M25_Task 4.4
Jesus' Attitude Towards Children
How His attitude should change the church
Lesson
Read the lesson
Here are key points on how Jesus' attitude towards children should change the church.
Value and Embrace Children
Jesus welcomed children and affirmed their worth. The church should recognize the value of children, viewing them as important members of the community of faith — creating safe, nurturing spaces and actively involving them in the life of the church.
¹³ And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. ¹⁴ But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. ¹⁵ Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. ¹⁶ And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Foster a Culture of Inclusion
Jesus emphasized welcoming children and teaching them about God's kingdom. The church should embrace children from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and circumstances — ensuring they feel loved, accepted, and valued within the family of faith.
³⁷ Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Nurture Spiritual Formation
Jesus valued the faith of children and acknowledged that the kingdom of God belongs to them. Prioritize age-appropriate teaching, discipleship, and mentorship — helping children develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
¹⁶ But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Encourage Intergenerational Relationships
Foster connections between children and adults — opportunities for mentoring, mutual learning, and shared experiences.
¹ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? ² And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, ³ And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
Serve as Role Models
Jesus exemplified humility, servant-heartedness, and love. Treat children with respect, show them love, practice forgiveness, and serve them selflessly.
¹⁴ If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. ¹⁵ For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
Empower and Equip Children for Ministry
Jesus entrusted His disciples with the responsibility of spreading the Gospel. Empower children to actively participate in ministry — service, leadership development, and mission involvement suitable for their age and abilities.
¹⁹ Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Knowledge Check
12 Questions
A mix of true/false, multiple choice, and Scripture fill-in-the-blank.
- 1
Jesus rebuked those who brought children to Him.
- 2
Jesus said the kingdom of God must be received as a little child.
- 3
In Mark 9:37, receiving one such child in Jesus' name is the same as receiving…
- 4
Which passage shows Jesus washing the disciples' feet as an example?
- 5
The Great Commission in Matthew 28 commands believers to…
- 6
Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven according to Matthew 18?
- 7
The church should create intergenerational relationships for mentoring.
- 8
Children should be excluded from active ministry until adulthood.
- 9
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and ______ them not.
Scripture: Mark 10:14
- 10
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my ______, receiveth me.
Scripture: Mark 9:37
- 11
Go ye therefore, and teach all ______, baptizing them.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19
- 12
Except ye be converted, and become as little ______, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Scripture: Matthew 18:3
Video Evidence
Record & Submit
M25_Task 4.4: Share 3 ways how Jesus' attitude towards children can change the church.