Thematic Bible: Christ and children
Thematic Bible
Christ and children » Declared that a childlike spirit is absolutely essential in religion
and said, "Truly I tell you, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven unless you turn [your life around] and become like little children [i.e., having child-like humility]. Therefore, the person who will humble himself, as this little child, is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven.
Christ and children » Promises a reward for kindness to
Truly I tell you, whoever gives a mere drink of cold water to one of these least significant [disciples of mine] because he is a disciple, will certainly not lose his [temporal or eternal] reward."
Verse Concepts
Christ and children » Observed the children at play
But what should I compare the people of this generation with? They are like children sitting in the open shopping market, who call out to their playmates,
Verse Concepts
Christ and children » Warned against despising
Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. {[{[Some ancient manuscripts include verse
Verse Concepts
Christ and children » Used a child as an example
So, He called to Him a little child and placed him in front of them,
Verse Concepts
Christ and children » Gentle
Christ and children » Commanded that they should be fed spiritual food
So, after they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you really love me more than these [other disciples do]?" Peter answered Him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." [Note: Since two different Greek words for "love" are used in this conversation, some scholars see a distinction in their meaning. See Butler, Vol. II, pp. 453-457 for a discussion of these views]. Jesus replied to him, "[Then] feed my lambs."
Verse Concepts
Christ and children » Said, suffer the little children to come unto me
But when Jesus saw it, He was moved with [righteous] indignation, and said to them, "Allow these little children to come to me and stop trying to prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such [humble ones. See Matt. 18:4].
Verse Concepts
Christ and children » Commands reception of
"Whoever welcomes one such little child [as this] for my sake, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, does not welcome me [only], but [also] the One who sent me."
Verse Concepts