Where Does Jesus Talk About Kids?

When you dive into the New Testament, you’ll find several instances where Jesus talks about children.

His teachings on kids are profound and reveal a lot about his views on innocence, humility, and the Kingdom of God.

Let’s explore these teachings to understand better what Jesus said about kids and how those words can guide us today.

Jesus Welcomes the Children

Matthew 19:13-15

One of the most well-known passages where Jesus talks about children is in Matthew 19:13-15.

Here’s what happens:

“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 passage, Jesus makes it clear that children are welcome in his presence.

He values them and sees them as integral to the Kingdom of Heaven.

This moment also highlights his disagreement with the disciples, who thought that children were not important enough to bother Jesus.

Mark 10:13-16

A similar account is found in Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus expresses his affection for children and uses them as an example for adults:

“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”

Jesus’ actions here demonstrate his love and care for children.

He doesn’t just speak about their importance; he physically shows it by blessing them.

It’s a powerful visual of his teaching that children hold a special place in God’s heart.

The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 18:1-5

Another significant passage is in Matthew 18:1-5. The disciples asked Jesus,

“Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Jesus responds in a way that surprises them:

“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.'”

Here, Jesus turns the conventional wisdom of his time on its head.

Instead of pointing to a powerful leader or a wise elder, he brings a child forward as the example.

Jesus emphasizes the qualities of humility, innocence, and trust that children possess, suggesting that these are essential for anyone who wants to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Importance of Humility

Jesus’ teaching underscores the importance of humility.

Children, in their natural state, are humble and reliant on others.

Jesus suggests that adults need to adopt a similar posture – one of dependence and humility – to be part of God’s kingdom.

This is a direct challenge to the pride and self-sufficiency that often characterizes adulthood.

Protecting Children

Matthew 18:6

Jesus also speaks sternly about the protection of children in 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 is a harsh warning.

Jesus takes the protection and well-being of children very seriously.

The imagery of a millstone around the neck is severe, indicating the gravity of leading a child astray or causing them harm.

Jesus’ words here are a powerful reminder of our responsibility to safeguard the innocence and faith of children.

Valuing the Vulnerable

In saying this, Jesus places immense value on the vulnerable.

Children, who are often powerless and dependent, are given special attention by Jesus.

This reflects a broader theme in his teachings: God’s kingdom is for the humble, the meek, and the dependent.

Those who might seem least important in the eyes of society are incredibly valuable in God’s eyes.

Learning from Children

Luke 18:15-17

In Luke 18:15-17, we find another instance where Jesus highlights the importance of children:

“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘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.'”

Jesus makes it clear that there is something about the way children receive and interact with the world that is essential for anyone who wants to enter the Kingdom of God.

Children are naturally trusting and accepting, qualities that Jesus says are vital for spiritual life.

Emulating Childlike Faith

The faith of a child is often pure and unencumbered by doubt or cynicism.

Jesus points to this kind of faith as an example for adults.

To receive the Kingdom of God like a child means to trust, to accept, and to believe wholeheartedly.

This is a call for simplicity and sincerity in our faith.

Parables and Teachings

Parable of the Lost Sheep

In Matthew 18:10-14, Jesus tells the Parable of the Lost Sheep, emphasizing God’s care for each individual, including children:

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”

Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd caring for each sheep, especially those that are lost, to illustrate God’s care for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.

This parable highlights God’s proactive love and concern for all, especially children.

A Model for Society

Jesus’ teachings and parables about children can serve as a model for how society should value and protect its youngest members.

Children are not just future adults; they are valuable in their own right and deserve respect, care, and protection.

Conclusion

In summary, Jesus’ teachings about children in the New Testament are both profound and instructive.

He emphasizes:

Welcoming and Valuing Children:

Children are precious in God’s eyes and should be treated with care and respect.

Learning from Children:

Their humility, innocence, and trust are qualities to be emulated by adults.

Protecting Children:

It is a grave responsibility to safeguard their well-being and faith.

By highlighting these themes, Jesus not only elevates the status of children but also calls everyone to adopt the qualities that children naturally possess.

His teachings encourage a society that values humility, protects the vulnerable, and maintains a sincere, childlike faith.

FAQs about Jesus’ Teachings on Children

1. Where in the Bible does Jesus talk about children?

Jesus talks about children in several places in the New Testament.

Some key passages include:

Matthew 19:13-15: Jesus welcomes little children and blesses them.
Mark 10:13-16: Similar account of Jesus blessing the children.
Matthew 18:1-5: Jesus uses a child to teach about humility and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 18:6: Jesus warns against causing harm to children.
Luke 18:15-17: Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving the Kingdom of God like a child.

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

When Jesus said,

“Let the little children come to me,”

He was emphasizing that children are valued and welcome in God’s kingdom.

He was countering the disciples’ actions of turning the children away, showing that everyone, including children, is important in God’s eyes.

3. Why did Jesus use children as examples in his teachings?

Jesus used children as examples to highlight qualities such as humility, innocence, and trust.

He taught that these qualities are essential for entering the Kingdom of Heaven.

By pointing to children, Jesus challenged adults to adopt a childlike faith and humility.

4. What does Jesus’ interaction with children teach us about humility?

Jesus’ interaction with children, especially in Matthew 18:1-5, teaches that true greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven is about humility.

Children naturally exhibit humility and dependence, qualities that Jesus says adults must embrace to be part of God’s kingdom.

5. What does Jesus say about harming children?

In Matthew 18:6, Jesus gives a stern warning about causing harm to children.

He says that anyone who leads a child astray or causes them to stumble would be better off with a millstone hung around their neck and drowned in the sea.

This strong imagery underscores the seriousness of protecting children and their well-being.

6. How can we apply Jesus’ teachings about children in our lives today?

We can apply Jesus’ teachings about children by:

Valuing and Respecting Children: Treating children with the respect and care they deserve.
Emulating Childlike Qualities: Adopting humility, innocence, and trust in our own faith and interactions.
Protecting Children: Ensuring their safety and nurturing their spiritual and emotional well-being.
Learning from Children: Recognizing and appreciating the unique perspectives and qualities children bring to our lives.

7. Why is childlike faith important according to Jesus?

Childlike faith is important because it embodies trust, simplicity, and sincerity.

Jesus highlighted these qualities as essential for receiving the Kingdom of God.

He encourages adults to have a pure, trusting faith, similar to that of a child, free from doubt and cynicism.

8. What can we learn from Jesus’ blessing of the children?

From Jesus’ blessing of the children, we learn about the inclusiveness and unconditional love of God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ actions show that children are not only welcome but also have a special place in God’s heart.

It teaches us to value and bless children in our own lives.

9. How does Jesus’ teaching about children reflect his overall message?

Jesus’ teachings about children reflect his overall message of love, humility, and the value of the least among us.

By elevating children, He challenges societal norms and emphasizes that the Kingdom of Heaven is for those who embody humility and dependence on God.

10. What is the significance of the Parable of the Lost Sheep in relation to children?

The Parable of the Lost Sheep, found in Matthew 18:10-14, illustrates God’s care for each individual, especially the vulnerable like children.

It shows that God actively seeks out and values those who are lost or marginalized.

This parable reinforces the idea that children and the vulnerable are precious in God’s eyes.