Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: In the Bible, "little children" are often highlighted as examples of purity, humility, and receptivity to God's kingdom. The term is used both literally, referring to young children, and metaphorically, to describe believers who exhibit childlike faith and dependence on God. The Scriptures emphasize the value and importance of children in the eyes of God and provide guidance on how they should be nurtured and instructed in the faith. Biblical References: 1. Jesus' Love for Children: Jesus demonstrated a profound love and care for children, using them as examples to teach important spiritual truths. In Matthew 19:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This passage underscores the openness and innocence of children, qualities that are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. 2. Childlike Faith: The Bible encourages believers to possess a childlike faith, characterized by trust and humility. In Matthew 18:3-4 , Jesus states, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." This teaching highlights the importance of humility and dependence on God. 3. Protection and Care: Scripture emphasizes the protection and care of children. In Psalm 127:3 , children are described as a heritage from the Lord: "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse reflects the value God places on children and the blessing they represent to families. 4. Instruction and Discipline: The Bible provides guidance on the upbringing of children, stressing the importance of instruction and discipline. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the responsibility of parents to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. 5. Warnings Against Causing Harm: Jesus issues stern warnings against leading children astray or causing them harm. In Matthew 18:6 , He declares, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This severe warning highlights the seriousness with which God views the spiritual well-being of children. Theological Significance: · Symbol of Innocence and Purity: Little children are often seen as symbols of innocence and purity, qualities that believers are encouraged to emulate in their spiritual lives. · Model of Faith and Trust: The childlike qualities of trust and dependence on God are essential for a genuine relationship with Him. Believers are called to approach God with the same openness and reliance that children naturally exhibit. · Reflection of God's Kingdom: The emphasis on children in the teachings of Jesus reflects the values of God's kingdom, where humility, purity, and receptivity are paramount. Practical Implications: · Nurturing Faith: Parents and guardians are encouraged to nurture the faith of their children, teaching them the principles of Scripture and modeling a life of devotion to God. · Creating a Safe Environment: The church and community are called to create environments where children are protected, valued, and encouraged to grow in their faith. · Emulating Childlike Qualities: Believers are reminded to cultivate childlike qualities in their own spiritual lives, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His kingdom. Topical Bible Verses Ephesians 6:4And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Topicalbible.org Colossians 3:21 Proverbs 22:6 Ephesians 6:1-4 Proverbs 13:24 Psalm 51:5 Greek 5040. teknion -- a little child ... someone (). Word Origin dim. of teknon Definition a little child NASB Word Usage little children (8). little child. Diminutive of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5040.htm - 6k 3813. paidion -- a young child Strong's Hebrew 2945. taph -- children... Word Origin from taphaph Definition children NASB Word Usage children (11), girls* (1), infants (1), little children (2), little ones (27). ... /hebrew/2945.htm - 6k 5759. avil -- a young boy 5768. olel -- a child Library Christ and the Little Children Jesus Blesseth Little Children O Dear Little Children The Blessing of Little Children. (Luke, xviii. 15-17; Matt. , xix. ... Christ and Little Children CM Keble. Teaching Little Children. "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... "My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ... CM Flint's Coll. Suffer Little Children to Come unto Me. Resources What does it mean that Jesus was a little lower than the angels (Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 2:7)? | GotQuestions.orgAre Christians “little gods”? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Let the little children come to me”? | GotQuestions.org Little: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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