Jesus & the Children (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Note
Exam code: 8062
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13–16)
Jesus's actions
Many people brought their children to Jesus so that he would bless them
The disciples “spoke sternly” to these people and tried to send them away
The disciples were making decisions on Jesus’s behalf
Jesus was unhappy with them about this
The disciples were probably trying to protect Jesus, as he was surrounded by crowds
At the time of Jesus, children were not viewed as important, so the disciples presumed that Jesus would be annoyed at so many people bringing their children to him
Jesus overruled the disciples
He hugged the children and blessed them. He said:
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:14–15)
Jesus was saying that his followers should demonstrate the same qualities as young children — love, faith, trust, innocence and dependence — to enter the Kingdom of God
Jesus was explaining the relationship that believers should have with God: They must trust in and depend on God, just as children depend on their parents and other adults
Jesus was also setting an example to others in the way he treated the children with love and respect
Infant baptism in the Christian church today
The story of Jesus meeting with the children is influential for Christians today
Because Jesus blessed the children and said that people must be like them to enter the Kingdom of God, many Christian churches today practise infant baptism
This means that babies may join the Christian faith through baptism, even when they are not old enough to understand what is happening
Infant baptism is practised in the Catholic and Anglican Churches and some nonconformist denominations
Even among traditions that do not practise infant baptism, such as the Baptist Church, which practises believers’ baptism, there are dedications and blessings for children
Christian churches of all traditions welcome children in their services because children are the future of the Church
Parents are encouraged to bring their children to church as well as pray with them at home
Churches often hold special services for children and have family-friendly worship that includes special activities for children
This family-friendly attitude comes from the example Jesus set
By welcoming the children and blessing them, he showed that the Church is for everyone, not just adults
Worked Example
What did Jesus mean when he said, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it”?
A. That only young children can enter the Kingdom of God
B. That believers must show childlike qualities of love, faith and trust in God
C. That parents should stop bringing children to him
D. That children were more important than adults in society
[1 mark]
Answer:
Correct answer: B. That believers must show childlike qualities of love, faith and trust in God
Jesus taught that people must approach God with childlike innocence and dependence.
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You may be asked a question about the Kingdom of God, such as:
Explain two ways in which St Mark’s Gospel helps Christians today understand the Kingdom of God. You must refer to St Mark’s Gospel in your answer. [5 marks]
To get full marks, you will need to:
Give two different beliefs or teachings about the Kingdom of God in Mark’s Gospel
Explain how they help Christians understand the Kingdom of God
You must refer to specific passages. Here’s an example:
Jesus’s teachings help Christians understand how to enter the Kingdom of God. The tale of Jesus and the children demonstrates that Christians must accept the good news with the same trust and gratitude as a child. Jesus said, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
Use this example as a model and practise writing explanations for the other parables and teachings about the Kingdom of God.
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