Photo by Jessica Lewis

Jesus hears children’s prayers and works hard to make them come true. That is just how much Jesus regarded children, seeing them as future pillars for heaven.

While Jesus Christ is regarded as one of the greatest teachers of humanity, it can still be quite surprising to learn that he himself had very progressive and enlightened views regarding children. How Jesus regarded children is very obvious in the way he spoke about them and likened them as being quite close to the notions of godliness and goodliness.

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus would speak about children and use them as exemplars in teaching very important lessons such as faith and kindness. In the Gospels, Jesus regarded children as important as adult believers. Indeed, he would show this high regard by welcoming them, giving them benediction, and teaching them personally about the kingdom of God that awaited all believers.

How Jesus Regarded Children

Perhaps the most enlightening passage that concerns how Jesus regarded children can be found in Mark 10:13-16. In this section of the Gospels, people were approaching Jesus with children in tow. The disciples tried to stop them from bringing their children, but they were reprimanded severely by Christ himself, who spoke thusly about children: 

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

These words from Jesus are explicit in his high regard for children, whom he saw as unique and important members of the coming kingdom of God. While children are often told to act like adults, in this passage in Mark, Christ turns that view on its head by declaring that it is the believer that should follow the child and learn from their pure and innocent outlook of the world. It is often said that children are unruly and wild, but this is because they are curious about the world and have not been taught yet and shown proper conduct. This suitability for the precepts and openness is something that Jesus clearly saw.

Another passage concerning how Jesus regarded children is in Matthew 18:3-4, where he tells his disciples in no uncertain terms that unless they were unwilling to act as children do, they would never be allowed entry into the kingdom of heaven. Christ then ends his sermon by saying that only those who took the lowly position of a child would be the greatest in heaven. Jesus is explicitly teaching believers that children are worth emulating, especially their simplicity and innocence. 

A good Christian should be someone who is not burdened by the worries of the world yet who is open and curious about learning more about themselves and everything around them.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Jesus possessed a deep love for children, which is also a reminder that everyone should value and strive to protect children. They are the future pillars of the world and are deserving of the love and care that they require from the adults around them, especially their parents and family members.

Some passages that reveal how Jesus regarded children include: 

• Mark 9:36-37 where Jesus says that whoever welcomes children in his name is one who welcomes Christ.
• Luke 18:15-17 where Jesus tells a story about a rich man who refused to welcome a child. He says that this man will not inherit the kingdom of God.

These passages and verses clearly establish that Jesus regarded children with a unique and special love. For Christ, children are essential and hold an important place in the coming kingdom of God. As such, believers and non-believers alike should follow his call and learn how to love and protect children with all their might. 

Children are precious gifts from God, and they should be cherished throughout their lives, even when they grow up to become adults. Jesus hears children’s prayers, and introducing him to children is a lifelong journey, and there is no right or wrong way to go about it.

The most important thing is to be loving, patient, and understanding with your child as Christ did, but if you’re looking for some help, Rockabye Jesus by Teresa Haven Pelinski is a great help.