In the Gospels of the New Testament, Jesus' teachings about children provide profound insights into the significance of innocence, humility, and childlike faith in the Kingdom of God. These teachings convey a message that challenges societal norms and underscores the importance of childlike qualities in the spiritual journey.
One of the most well-known instances of Jesus emphasizing the importance of children occurs in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 19:14). When children were brought to Jesus for a blessing, the disciples sought to prevent them, perhaps considering the children as insignificant or a distraction. However, Jesus rebuked his disciples, saying, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement carries profound implications, suggesting that the qualities inherent in children—innocence, trust, and humility—are fundamental to entering and understanding the Kingdom of God.
The Gospel of Mark (Mark 10:13-16) provides a similar account, where people were bringing children to Jesus for him to touch them. Again, the disciples attempted to stop them, but Jesus responded with a powerful statement: "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." Here, Jesus not only welcomes children but also uses them as a model for how adults should approach the Kingdom—with a childlike trust, humility, and dependence on God.
Luke's Gospel also records an incident where parents brought their infants to Jesus for him to touch them and bless them (Luke 18:15-17). Once again, the disciples attempted to intervene, but Jesus insisted on the importance of children, stating, "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 passages collectively emphasize the idea that the Kingdom of God is not for those who approach it with pride, self-sufficiency, or a sense of entitlement. Instead, Jesus highlights the virtues of childlike simplicity, openness, and trust as prerequisites for entering and experiencing the fullness of God's reign.
In addition to these explicit statements about children, Jesus often used children as metaphors in his teachings. For instance, in Matthew 18:3, Jesus tells his disciples, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This metaphorical use of children reinforces the importance of humility, dependence, and an unreserved trust in God—qualities that characterize a child's relationship with their parents.
In conclusion, Jesus' teachings about the significance of children in the Kingdom of God emphasize the transformative power of childlike faith, humility, and trust. By welcoming children and using them as models, Jesus challenges societal norms and redirects attention to the core values that enable individuals to enter into a deeper relationship with God. The Kingdom of God, according to Jesus, is not about worldly status or accomplishments but about embracing a humble and trusting posture that mirrors the innocence and dependence of a child.