Does the Bible talk about the way Jesus interacted with children?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jesus consistently welcomed, blessed, and valued children, showing that they hold great worth in God’s eyes. He invited them to come to Him, even when others tried to hinder them (Mark 10:13‑14; Luke 18:15‑17). He showed through His words and actions that no one is too important to care for the young or vulnerable (Matthew 18:5). Through His miracles, such as healing children and raising Jairus’ daughter, Jesus made clear that children were fully included in His ministry (Mark 5:21‑43; Luke 8:40‑56). He also used children as examples of humility, trust, and childlike faith, teaching His followers to approach God with humility, openness, and dependence (Matthew 18:3-5; Luke 18:15‑17). Jesus’ interactions with children reveal God’s love. We are all children of God, able to know Him personally and valuable to Him (John 1:12; Galatians 3:26). Observing how Jesus treated children challenges us to honor, nurture, and learn from the young in our lives, giving them attention, care, and encouragement (Matthew 18:5; Mark 9:37). By valuing children and emulating their humility and trust, we reflect Jesus’ love and participate in His work of shaping lives for His kingdom.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Jesus interacting with children is not mentioned in the Old Testament. But the Old Testament does discuss the value of children and the trait of humility. Psalm 127:3 calls children a “heritage from the Lord.”
• Jesus presented children as an example of the simple humility all believers should have. All of Scripture, including the Old Testament, presents humility as an exemplary trait. In speaking of his humble reverence for God, David says, “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high” (Psalm 131:1) and compares himself to “a weaned child” who takes comfort in the Lord (v. 2).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Mark 10:13-16 records, "And they were bringing children to [Jesus] that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them" (See also Matthew 19:13-15 and Luke 18:15-17). Jesus invited interaction with children. He was not too important or busy to be bothered by them, but allowed them to come to Him. He even used them as an example, for what we have termed "childlike faith."
• Many of Jesus' miracles involved children. Jesus healed the son of an official in Capernaum (John 4:46-54). He removed an unclean spirit from the "little daughter" of a Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30) and cast a demon out of a boy who had been afflicted since childhood (Mark 9:14-29). He raised Jairus' twelve-year-old daughter from the dead (Luke 8:40-56). Clearly Jesus cared for children.
• Jesus also often referred to children in His illustrations. When His disciples were arguing about who was the greatest among them, Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4). Jesus also described the way earthly parents care for their children to demonstrate the depth of God the Father's love of us (Luke 11:11-13). John 1:12-13 says, "But to all who did receive [Jesus], who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." The New Testament continues this theme of being children of our Heavenly Father.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Though detailed descriptions of Jesus' interaction with children are sparse, He affirms the worth of children. He interacted with them during His earthly ministry, used some of their qualities as examples, and talked about His followers as children of God. Observing how Jesus welcomed, blessed, and interacted with children invites us to reflect on how we treat those who are young, vulnerable, or overlooked in our own lives. Just as Jesus made time for children despite His important mission, we can prioritize showing care, attention, and encouragement to those around us, especially the young or marginalized. When we recognize that children are also made in the image of God and have great value, we uphold the way Jesus treated children. We can take time to listen to them. We can let them be children. We can let their curiosity, honesty, and zest for life inspire us. We can also learn from their trust and dependence, striving to cultivate a humble, childlike faith in our own walk with God. By valuing and nurturing children as Jesus did, we reflect His love to the world and participate in His work of shaping lives for His kingdom.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus welcomed, blessed, and valued children, showing their worth in God’s eyes.
• Jesus used children as examples of childlike faith.
• Jesus’ example challenges us to honor, nurture, and learn from the young, reflecting His love.

REFLECT

• How do you actively show care, attention, and encouragement to children or the young people in your life?
• What can you learn from the faith of children that helps you grow in your own faith?
• Are there moments when you might be too busy or distracted to welcome or bless others like Jesus welcomed children, and how can you change that?

ENGAGE

• How can we, as believers, reflect Jesus’ love by nurturing and valuing children in our families, churches, and neighborhoods?
• What are examples of childlike faith, and how can we encourage each other to embrace them?
• How does recognizing all believers as “children of God” shape the way we interact with both the young and the vulnerable in our society?