aligns with Jesus’ teachings, stating,

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

This emphasizes the importance of early guidance and instruction.

9. Why is it significant that Jesus used children to illustrate spiritual truths?

Using children to illustrate spiritual truths highlights the importance of qualities like humility, trust, and innocence in the spiritual life.

It also shows Jesus’ unique approach to teaching, making profound points through simple, relatable examples.

10. How can Jesus’ teachings about children impact our interactions with them today?

Jesus’ teachings encourage us to treat children with respect, love, and care.

They remind us to value their perspectives, protect their well-being, and guide them with kindness and wisdom.