Jesus Showed Us The Joy of Loving Our Children

Children are such wonderful gifts from God. We were all children once. This means that we are all God’s gift. Jesus knew this when he walked the earth.

Would it not have been nice to see Jesus interact with children? We always read and hear stories of the miracles he performed. His preachings and his teachings. His sinless life. But we rarely hear of his interactions with children outside of healing those that were sick.

Imagine a scene in which Jesus and his disciples come into a town. The adults who know of him surround Jesus with their adult problems and wishes. They have heard of the miracles that he has performed. They want him to perform one for them or someone that they know.

They know of his wisdom and want him to impart it on them. He does this through parables.

We know all these things. But we know truly little about how he acted around children. We only know that he tells us to have the faith of a child in trusting him.

Our imagination could lead us to seeing Jesus with a big smile on his face as the children greet him. They may not know who he is, but he knows every one of them. Even if he knows their fate, Jesus is non-judgmental. And he loves each child the same.

Imagine him greeting them and knowing them by name. Then letting them touch him without shooing them away.

Imagine Jesus listening to them as they talk about whatever they want. He shows a genuine interest in everything they say. And imagine the children knowing that Jesus is listening to them. They trust him knowing that he is their friend.

Imagine Jesus reaction to the children laughing and playing. We never talk about Jesus laughing but can be quite sure that he did. We always recite the serious side of Jesus. But there had to be times when he let his hair down and laughed with the people.

The children made Jesus laugh.

Jesus wanted those around him to be like little children. To enjoy life and be thankful in all situations. To not let the cares of the world bring them down. To trust that God would take care of them no matter what their situation. To love one another and share each other’s joy.

Yes, Jesus loved the little children. And he loved being around them. He knew the gifts that they were and still are. He knew who their spiritual father was. And Jesus love for the children came to him by the almighty father himself. His love reflected God’s love for children.

Jesus showed us exactly how we should love our children. He showed us how to love the gifts that our heavenly father gives us.