“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'” – Matthew 18:2-3
Bible Verses About Jesus Loving Children
The Importance of Children in God’s Eyes
We often find ourselves reflecting on the immense value that children hold in the eyes of God. Throughout the Bible, Jesus emphasizes the importance of these little ones, showing us that they embody pure faith and willingness to trust in Him completely. When we see how Jesus welcomes children, it serves as a gentle reminder that we, too, should embrace the innocent faith and humility they naturally possess. Recognizing the worth of children helps us to nurture and cherish them, ensuring they receive the love and guidance they need as they learn about God and His love for them.
Matthew 19:14
“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
Mark 10:16
“And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” – Mark 10:16
Luke 18:16
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” – Luke 18:16
Matthew 21:15-16
“But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they were indignant. ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ they asked him. ‘Yes,’ replied Jesus, ‘have you never read, “From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise”?'” – Matthew 21:15-16
Matthew 18:6
“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
The Love of Jesus for Children
We are reminded consistently throughout the Scriptures of the boundless love that Jesus has for children. His actions and words reveal a heart that cherishes youth and sees them as central to His ministry. By placing His hands on these little ones and blessing them, Jesus exemplifies the deep affection He holds for them. Through these verses, we are encouraged to follow His example, demonstrating love, patience, and kindness to the children in our lives, helping them to grow in their understanding of God’s love.
Mark 10:14
“When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘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
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
Luke 9:48
“Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.'” – Luke 9:48
Teaching Children About God
We all have the privilege and responsibility to teach the younger generations about God and His undying love. Jesus welcomed children into His arms, showing us that teaching and nurturing their faith should be of utmost priority. The foundation we lay for them today can impact their lives for years to come, guiding them on their spiritual journeys. By being patient and devoted in our teaching, we can help them understand the beauty of faith and the love Jesus holds for each and every one of us.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
Colossians 3:21
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” – Colossians 3:21
Proverbs 1:8
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 1:8
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
The Example of Jesus in Caring for Children
We can learn so much from Jesus’ gentle approach and care for children. His life provides a model for how we should interact with the younger generation. When Jesus chooses to embrace children, it teaches us the value of being attentive and nurturing. As we consider His example, we are encouraged to provide love, support, and a safe environment for children so that they can flourish in their faith. Let us take His approach and aim to reflect that kindness and care to children around us.
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:10
Matthew 14:14
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” – Matthew 14:14
Mark 9:37
“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:37
Luke 18:15
“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.” – Luke 18:15
John 21:15
“When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.'” – John 21:15
The Joy of Children
It is clear that children bring joy and laughter to our lives. Jesus reminds us of the purity and happiness in being childlike. Their innocence and genuine nature can teach us valuable lessons about joy, love, and gratitude. By embracing the joy children offer, we can experience a fuller understanding of God’s love and happiness. As we engage with children, we should reflect on how these joyful moments can deepen our relationship with God and encourage a sense of community.
Psalm 126:3
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3
Psalm 149:4
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” – Psalm 149:4
Proverbs 15:13
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13
1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Rejoice always.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
The Responsibility of Adults towards Children
As adults, we have a duty to protect and nurture the children around us. God calls us to be their guardians, walking alongside them in their development and education. The love and care we give children allow them to feel secure and valued. By establishing a loving environment, we can encourage them to grow spiritually and emotionally. It is essential that we take this responsibility seriously, ensuring that we guide them as they learn about the love of Jesus and His teachings.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” – James 1:27
1 Timothy 5:1-2
“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your own father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” – 1 Timothy 5:1-2
Isaiah 54:13
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” – Isaiah 54:13
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Mark 9:36-37
“He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.'” – Mark 9:36-37
Final Thoughts
As we revisit all that Jesus shared about His love for children, we gain a deeper appreciation for their role in our lives. We recognize that Jesus’ heart for the little ones encourages us to create loving relationships with them. It is a call to action for us to nurture their minds and spirits so they may grow in faith and confidence. Each verse brings us closer to understanding the gentle and caring nature of Christ, prompting us to show that same love to young hearts.
We have the immense opportunity to guide children in their spiritual journeys, teaching them about the unwavering love of God. Let us remember that in every interaction, we can reflect Christ’s love and compassion. The lessons we learn from these verses can empower us to cherish our own childlike faith, while also helping to raise a generation that knows and loves God deeply.
As we continue to explore the Scriptures, let’s seek out more insights about our faith, including topics such as the teachings from Matthew 19:13-15 and Mark 10:13-16. May we always be reminded of the incredible gift that children are in our lives.