Children, attitudes towards

Christians must welcome children as Jesus Christ did. They are used by Christ as an example of how believers should receive the kingdom, and as an example of immaturity by Paul.

Children as a gift from God

Psalm 113:9, Psalm 127:3 See also Genesis 33:5, Genesis 48:9; Joshua 24:3

He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother to her children. Hallelujah!

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

Jesus Christ welcomes children

Matthew 19:13–14 parallels Mark 10:13–16, Luke 18:15–17

Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Those who enter the kingdom must be like children

God's truth is revealed to the childlike

Matthew 11:25 parallel Luke 10:21 See also 1 Corinthians 1:26–29

At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Children as people welcomed by Jesus Christ

Matthew 18:2–5 parallels Mark 9:36–37, Luke 9:47–48 See also Matthew 10:40–42 parallel Mark 9:41; Matthew 18:10, Matthew 18:14

Jesus invited a little child to stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me.

Children as a picture of immature Christians

1 Corinthians 14:20; 1 Peter 2:2–3 See also 1 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 5:13

Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Promises to children

Deuteronomy 5:16; Acts 2:39 See also Proverbs 8:32; Ephesians 6:2–3

Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off — to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

Warnings relating to children

Warnings to those who cause children to stumble

Matthew 18:6 parallel Mark 9:42

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Warnings to Israel, the disobedient child

Isaiah 30:1 See also Isaiah 30:9

“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin.