The Bible has a lot to say about God’s love for children. Throughout the Scriptures, we see God’s heart for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. Jesus in particular demonstrated a special concern and care for children during His earthly ministry.
Here are some key things the Bible teaches about Jesus’ love for children:
Children have value and worth
In the ancient world, children were often seen as unimportant and expendable. But Jesus upended this paradigm by emphasizing the value and worth of children. He said that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who have childlike faith (Luke 18:16). Jesus also used a child as an illustration when teaching His disciples about servanthood and humility (Matthew 18:2-4). These actions showed that children, despite their small stature and dependence on others, have immense value in God’s eyes.
Children deserve care and protection
Jesus was protective of children and condemned those who would seek to harm or mislead them. He sternly warned His disciples not to despise children or prevent them from approaching Him (Matthew 19:13-15). Jesus also pronounced severe judgment on those who would cause children to stumble in their faith (Matthew 18:6). His strong defense of children showed that He wanted to provide for their wellbeing and spiritual nurturing.
Children can model faith and trust
Although children were not valued in society, Jesus pointed out their capacity for demonstrative faith. When the disciples asked who would be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus responded that unless they turned and became like little children, they would never enter the Kingdom (Matthew 18:3). The humble sincerity and wholehearted trust that children often exhibit towards their parents provides an example of how people should depend on God.
Jesus wants a personal relationship with children
Jesus discouraged His disciples from keeping children away from Him, saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). He wanted to spend time blessing the children and inviting them into His loving presence (Mark 10:16). This reflects God’s desire for an intimate, personal relationship with all people, regardless of age or maturity.
Children can be recipients of salvation
Jesus said that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who have childlike faith. This implies that even young children are able to embrace Jesus as their Savior. Just as adults must make a decision to follow Christ, children can also express sincere belief and receive salvation. Jesus emphasized that His redemptive work was for people of all ages and stages of life.
Believers should receive God’s Kingdom with childlike faith
In commanding His followers to become like little children, Jesus was emphasizing traits like humility, trust, receptivity, and wonder. Just as children rely wholly on their parents, Jesus wants believers to embrace God with simple, sincere faith instead of self-reliance. Receiving Christ should spur a childlike joy and awe of freely offered grace that transforms lives.
Children can be filled with the Holy Spirit
The account of Jesus blessing the children says He laid hands on them and prayed for them (Matthew 19:13-15). Jesus often touched people while healing or ministering to them. This implies He imparted blessings through the work of the Holy Spirit. Even young children can experience the Spirit’s indwelling presence when they put faith in Christ.
God cares for orphans and disadvantaged children
Throughout the Bible, God commands His people to care for orphans and widows as the most vulnerable members of society (James 1:27). Jesus reflected the Father’s heart for outcasts and the marginalized. His love extends especially to children lacking necessities or family support. Christians should sacrificially provide for disadvantaged children.
Loving and serving children pleases God
Jesus said that when believers welcome, feed, clothe, care for, and visit “the least of these” – including children – it is as if they are ministering directly to Christ (Matthew 25:31-46). The church is called to follow Jesus’ example by ensuring children’s needs are met, especially children impacted by poverty, disability, abuse, or neglect. Serving struggling children pleases God.
Children can praise and worship God
When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, children joined in the festive celebration and cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:15). Though the chief priests became indignant, Jesus affirmed the worship of these children. From a young age, children can experience the joy of praising God and welcoming the presence of Christ.
Jesus seeks to heal and restore childlike joy
Many of Jesus’ healing miracles restored childlike joy and activity. He enabled a paralyzed girl to get up and walk (Mark 5:41-42) and healed a centurion’s servant who was dear to him like a child (Luke 7:2-10). Bringing those who suffer into the fullness of life reflects Jesus’ desire for all God’s children to flourish.
Disciples of Jesus must care for children
Jesus’ example and teaching make clear that loving and caring for children is central to the mission of His followers. Meeting kids’ spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs should be a priority. The church must strive to make sure children are treasured, protected, and nurtured in Christian homes and communities.
In summary, Jesus demonstrated that children have immense value as full members of God’s family. His interactions with children modeled grace, acceptance, compassion, concern for the vulnerable, and an invitation into intimate relationship with Him. Jesus calls His church to welcome children, help them embrace salvation, and surround them with love.
When we show Christlike care and devotion to fostering children’s faith and wellbeing, we live out the truth that Jesus loves the little children. This brings joy to God’s heart.