JESUS AND THE LITTLE CHILDREN

JESUS AND THE LITTLE CHILDREN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 19:13-15

Key Verse: “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

Supporting Texts: Mark 10:13-16, Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 127:3, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Ephesians 6:4

Description: This study teaches believers about Jesus’ love for children, the importance of nurturing children spiritually, and the childlike qualities valued in the kingdom of God.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 19, parents brought little children to Jesus so that He might lay His hands on them and pray for them. However, the disciples rebuked those who brought the children. Jesus immediately corrected His disciples and declared, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

This passage reveals the deep love, compassion, and concern Jesus has for children. While society sometimes overlooks children because of their age or weakness, Jesus valued them greatly and welcomed them into His presence.

Children are gifts from God and precious souls entrusted to families and society. They are not to be neglected, abused, ignored, or spiritually abandoned. God desires children to be nurtured, protected, trained, and guided toward Him from an early age.

This study also reveals that the kingdom of God values childlike humility, sincerity, dependence, and faith. Jesus used children as examples of the attitudes believers should cultivate spiritually.

1. JESUS LOVES AND VALUES CHILDREN

Children are precious and important before God.

a) Parents brought children to Jesus for blessing and prayer (Matthew 19:13)
God desires children to be connected to His presence and spiritual covering.

b) Jesus rebuked those who tried to prevent the children (Matthew 19:14)
Christ welcomes children and desires them to come freely to Him.

c) Children are gifts and blessings from the Lord (Psalm 127:3)
Every child carries value, purpose, and divine potential.

d) God cares deeply about the welfare and future of children (Isaiah 54:13)
The Lord desires children to experience peace, guidance, and spiritual growth.

Biblical Example:
Samuel was dedicated to God from childhood and grew to become a mighty prophet and servant of the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

2. CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT AND NURTURED IN GOD’S WAYS

Spiritual training is essential for godly development.

a) Parents are responsible for teaching God’s truth to children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
God commands families to instruct children continually in His ways.

b) Early spiritual training shapes future character (Proverbs 22:6)
Godly instruction helps establish strong moral and spiritual foundations.

c) Children need encouragement, discipline, and guidance (Ephesians 6:4)
Loving correction and instruction help children mature wisely.

d) Spiritual influence within the home affects future generations (2 Timothy 1:5)
Faith passed down through families strengthens the next generation.

Biblical Example:
Timothy was taught the Scriptures from childhood through the influence of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 3:14-15).

3. THE KINGDOM OF GOD VALUES CHILDLIKE QUALITIES

Jesus used children as examples of kingdom character.

a) Childlike humility pleases God (Matthew 18:3-4)
Pride and self-exaltation hinder spiritual growth and fellowship with God.

b) Children often demonstrate trust and dependence (Psalm 131:2)
Believers are called to trust God sincerely and fully.

c) Childlike sincerity and simplicity honour God (2 Corinthians 11:3)
God desires genuine hearts free from hypocrisy and deceit.

d) Childlike faith welcomes God’s power and truth (Mark 10:15)
Faith and openness help believers receive from God more freely.

Biblical Example:
David trusted God with simple but powerful faith when facing Goliath as a young shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17:37).

4. BELIEVERS MUST PROTECT AND ENCOURAGE CHILDREN SPIRITUALLY

Children should be protected and guided toward God.

a) Jesus laid His hands upon the children and blessed them (Matthew 19:15)
Children need prayer, encouragement, and spiritual impartation.

b) God warns against harming or misleading children spiritually (Matthew 18:6)
God takes seriously the care and protection of little ones.

c) The church should create an environment where children grow spiritually (Psalm 78:4-7)
Teaching future generations preserves faith and truth.

d) Children can become mighty instruments in God’s hands (Joel 2:28)
God can use young people powerfully for His glory and purpose.

Biblical Example:
Josiah became king as a child and later led spiritual reform because his heart was tender toward God (2 Kings 22:1-2).

CONCLUSION

Jesus demonstrated deep love and concern for little children, showing that they are valuable in God’s sight. Children are gifts from God who must be nurtured spiritually, protected carefully, and guided toward Christ.

Believers are also called to cultivate childlike humility, trust, sincerity, and faith in their relationship with God. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who approach God with humble and dependent hearts.

As families, churches, and communities invest spiritually in children, future generations will rise to honour God and fulfil His divine purpose.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, protect and preserve every child from harm and evil in Jesus name

2. Father, help parents to raise children in Your ways and truth in Jesus name

3. Lord, let children grow in wisdom, favour, and spiritual understanding in Jesus name

4. Father, remove every negative influence seeking to corrupt children in Jesus name

5. Lord, help the church to nurture and encourage children spiritually in Jesus name

6. Father, raise godly children who will serve You faithfully in Jesus name

7. Lord, fill children with wisdom, peace, and divine purpose in Jesus name

8. Father, help believers to walk in childlike humility and faith in Jesus name

9. Lord, let every child fulfil divine destiny and purpose in Jesus name

10. Father, let future generations arise with passion and commitment toward You in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Every child connected to your life shall be preserved and protected by God!

2. Children shall grow in wisdom, favour, and spiritual understanding!

3. Every satanic attack against children and families shall fail!

4. God shall raise a generation of children passionate for righteousness and truth!

5. The hand of God shall rest mightily upon the next generation!

6. Parents and guardians shall receive wisdom to raise godly children!

7. Every child shall fulfil divine destiny and purpose!

8. The spirit of wisdom, obedience, and excellence shall rest upon children!

9. Believers shall walk in humility, sincerity, and childlike faith before God!

10. Future generations shall arise to glorify God and impact the world for His kingdom in Jesus’ name!