Jesus and Children

Matthew 21
14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.”
But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
“Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight.

Again we see Jesus citing the importance of children, and especially the importance of teaching children to praise our Lord with their lips and their lives. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Christ Followers who teach children and students. Guess it’s because I’ve been in student ministry for 22 years now. Anyway, in the midst of Jesus’ last few days on earth, and AFTER he has cleared the Temple of the money changers, Jesus affirms children. Jesus reminds us of the responsibility we have to teach our children well, and to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Today, I am praying for those who work in children and student ministries. May they be strengthened as they teach our kids who Jesus is!