This article is a summary of an article previously published in December 2011 in Study Bible magazine.
Isaiah spoke words of hope to a people in deep distress: "A child has been born to us, a son has been given to us; the reign rests on his shoulders." (Isaiah 9:5a). In the dark days of 733-732 B.C., when Tiglatpileser III invaded northern Israel and led the people into exile, Isaiah announced the coming of a Messianic Child who would bring peace and hope. This promise offered comfort and the prospect of salvation in the midst of chaos and oppression.
The birth of Jesus, which we celebrate this month, symbolizes the fulfillment of that promise. In theology, this is known as the incarnation: God became human in the form of a child. This profound mystery is at the same time so simple that even a child can understand it. But what does this mean for children in the New Testament (NT)? Do they participate in God's salvation? And if so, does this apply to all children or only to children of believers?
🌐 Children and the Kingdom of God
Jesus' attitude toward children contrasts sharply with the culture of his time. In Roman and Jewish society, children were often considered inferior, without rights or status. They could even be sold or disowned by their father, the "pater familias. Against this background, Jesus shows that children actually have an important place in the Kingdom of God.
🌟 Children Participate in Salvation
In the Messianic Kingdom, which arrived with Jesus' coming, children are full participants in salvation. This is evidenced by the many miracles in which children take center stage:
- The daughter of Jairus is raised (Mark 5:35vv).
- The possessed daughter of a Greek woman is set free (Mark 7:24vv).
- A boy is healed of demonic possession (Mark 9:14vv).
- The son of a servant in Capernaum is healed (John 4:46vv).
Jesus' attitude makes it clear that children also receive the blessings of the Kingdom. They are seen and loved by God.
💞 Jesus' Connection with Children
"Whoever receives one of such children in My name receives Me." (Mark 9:36-37). With these words, Jesus identifies himself with children. He places a child in the midst of the disciples, who are arguing over who is the greatest, and gives three important lessons:
- Whoever wants to enter the Kingdom must become like a child.
- Whoever wants to be the greatest must humble himself as a child.
- Whoever receives a child in Jesus' name receives Himself.
Jesus' words emphasize that caring for and accepting children is equivalent to serving God.
🥇 The Child as Example
Jesus teaches that children are an example of how we should approach the Kingdom of God: "Whoever humbles himself and becomes like this child, he is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3-4). This is contrary to the norm in Jesus' day, where humility was not valued.
The disciples sought honor and status, but Jesus emphasizes that the Kingdom is a gift that can only be received with an attitude of dependence and trust, like that of a child. Greatness in the Kingdom comes from self-denial and humility.
👶 "Of Such Children is the Kingdom"
In Matthew 19:13-15, people bring children to Jesus to bless them. Although the disciples try to prevent this, Jesus says, "Let the children come to Me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to whoever is like them." By this He emphasizes that children have a special place in the Kingdom.
By blessing the children and welcoming them, Jesus shows that they may fully share in the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom, not on the basis of merit, but because of their dependence and vulnerability.
🌍 The Spirit for All Ages
Peter quotes Joel's prophecy on Pentecost: "At the end of time, I will pour out my Spirit on all men. Your sons and daughters will prophesy." (Acts 2:17). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is universal and transcends age, gender and status. Even children are recipients of the Spirit and are involved in the mission of the Kingdom.
🔎 Children Sanctified by Faithful Parents
In 1 Corinthians 7:14, Paul states that children of believing parents are "holy. While this sanctification does not mean that they are automatically saved, it makes it clear that they are set apart for God. They belong to the church and share in the blessings of their believing parents, even if they do not yet have personal faith themselves.
Paul thus affirms that children have a special place in the Christian community, without equating them with adult believers.
📖 A Theological Reflection
Although children are considered part of the Kingdom in the NT, they do not yet have the responsibility of adult disciples. This distinct place reflects the "already-not-yet" reality of the Kingdom: a Kingdom that has already arrived but is not yet fully fulfilled.
🔒 Conclusion
The community of believers is an eschatological movement into which one joins by personal choice of faith, regardless of origin or status. Children are part of this community, not as second-class members, but as examples of the new creation.
Their dependence and trust serve as models for how all of us should approach the Kingdom of God. This is why Jesus, the Messianic Savior, came to this world as a child.
"A Child is born to us."
