Jesus, Teaching and Children

Abstract

This paper presents, with brief commentary, selected passages from the four cano-nical Gospels that discuss Jesus as a child and the adult Jesus’ relationship with children.
The first part focuses on Jesus’ birth and childhood, which are described only by Matthew and Luke. It highlights the challenges related to his miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit, his birth, acceptance, and upbringing by the Mosaic Law. Special attention is given to the episode from Jesus’ youth when, at the age of twelve, he engages in discussion with the teachers in the Temple, demonstrating wisdom and awareness of his mission.
The second part of the paper explores Jesus’ relationship with children. Jesus heals children, blesses them, uses them as examples in His teachings, and warns of the gravity of cause the little to stumble.
A significant observation is that the Gospels do not record any instance in which Jesus directly teaches children. Instead, his focus is on teaching adults, who are encouraged to learn from children what is most essential in his preaching - how to enter the Kingdom of God.