Topical Bible: Children: Jesus

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Introduction

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ hold a central place in Christian theology and are of profound significance for children within the Christian faith. Jesus' interactions with children, His teachings about them, and His own childhood provide valuable insights into His character and the values He imparted.

Jesus' Birth and Childhood

The birth of Jesus is a pivotal event in the Christian narrative, celebrated as the Incarnation of God. According to the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies (Matthew 1:22-23; Luke 2:4-7). The visit of the shepherds and the Magi highlight the recognition of Jesus' significance from His earliest days (Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:1-12).

Jesus' childhood is briefly documented in the Gospels. Luke 2:40 states, "And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him." At the age of twelve, Jesus was found in the temple, engaging with the teachers and astonishing them with His understanding (Luke 2:46-47). This event underscores His divine wisdom and mission even as a child.

Jesus' Teachings About Children

Jesus' teachings about children reveal His deep love and respect for them. In Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus calls a little child to Him and says, "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." Here, Jesus emphasizes the virtues of humility, innocence, and trust, which are often embodied by children.

Furthermore, Jesus warns against causing harm to children or leading them astray. In Matthew 18:6, He states, "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 strong admonition highlights the importance Jesus places on the spiritual well-being of children.

Jesus' Interactions with Children

Jesus' interactions with children are marked by compassion and inclusivity. In Mark 10:13-16, people were bringing children to Jesus for Him to touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. Jesus, however, was indignant and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He then took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them. This passage illustrates Jesus' welcoming nature and His desire for children to be part of His ministry.

The Role of Children in the Kingdom of God

Children hold a special place in the kingdom of God, as evidenced by Jesus' teachings and actions. Their faith, purity, and openness serve as a model for believers. Jesus' emphasis on becoming like children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3) suggests that the qualities inherent in children are essential for spiritual growth and salvation.

Conclusion

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide a profound framework for understanding the value and role of children within the Christian faith. His interactions with and teachings about children underscore their importance in the eyes of God and serve as a guide for how believers should view and treat the youngest among them.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 2:40,46,47,52
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was on him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Jesus Blesseth Little Children
... ILLUSTRATIONS: JESUS BLESSETH LITTLE CHILDREN. And they brought young children
to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples ...
/.../the life of jesus christ for the young/jesus blesseth little children.htm

Hear Thy Children, Gentle Jesus
... No. 124 Hear Thy Children, gentle Jesus. FOR CHILDREN Hear Thy Children, gentle
Jesus. Father Stanfield M. Haydn Arr. by NAM. Animato. ...
/.../the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 124 hear thy children.htm

Litany for Children 368. Jesus, from Thy Throne on High
... III. SACRAMENTS AND RITES Litany for Children 368. Jesus, from thy throne on high.
7.7.7.6 [1397]St. Medan: Harm., William Henry Monk. Refrain. ...
/.../litany for children 368 jesus.htm

Jesus and the Children.
... HIS WITHDRAWAL TO EPHRAIM JESUS AND THE CHILDREN. And they were bringing unto him
little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus and the children.htm

The Children's Bible
... JESUS HAS WON. THE REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL. THE NEW HEAVEN ON EARTH. Scribner
Illustrated Classics for Younger Readers. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. The Children's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

The Yoke of Jesus.
... Jesus tells his disciples that his father had no secrets from him; that he ... he could
reveal him; the Son could make the other, the imperfect children, know the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the yoke of jesus.htm

Jesus and his Mother.
... Other mothers in their love for their children have made the same mistake that the
mother of Jesus made,"have tried to withhold or withdraw their children ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter ii jesus and his.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... who stood by the overthrown tables of the money-changers, spoke up and said angrily
to the little ones: "Silence, you silly children!". Jesus turned to them and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

The Mission of Little Children
... of heaven?" Jesus set this little one in the midst of his disciples and said, "Verily
I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the mission of little children.htm

The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young
... JESUS, MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS. JESUS BLESSETH LITTLE CHILDREN. THE RESURRECTION
OF LAZARUS, FOUR DAYS DEAD. CONVERSION OF ZACCHAEUS, A PUBLICAN. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/