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 Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus took time to
minister to the children. Both the Scripture and the
pen of inspiration indicated very clearly the value
He placed on children. His ministry to them included:
- He blessed and prayed for the children. When mothers
brought their little ones to Jesus, the disciples
tried to drive them away. However, Jesus rebuked them
instead. Then He placed His hands on the children,
blessed them, and prayed for them (Matthew 19:14).
- He affirmed the children. Jesus declared affirmatively
that the kingdom of heaven belongs to children, too.
In fact, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of
God like a little child will never enter it (Mark
10:15). Here He identifies an important criterion
for entering God’s kingdom as being trusting
and humble as a child.
On another occasion when Jesus was asked by His disciples
who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, He
placed a little child in their midst, “And He
said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change
and become like little children, you will never enter
the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3, NIV). Here again,
Jesus underscores the importance of learning from
a child. He mentions one of the characteristics in
Matt. 18:4: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself
like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven.”
- He befriended the children. He enjoyed the little
things they did and even the flowers they brought
Him. E. G. White writes: “As the children gathered
the wildflowers so abundantly around them, and crowded
up to present to Him their offerings, He received
them gladly, smiled upon them, and expressed His joy
at seeing so many varieties of flowers.”—Upward
Look, p. 57.
- He participated with the children. Jesus not only
watched the children at play, but He got involved
with them in their activities. Again, E. G. White
writes: “Christ watched children at their play,
and often expressed His approval when they gained
an innocent victory over something they were determined
to do. He sang to children in sweet and blessed words.
They knew that He loved them. He never frowned on
them. He shared their childish joys and sorrows. Often
He would gather flowers, and after pointing out their
beauties to the children, would leave them with them
as a gift. He had made the flowers and He delighted
to point out their beauties.”—Upward Look,
p. 57.
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