Everything you need to know about Jesus and children

The New Testament of the Bible presents several instances where Jesus interacts with children, and these interactions often serve to convey significant theological or moral teachings. Here are a few notable passages involving Jesus and children:

Let the Little Children Come to Me: One of the most famous accounts can be found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. People were bringing their children to Jesus so that He might bless them. The disciples rebuked these people for doing so, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14, NIV). This event underscores the value and importance Jesus placed on children.

The Greatest in the Kingdom: In another instance, when the disciples asked Jesus who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus called a child to stand among them and 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” (Matthew 18:2-4, NIV). This teaching emphasizes humility and childlike faith as essential qualities for those in God’s kingdom.

Causing Little Ones to Stumble: Jesus also offered stern warnings about causing children or those with childlike faith to stumble: “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” (Matthew 18:6, NIV). This underscores the gravity of leading the innocent or the faithful astray.

Miraculous Healings: There are accounts where Jesus healed children, such as the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:21-43) and the son of a royal official (John 4:46-54).

These interactions and teachings reveal the significant value and love Jesus held for children. They also serve as lessons for believers about humility, faith, responsibility, and the nature of the Kingdom of God.