All life is sacred. Scripture could not be clearer in highlighting the value found in every single human life. Yet, when it comes to children, Jesus’ ministry offers a radical and transformative view that challenges societal norms and elevates the value of the young. In a 1st century context that often dismissed the significance of children, Jesus’ teachings call the church to embrace a countercultural perspective—one that honors, protects, and cherishes the innocence of every child. 

In the Greco-Roman world, children were often seen as insignificant and burdensome. They were viewed as incomplete humans, devoid of reason, and were frequently mistreated, abandoned, or exploited. Philosophers like Aristotle and Plato described children as lacking value, dismissing them as irrational and unimportant. This cultural context led to widespread neglect and abuse—children were often abandoned if they were perceived as weak, illegitimate, or deformed.

Against this backdrop of devaluation, Jesus’ approach to children was nothing short of revolutionary. Rather than ignoring them, Jesus made children central to His ministry. In a powerful moment recorded in the Gospels, Jesus corrected His disciples for sending children away, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). In this declaration, Jesus was not just welcoming the presence of children; He was elevating them as models of the kind of faith required to enter His kingdom. 

Jesus’ actions were a profound statement in a culture that marginalized the young. He embraced children, blessed them, and used their innocence as an example for all. In their vulnerability and simplicity, Jesus saw something the world often overlooks—the pure and childlike trust that is at the heart of the kingdom of God. 

The Call to Welcome and Protect 

Jesus went beyond welcoming children; He issued a powerful mandate to protect them. In Matthew 18:6, He delivers a sobering warning: “Whoever causes one of these little ones 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.” These words are a loving charge to guard the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of children. 

Throughout His ministry, Jesus made it clear that how we treat children reflects our understanding of God’s heart. In Mark 9:37, He says, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.” Christians hold a sacred responsibility to honor, nurture, and protect the innocence of children. In doing this, we worship and welcome Christ. 

The early church took Jesus’ teachings to heart, actively rescuing and caring for abandoned children. They opposed the cultural practices that exploited the young, stepping in to provide care and protection where society had failed. Their actions were a living testimony of Christ’s love, demonstrating that children are not just to be seen but to be cherished as bearers of the image of God. 

The challenges faced by children today are not unlike those in the ancient world. Millions of children suffer from abuse, neglect, trafficking, and poverty. According to UNICEF, 150 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents, and countless others are trapped in cycles of exploitation and violence. These are not just statistics; they represent real lives—each child a precious image-bearer of God with inherent dignity and worth. 

The church’s mission is clear: to stand as a beacon of hope for these vulnerable children, embodying the love and protection that Jesus demonstrated. This begins with creating safe spaces within our churches, ensuring that every child who walks through the doors feels seen, valued, and secure. Churches must implement strong child protection policies, provide support for families in crisis, and advocate for the rights and safety of children in our communities. 

The Church’s Role: Reflecting Jesus’ Heart 

The call to value children is not optional; it is a direct command from Jesus Himself. The church is uniquely positioned to be a refuge for the young, a place where they are not only welcomed but celebrated as examples of faith. By investing in the lives of children, protecting their innocence, and advocating for their well-being, the church lives out the teachings of Christ. 

Jesus’ radical love for children invites us to do the same. It challenges us to look beyond cultural norms and see children through the eyes of God—as treasured members of His kingdom. As followers of Christ, may we rise to the occasion, guarding the innocence of the young, welcoming them with open arms, and reflecting the heart of Jesus in every interaction. 

The task is great, but the impact is eternal. Let us be a people who value children, protect them fiercely, and point them to the Savior who calls them His own. 

This article goes along with the Image of God in Children section of our study. Join us as we walk through our Image of God study over the next couple of months! 

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