“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14
The Importance of Children in Faith
Children hold a special place in the heart of Jesus and, likewise, in our faith community. They are often seen as symbols of innocence and purity. When we speak about Jesus and children, we remember His love and regard for them. Jesus Himself acknowledged their significance when He emphasized that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like little children. This teaches us that we should strive to embrace childlike faith. Our children are not just the future; they are a vital part of the present church, and we must nurture their faith and spirituality as firmly as we nurture our own.
Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 19:14
Mark 10:16
“And he took them in his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands on them.” – Mark 10:16
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Luke 18:16
Matthew 18:3
“And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3
Mark 9:37
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives not me but him who sent me.” – Mark 9:37
Teaching and Nurturing Children in the Faith
As believers, we have a responsibility to teach and guide our children in the faith, just as Jesus did. He not only welcomed children but also took the time to teach and instill values in them. Teaching our children about the love of Jesus and His messages helps them cultivate a strong foundation in their faith. When we engage in Bible studies, prayers, and discussions about faith with them, we contribute to their spiritual growth, helping them understand the importance of love, kindness, and service in their lives.
Deuteronomy 6:7
“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” – Deuteronomy 6:7
2 Timothy 3:15
“And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:15
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Psalms 78:4
“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” – Psalms 78:4
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
The Value of Childlike Faith
When we reflect on Jesus and children, we notice His call for all of us to possess childlike faith. This means we should approach God with the trust and openness that children have. As adults, we may carry the burdens and doubts of life, but Jesus encourages us to let go of those complexities and return to that pure faith. We learn that childlike faith is characterized by trust, humility, and a willingness to accept God’s love without barriers. Challenging as it may seem, we strive to shed our doubts and embrace this simpler, more trusting faith.
Matthew 18:4
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4
Luke 8:15
“As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” – Luke 8:15
Matthew 21:16
“And they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies, you have prepared praise’?” – Matthew 21:16
Mark 10:15
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Mark 10:15
Luke 9:48
“And said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me, for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” – Luke 9:48
Jesus’ Compassion for Children
Compassion is a hallmark of Jesus’ ministry, and His interactions with children reveal His loving and kind nature. Jesus took time to stop and bless children, demonstrating that no one is too small or insignificant in the eyes of God. In our daily lives, we should mirror that compassion in our relationships with children, treating them with the utmost care and love. By doing so, we build a community that reflects Christ’s love for the little ones, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and loved.
Matthew 17:27
“However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. And when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” – Matthew 17:27
Matthew 9:36
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
Mark 10:14
“But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:14
Luke 7:13
“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” – Luke 7:13
Psalms 103:13
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” – Psalms 103:13
Encouraging Children to Know Jesus
It is essential that we create an environment where children can understand and relate to Jesus. By sharing His stories and teachings, and actively engaging them in discussions about faith, we open their hearts to knowing Christ personally. Just as Jesus invited children into His presence, we should also encourage them to bring their questions, struggles, and joys to Him. By facilitating this relationship, we help them develop a lifelong connection with their Savior, one that is built on love, trust, and encouragement.
Matthew 7:7
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
John 14:6
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
Romans 10:13
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13
John 1:12
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
Jesus’ Examples of Kindness to Children
Jesus highlighted the importance of kindness and how we interact with children. He modeled patience and understanding, showing us how to engage with the young ones in our lives. Through Jesus’ actions, we are taught to be gentle, kind, and supportive towards children, emphasizing how our words and actions affect their perception of God’s love. We aspire to create a nurturing environment where kindness is practiced daily, allowing children to feel cherished as they grow in their faith.
Luke 9:16
“And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.” – Luke 9:16
John 21:15
“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” – John 21:15
Luke 17:2
“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” – Luke 17:2
Psalms 148:12
“Young men and maidens together, old men and children!” – Psalms 148:12
Proverbs 15:16
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.” – Proverbs 15:16
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the relationship between Jesus and children brings warmth to our hearts. We see how Jesus valued children and their innocence. He taught us that they embody the kind of faith we should strive for. By nurturing and teaching our children in the faith, we share the love of Christ while instilling values that benefit both them and our communities.
Moreover, our responsibility lies in encouraging them and being examples of kindness as Jesus was. When we create a supportive environment, it helps children grow up knowing the love of Jesus personally. Let us nurture that childlike faith, ensuring that our young ones know they are loved and cherished in God’s eyes.
If you want to learn more about children in faith, please explore our other resources on Bible verses about children and Bible verses for little ones.