what did jesus say about children

What Did Jesus Say About Children

Today, we will talk about what did Jesus say about children. Many Christians do not know what this truly means. Children hold a special place in the heart of God, and throughout the New Testament, Jesus shares powerful messages about their value, innocence, and the lessons they teach us. When we consider how Jesus viewed children, we gain a deeper understanding of His love and the kind of faith that He desires from us. So, be in a reflective mode as we read through God’s word and discover the significance of Jesus’ teachings regarding children.

Children are Priceless in God’s Eyes

Jesus often emphasized the importance of children throughout His ministry. In His time, children were seen as insignificant and were not given a high status in society. However, Jesus turned this notion on its head. He called children to Himself, revealing how precious they are in God’s eyes. The Hebrew word for “child” is “yeled” (ילד), meaning to give birth or bring forth; it conveys the idea that children are a valuable gift from God. In Greek, the word for child is “paidion” (παΐδιον), which suggests a little one or infant, illustrating their tenderness and purity.

One notable instance is in Mark 10:14 (NIV), where Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” This passage highlights the significance of welcoming children into our lives and communities. Jesus recognized their innate closeness to the Father and affirmed that they exemplify the qualities needed to inherit the Kingdom of God. By embracing children, He encourages us to reflect on the pure faith and trust that they exhibit.

In Matthew 18:3 (NIV), Jesus even tells us, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This call to become like children is significant. It challenges us to let go of pride and self-sufficiency and, instead, embrace humility and dependence on God. Children demonstrate trust without questioning, and through their innocent faith, they provide us with a model to emulate in our walk with Christ.

A key lesson we can draw from this is that children reveal the nature of God’s kingdom. Their joy, wonder, and unfiltered expressions of love are attributes that many adults forget. When we look through the lens of a child’s perspective, we see the world with greater innocence and appreciation. Jesus used children as a powerful reminder of the inherent worth of every person and how we are all called to share in the wonder of God’s love.

Jesus Demonstrates Love and Care

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus engaging with children in tender and loving ways. One beautiful example is found in Mark 10:16 (NIV), where it states, “And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.” This act of embracing and blessing children illustrates Jesus’ compassion and love for them. It shows that He values their presence and desires to nurture them.

In a society that overlooked the meekness of children, Jesus uplifted them, showing us the importance of investing in their lives. He did not shy away from touching and spending time with them, teaching us that love is an action that must be expressed. The physical act of blessing children represented a deep spiritual connection, affirming their identity as beloved children of God.

Moreover, in Matthew 19:13-15 (NIV), we read about how the disciples rebuked those who brought little children to Jesus. However, Jesus firmly corrected His disciples by emphasizing the necessity of allowing children to come to Him. He made it evident that children serve as a vital part of His ministry. This event encapsulates Jesus’ heart towards children: He desires them to be part of His community, to understand His love, and to experience their inherent value in His eyes.

Further, we see Jesus’ love manifest through His teaching on the responsibility of adults towards children. In Matthew 18:6 (NIV), He warns, “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 illustrates His fierce protection of children and emphasizes our duty to nurture and guide them toward faith.

Children as Models of Faith

Another profound lesson drawn from Jesus’ interactions with children is their character, which closely resembles the attributes of faith. Children exhibit trust, humility, and an unguarded authenticity that corresponds to the qualities Jesus calls us to possess. In Luke 18:17 (NIV), Jesus emphasizes, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Here, Jesus encourages us to approach faith in a manner reflective of a child—accepting, trusting, and open.

This statement resonates deeply with our spiritual journey. Often, as we mature, life experiences, disappointments, and pressures may hinder our trusting nature. However, Jesus calls us to shed those layers of skepticism to rediscover the simplicity of faith embodied by children. In Matthew 21:16 (NIV), Jesus also makes it apparent that “From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” This emphasizes God’s intent for children to lead us into praises of worship, further indicating their significant spiritual role.

As we examine the ministry of Jesus, we can see that He prioritized cultivating a generation of believers filled with child-like faith. He used parables and teachings that often appealed to the simple and innocent understanding of children. For instance, in the parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7), the joy of finding what was lost demonstrates the Father’s love and care. Just as a parent deeply cares for their child, so does our Heavenly Father seek after us with compassion and persistence.

This invites us to consider how we, too, can foster child-like faith in ourselves and in the children around us. We are encouraged to create environments that allow the beauty of innocence and trust to flourish. As adults, our responsibility isn’t only to instruct, but to be role models who embody this child-like faith, showcasing the wonders of God’s love to the younger generation.

The Importance of Nurturing Children in Faith

Jesus not only reaffirmed the value of children but also entrusted us with the responsibility of nurturing and teaching them. In Proverbs 22:6 (NIV), it says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This passage underscores the essential role parents, guardians, and mentors play in the spiritual formation of children. Jesus entrusted His followers to pass on the teachings of the Kingdom to future generations, resonating with the importance of establishing a strong foundation for faith from an early age.

In Matthew 28:19-20, commonly known as the Great Commission, Jesus instructed His disciples to make disciples of all nations. This directive includes children, as they, too, are invited to know and love God. Children are not merely recipients of knowledge but active participants in the community of faith. They hold the potential to extend God’s love beyond the walls of the church, and we must assist them in understanding the depth of that love.

Furthermore, Jesus celebrated multigenerational faith by highlighting that wisdom flourishes when knowledge is shared across age groups. In Ephesians 6:4 (NIV), we read, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” This emphasizes the call to educate and nurture children in a way that encourages their growth in faith, free from frustration or resentment.

Practically, creating a nurturing atmosphere involves engaging children in worship, prayers, and open discussions about faith. Encouraging their inquisitive nature, offering answers to their queries, and paving avenues for them to express their understanding of God enhances their spiritual development significantly. This pastoral care helps establish a profound bond between individuals and the Lord while rooting their beliefs in a loving Christian community.

Final Thoughts

Throughout this journey exploring what Jesus said about children, we learned how He values and cherishes them. Children are precious in God’s eyes, representing a purity and trust that we should emulate as followers of Christ. Jesus showed us by His actions that we must welcome and embrace the little ones, recognizing the significant role they play in His kingdom.

Additionally, we understood that nurturing children in faith responsibly is essential in our Christian walk. Investing our time and love into children not only helps guide them spiritually but also enriches our faith journey. They teach us about trust, humility, and dependence on God, reinforcing that we must become child-like to truly embrace the Kingdom.

So, let’s continue to share the love of Jesus with children, ensuring they experience His grace and joy. Together, as a community, we can cultivate an environment where every child feels valued and understood, learning to reflect God’s love in their lives.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4