Topical Bible: Children: Christ Was an Example To

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In the teachings of the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example for all believers, including children. His life and teachings provide a model of behavior, character, and faith that children are encouraged to emulate. The Gospels offer numerous instances where Jesus interacted with children, demonstrating His love, care, and the importance He placed on them within the Kingdom of God.

Welcoming Children

One of the most significant passages highlighting Jesus' attitude towards children is found in the Gospel of Mark. When the disciples attempted to prevent children from approaching Him, Jesus rebuked them, saying, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14). This passage underscores the value Jesus placed on children and His desire for them to be close to Him.

Humility and Faith

Jesus used children as examples of the humility and faith required to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 18:3-4, He stated, "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 highlights the virtues of humility and trust, qualities often found in children, as essential for spiritual growth and acceptance in God's Kingdom.

Purity and Innocence

Children are often seen as symbols of purity and innocence, traits that Jesus exemplified throughout His life. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8). This beatitude aligns with the natural purity found in children and serves as a call for all believers to strive for a heart free from sin and full of love.

Obedience and Learning

Jesus' own childhood provides an example of obedience and a desire to learn. In Luke 2:51-52, it is recorded that Jesus, as a child, was obedient to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, and "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" . This passage illustrates the importance of respecting parental authority and the value of continuous growth in knowledge and spiritual maturity.

Compassion and Kindness

Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated compassion and kindness, qualities that children are encouraged to adopt. In His interactions with the marginalized and the needy, Jesus showed love and mercy, teaching that these virtues are central to the Christian life. In Matthew 25:40, He said, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me" . This teaching encourages children to act with kindness and empathy towards others.

Conclusion

The example of Jesus Christ provides a comprehensive model for children to follow. His teachings and actions emphasize the importance of humility, purity, obedience, and compassion. By looking to Jesus as their example, children can grow in their faith and develop a character that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 2:51
And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 19:26,27
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold your son!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Children Recalling Christ's Example and his Love.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCCXXVI. Children recalling Christ's Example and His Love.
8.6.8.6 James Montgomery. Children recalling Christ's Example and His Love. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cccxxvi children recalling christs.htm

Jesus Christ an Example of Prayer
... VII. JESUS CHRIST AN EXAMPLE OF PRAYER. ... Christ prayed as a child. The spirit of a
child was found in Him. ... We must live as children if we would ask as children. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/vii jesus christ an example.htm

Epiphany Christ Our Example.
... Epiphany Christ our Example. IV. Christ our Example. 8,7,8,7. ... Truth in every
word and look. How when children came He bless'd them,. ...
/.../lyra germanica second series the christian life/epiphany christ our example.htm

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You ...
... near the door and never said a word; only looked at the children. ... "Following Christ.
I take up the Atonement under the head of sacrifice and example, and then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter one for hereunto were.htm

Hymns for Christian Devotion
... 386. -- Christ's Love to Enemies our Example. 387. -- Faith, Hope and Charity. ... 667. --
Dedication of Children. 668. -- Children commended to Christ. 669. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/

Blessing the Children
... for children, and He was also the father's example. ... The grace of Christ in the heart
will impart a ... fathers and mothers to treat their children as intelligent ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 56 blessing the children.htm

The Sermon that the Reverend Father in Christ
... the world should be wiser than the children of the ... of efficacy, and not redemption
purchased by Christ (they have a wonderful pretty example to persuade ...
/.../sermons on the card and other discourses/the sermon that the reverend.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer
... And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while
the ... In the example and the teaching of Jesus Christ, prayer assumes ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/v jesus christ the divine.htm

The Last Supper.
... (12) It was a feast of separation from the world; and (13) of protection as God's
children. (John 13:1). ... Christ gave an example, not a church ordinance. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the last supper.htm

The Manner in which Christ Served.
... He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come ... And
what an example He has left us ... 3. Christ served encountering great Opposition ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/iii the manner in which.htm