10 Teachings Jesus Left Us About Children

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Introduction

Jesus didn’t just teach the crowds and heal the sick; He also placed children at the center of the Kingdom of God. In a world where children were often ignored, Jesus embraced them, blessed them, and said something that still touches our hearts today:

“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the Kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:14 (NKJV)

But why did He love them so much? And what does this teach those of us who serve in children’s ministry?


🧡 1. Because children have a willing heart

Jesus valued the purity, humility, and sincerity of children. They had no prejudice or pride, and they received the message with genuine faith.

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Never underestimate a child’s spiritual capacity. They can believe, pray, share, and teach more than you think.


👶 2. Because children are part of the Kingdom now

Jesus didn’t say “the Kingdom will be theirs,” but rather “is theirs.” This means that because of their innocence and purity, children already belong to God’s Kingdom. That’s why they must be taught His Word from an early age—so that as they grow, they won’t depart from His path but instead build their lives upon Christ.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Treat every class as a real discipleship moment. Your teaching is not just entertainment—it’s spiritual formation!


🙏 3. Because Jesus saw their eternal value

Where others saw a “distraction” or “nuisance,” Jesus saw purpose, potential, and future servants.

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Even if they seem restless or distracted, every child is precious. Love them, correct them, and teach them with patience!


📖 4. Because children believe the gospel without prejudice

Jesus said:

“Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” – Luke 18:17

Children are models of faith. Jesus used them as an example of how we should approach God—with trust, simplicity, and joy.

While adults often make excuses to accept the gospel, children don’t care if they’re being watched or judged. They simply listen and receive it with genuine faith.

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Sometimes children will remind you what it’s like to fully trust God. Let’s learn from them too.


👼 5. Because children forgive easily

Jesus valued the purity of a child’s heart. They don’t hold grudges or act with malice. Their ability to forgive quickly reflects God’s own character.

“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’
Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” – Matthew 18:21–22

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Don’t overlook the spiritual power of their innocence. Teach them to keep a clean heart—and learn from them to forgive quickly and unconditionally.


😄 6. Because children reflect the joy of the Lord

Children laugh easily, enjoy the simple things, and are amazed by the ordinary. Their joy doesn’t depend on big things—it’s a natural state of being. This joy reflects the fruit of the Spirit.

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God.” – Isaiah 61:10

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Allow joy to be present in your class. Don’t obsess over control. Celebrate every step, sing, play—don’t limit their capacity for joy. This way, they’ll grow up seeing the Christian life as joyful.


👂 7. Because children are always ready to learn

Children have open hearts and minds. They ask, listen, imitate, and absorb everything. That’s why the Bible tells us that teaching from childhood leaves a lasting mark:

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Take advantage of this season of openness to sow the Word with clarity and love. Teach with patience and creativity, because what you plant today may become a firm foundation of faith tomorrow.


🙏 8. Because children teach us humility

Jesus placed a child in the middle of the disciples and said that whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom. Children don’t seek competition or recognition—they live with natural humility.

When the disciples argued over who would sit closest to Jesus, children weren’t concerned with positions. They just served with a humble heart.

“Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Model and cultivate humility. Don’t aim to be the smartest—aim to be the most approachable. Learn from the children who teach us to be authentic and simple.


💛 9. Because children love unconditionally

A child’s love is pure and spontaneous. It’s not based on what you do or have—it simply comes from connection. That’s also how God loves us.

A clear example is when a child hugs their parent shortly after being scolded—completely forgetting the anger.

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Receive and return their love with tenderness. Teach them that Jesus’ love doesn’t change when we fail—and that they can love others with that same open heart.


🎁 10. Because children know how to share

Children don’t just share material things—they share time, emotions, and attention. If one cries, another comforts. If one laughs, everyone joins. They share sincerely, empathetically, and without expecting anything in return.

👉 Teacher’s lesson:
Encourage those moments where children share emotions, stories, and ideas. Let them listen to one another. That’s where Christian community and character begin to grow.


📝 Practical Application for Your Ministry

  • Ensure every class includes a spiritual connection—not just activities.
  • Use clear language, illustrations, open questions, and visuals.
  • Celebrate small milestones: a prayer, a memorized verse, a thoughtful question.
  • Remember: sowing into a child is sowing into generations.

🙌 Conclusion
Jesus loved, valued, and blessed children. If He did, our calling is to follow His example with passion and tenderness.
It doesn’t matter if you have many resources or just a few kids—if you’re planting seeds in their hearts, you’re touching the very heart of the Kingdom.