A child’s place in the world
David Ahern
David is the editor of The Majellan
Jesus often spoke about children, highlighting their significance in the Kingdom of God and using them as examples of the humility and purity required to follow Him. In the Gospels, Jesus consistently acknowledged the value and dignity of children in a society where they were often overlooked or marginalised.
Seeing the inherit value in children, He didn’t believe they should be seen and not heard. Jesus said: “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.
Jesus made the comment when His disciples tried to prevent children from approaching Him. However, Jesus welcomed them and blessed them, indicating that children held a special place in His ministry and in God’s plan.
When the disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, He responded by calling a child to Him and saying: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-5.
He emphasised the importance of humility, trust, and dependence — qualities commonly seen in children — as essential traits for anyone seeking to follow Him. Jesus not only raised the status of children but also used them to teach deeper truths about faith. He held up their openness and sincerity as a model for adults to follow.
Times were tough when Jesus walked amongst us. People often didn’t live long lives and children were fortunate to make it to adulthood without succumbing to illness and disease. Fast forward 2000 years and children, in many parts of the world, are still caught up in poverty, war and child slavery.
Today (June 4) is the UN-inspired International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression. When so many children are still dying from starvation and war, you have to wonder how far we have really advanced in 2000 years!
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