What The Bible Teaches Us About Jesus And Young People
“Children should be seen and not heard” is an old and very outdated sentiment shared throughout Victorian England that is still referenced today. And, more generally speaking, young people tend to be viewed as holding less authority than their elders; the idea that we grow wiser as we age is something today’s society still holds on to.
Yes, unfortunately, many of today’s cultures and societies tend to afford young people – especially teens – less importance than fully fledged adults where, traditionally in many areas of the world, children hold low societal status.
And, as it is today, so it was in Jesus’ time; cultural norms of the Greco-Roman and ancient Near Eastern worlds 2000+ years ago saw children and very young adults lacking legal rights, seen as insignificant distractions, and placed at the bottom of the social ladder.
Jesus, however, did not hold these views and, in fact, he opposed them by actively elevating the value of children and young people, scolding and becoming angry when his disciples turned children away from him.
No, Jesus cherished infants, children and young people and the Bible provides us with several instances where he explicitly defended them and highlighted their place as spiritual models.
Jesus And Young People: What The Bible Says
Mark 10:13-16: 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 will 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.
Matthew 18:6: “If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Matthew 18:2-5: He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
What Can We Take Away From These?
Although there are many more examples of just how vehemently Jesus defended children and young people during a time when they were viewed particularly harshly, these three sum up his views and feelings almost perfectly.
To Jesus, children and young people were incredibly important; innocent, loving and kind, children were what every adult should have been striving to emulate in everyday life – at home and in worship – and he did everything he could to ensure the people around him knew that.
When others were quick to judge and to squash the thoughts and feelings of young people, Jesus was quick to defend them; to fight for them and support them where others wouldn’t.
In a world that often measures authority by age or experience, Jesus sees your passion, your faith, and your heart right now. You don’t have to wait until you’re older to make a difference, have a voice, or walk closely with God – He invites you to lead the way today.
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” — 1 Timothy 4:12
To read more of our blogs written specifically for young people under the age of 25, please visit our Youth Hub.
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