Topical Bible: Children: Blessed by Jesus

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the blessing of children by Jesus is a significant event that underscores the value and importance of children in the Kingdom of God. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke, each providing a unique perspective on the encounter.

Biblical Account

In the Gospel of Matthew, the account is found in Matthew 19:13-15. Here, it is written: "Then the little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there" .

Similarly, in Mark 10:13-16, the narrative is expanded with additional details: "People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, '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 does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them, and blessed them" .

Luke 18:15-17 also recounts this event, emphasizing the innocence and receptivity of children: "Now they were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to touch. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, '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 does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it'" .

Theological Significance

The blessing of children by Jesus highlights several key theological themes. First, it affirms the inherent value and dignity of children. In a cultural context where children were often seen as less significant, Jesus' actions and words elevate their status, demonstrating that they are worthy of His attention and blessing.

Second, Jesus' statement that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" underscores the qualities of childlike faith and humility as essential for entering the Kingdom. Children are often characterized by their trust, dependence, and openness, qualities that Jesus commends to His followers.

Third, the rebuke of the disciples and Jesus' subsequent correction serve as a reminder of the inclusivity of the Gospel. The Kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of age or status, and Jesus' invitation to the children is a powerful illustration of His welcoming nature.

Practical Implications

For believers, the account of Jesus blessing the children serves as a model for how children should be treated within the Christian community. It calls for a nurturing environment where children are valued, taught, and encouraged in their faith. It also challenges believers to cultivate a childlike faith characterized by trust, humility, and openness to God's work in their lives.

In summary, the blessing of children by Jesus is a profound moment that reveals the heart of God towards the young and the qualities He desires in all who seek to enter His Kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 19:13-15
Then were there brought to him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
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Mark 10:13-16
And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
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Luke 18:15,16
And they brought to him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
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Library

Jesus and the Children.
... But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation ... and said unto them, "Suffer
the little children to come ... he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/jesus and the children.htm

Jesus is Gladly Welcomed by the People
The Children's Bible. <. ... Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father
David! ... Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the Temple. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus is gladly welcomed by.htm

Blessing Children. Concerning Childlikeness.
... But Jesus was indignant at their officious interference, and ... of heaven be composed,
not of little children, but of ... b upon} ^a them, ^b and blessed them, ^a and ...
/.../the four-fold gospel/xcix blessing children concerning childlikeness.htm

The Blessing Secured
... You are a parent, and you want your children blessed and converted, and you complain
that ... your heart must get filled with a love for God and Jesus, and then ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/v the blessing secured.htm

The Kingdom of God
... a little child, will never enter it." Then he took the children in his arms, laid
his hands on them, and lovingly blessed them. One Sabbath day Jesus went to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the kingdom of god.htm

Jesus Praises John the Baptist
... Blessed is the man who does not lose faith in me." As the disciples of John went
away, Jesus talked to ... They are like children sitting in the market-places, who ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus praises john the baptist.htm

The Blessed Hope and Its Power
... Dear to that heart indeed were husband, children, friends, neighbours ... by lifting
the veil of the blessed future ... We recognized the reality of Jesus Christ now by ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter x the blessed hope.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... 1 John 2:1.""My little children, these things write ... wrought upon and in poor mankind,
Jesus was manifested ... and to repair and renew that first blessed work of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii my little children.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... of shavings on the hard floor of a room filled with noisy children, and disorderly ...
to labour to lead souls to the Lamb of God, to the blessed Lord Jesus. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Jesus Feeds the Hungry
The Children's Bible. <. ... Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes,
and, looking up to heaven, he blessed the loaves, and broke them ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jesus feeds the hungry.htm