What do People Say About Children? Read these proverbs about children from around the world: Lesson 1-0 Jesus Heart for Children Children are to be seen and not heard. Children ask questions that a wise man cannot answer. The apple doesn t fall far from the tree. The child and one s nose don t feel the cold. Don t play with the child, he would stab you with the knife. Boys will be boys. Spare the rod, spoil the child. List some proverbs or sayings from your culture about children: How are these attitudes similar to or different from the way people think about children in the Christian community or your church? What did Jesus Teach About Children? What did Jesus say about children? Circle the important words Jesus said about children in Matthew 19:14. 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 NIV page 1
What else did Jesus teach his disciples about children? Read Matthew 18:1-14. List several truths Jesus taught his disciples about children. Consider the Lost Sheep In the story of the lost sheep, one sheep was lost; 99 were still safe in the fold. What are the numbers of lost sheep and found sheep that you believe are in your community? If the shepherd was willing to go looking for just ONE sheep, what might he be willing to do (and want us as his followers to do) about so many who need to be found? Key verse: Your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14 NIV page 2
What is God s Heart for Children? Discover God s heart for children in Scripture There are over 1,700 references to children and childhood in the Bible. They reveal God s priority and love for children. From what Jesus taught his disciples and other stories and Scriptures, we learn much about God s heart for the spiritual nurture of children. 1. To God (2 Peter 3:9) To help children make a decision to follow Christ as their Savior. Story of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14; God is not willing that even one of these little ones should perish) 2. To God (Mark 12:30) To help children grow a personal relationship with Christ, loving God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. Story of David (a man after God s own heart) 3. To together (Romans 12:5) To welcome and invite children to belong and function as part of the Body of Christ, learning to love one another. Story of Timothy (he grew in faith as if he were Paul s son) 4. To God (1 Timothy 4:12; Matthew 5:16) To teach children to live lives of obedience, making choices that honor God. Story of Daniel (he chose to follow God s ways, even in an ungodly nation) 5. To God (1 Peter 4:10) To help children learn how to serve and grow in gifts. Story of Joseph (he served faithfully at home, in captivity, in prison and finally in Pharaoh s palace) Together, all of these desires become a focus on. Is this the vision and heart that you have for the children in your sphere of influence? page 3
How do we Prepare for this Work with Children? What is important as we prepare to be an extension of God s heart to children? The three-stone fire reminds us of important principles in preparing to work with children. In some cultures, food is cooked over a fire using three stones. The equal-sized stones are positioned around a fire making a triangle shape, with the fire in the center. These stones must be evenly sized and stable or they will not hold the pot of food placed on them. The Circle: Essentials of ministry to children page 4
The Great Commission and Children The Great Commission What does a focus on children have to do with the Great Commission? Read the verses below. Underline words that apply to the world of children s leaders. Circle words that apply to children. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 NIV What impact can children s leaders have on the fulfillment of the Great commission? The Church is like a car Ministry to and with children is like a wheel on a car. It is not extra, like a spare tire. It is essential for helping the car move forward effectively. At this point in history, a focus on children can help local churches and the global Church grow faster and go farther than ever before. This is Jesus heart for children. What is God saying to you? What is your response? page 5