10 Times Jesus Showed His Care For Children

If there’s one thing that stands out about Jesus during His time on Earth it’s how deeply He cared for people especially the ones others often overlooked. And among those precious people were children.

In a world where kids didn’t always have a voice Jesus made sure they were seen, heard and loved. Whether He was teaching His disciples, healing the sick or even performing miracles, Jesus never missed a chance to show how much He valued the littlest among us.

So let’s take a walk through Scripture and look at 10 beautiful moments when Jesus showed just how much He cares for children. Some of these stories might be familiar while others may surprise you but they all speak to the heart of a Savior who cherishes kids deeply.

1. Jesus Welcomed the Little Children (Mark 10:13–16)

Let’s start with one of the most well known moments.

People were bringing their children to Jesus so He could bless them. Pretty sweet, right? But His disciples were having none of it. They thought Jesus was too busy for kids and started turning them away. That didn’t sit well with Jesus at all.

In fact the Bible says He was indignant. That’s not a word we see often but it means He was seriously upset.

He said “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Then He took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them and blessed them.

This wasn’t just a quick pat on the head, this was intentional loving care. Jesus was making it crystal clear that kids matter a lot.

2. Jesus Raised Jairus’ Daughter From the Dead (Mark 5:21–43)

Picture this: a frantic father named Jairus pushes through a crowd desperate for Jesus to come heal his dying daughter. Jesus agrees to go but on the way there’s a delay because He stops to heal a woman in need.

While that’s happening word comes that the little girl has died.

Most people would give up hope at this point. But Jesus doesn’t. He goes to the house takes the girl’s hand and says, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” And just like that she’s alive again.

This wasn’t just a show of power it was a powerful moment of compassion. Jesus could have stayed with the crowd but He honored a desperate dad’s plea and restored life to his little girl.

3. Jesus Used a Child to Teach Greatness (Matthew 18:1–5)

One day Jesus’ disciples were arguing about who was the greatest. Classic human move, right?

So Jesus calls over a child and places the little one among them. Then He says something radical: “Unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Wait, what?

In a culture where children had little status Jesus was flipping the script. He was saying that humility, trust and purity are traits we often see in kids, those things are what truly matter in God’s eyes.

He didn’t just include children but he held them up as the example to follow.

4. Jesus Healed a Boy With an Evil Spirit (Mark 9:14–29)

This story is a mix of desperation, faith and a powerful display of Jesus’ love.

A man brings his son to Jesus. The boy has been suffering from seizures caused by an evil spirit and the father is heartbroken. He says, “If you can do anything take pity on us and help us.”

Jesus replies, “If you can? Everything is possible for one who believes.”

The father then gives one of the most honest, relatable prayers ever: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Jesus doesn’t scold him. Instead He heals the boy completely restoring him.

What stands out here isn’t just the healing but it’s the compassion Jesus shows toward both the father and the suffering child. He meets them in their fear and responds with mercy.

5. Jesus Blessed the Children in the Crowd (Luke 18:15–17)

This moment is similar to the one in Mark 10 but it’s worth highlighting again.

Parents were bringing their infants and toddlers to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. Again the disciples tried to stop it.

And again Jesus stepped in and said, “Let the children come to Me.”

But He went even further this time: “Anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

It wasn’t just about welcoming kids it was about becoming like them in faith, openness and sincerity.

6. Jesus Fed a Crowd With a Boy’s Lunch (John 6:1–14)

We all know the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 but have you ever stopped to think about who provided the food?

It was a kid!

A young boy had five loaves of bread and two small fish. It probably didn’t seem like much but when he gave what he had to Jesus a miracle happened.

Jesus didn’t overlook the boy or laugh at his small offering. He used it to feed thousands.

This shows us that even a child’s contribution matters in the kingdom of God. Jesus values what kids have to offer no matter how small it may seem.

7. Jesus Raised a Widow’s Son (Luke 7:11–17)

This story is so tender it’ll pull at your heart.

Jesus is walking into a town when He sees a funeral procession. A widow has just lost her only son. Not only is she grieving but in that culture she’s also facing a very uncertain future. Her son was her security and support.

Jesus is moved with compassion. He walks up, touches the coffin and says, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”

The boy sits up and begins to talk and Jesus gives him back to his mother.

No one asked Jesus to step in but He just did. Out of love. Out of care. Because that’s who He is.

8. Jesus Rejoiced Over Spiritual Revelation Given to Children (Matthew 11:25–26)

Here’s a quieter more philosophical moment but it reveals a lot about Jesus’ heart.

Jesus is praying and says, “I praise you Father because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children.”

He’s not literally talking about only young kids here but He is celebrating the humble, childlike heart, one that’s open and receptive to God’s truth.

Jesus delights in how children can often grasp spiritual things more purely than adults weighed down by pride and intellect. He’s celebrating the beauty of a simple, trusting faith.

9. Jesus Warned Against Harming Children (Matthew 18:6)

This one gets serious.

Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones, those who believe in Me to stumble it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Yikes. That’s intense.

But it shows just how fiercely Jesus protects children physically, emotionally and spiritually. He’s not messing around. Anyone who harms or misleads a child is standing on very dangerous ground.

Jesus isn’t just gentle and kind with kids but he’s also their defender.

10. Jesus Restored Peter With the Same Kind of Care He Shows Children (John 21)

Okay so this one’s not directly about a child but stick with me.

After Peter denies Jesus three times he’s crushed. He probably thinks he’s beyond forgiveness.

But when Jesus rises from the dead He doesn’t scold Peter. He makes him breakfast. He takes him on a walk. He asks, “Do you love Me?” three times one for each denial.

It’s a gentle, loving, fatherly restoration. The kind of care you’d show a child who’s messed up and is ashamed to come home.

In Peter’s moment of failure Jesus doesn’t lecture him. He embraces him.

It’s the same heart He showed when He welcomed kids onto His lap, when He healed hurting families and when He reminded everyone that greatness in God’s kingdom looks a lot like childlike humility.

Conclusion

These stories aren’t just historical moments but they’re windows into the heart of Jesus. A heart that still beats with love, gentleness and fierce protection for children today.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, mentor or just someone who cares about the next generation know this: Jesus sees every child. He values them. He delights in their laughter, understands their fears and treasures their simple honest faith.

And He calls us to do the same. So the next time you’re overwhelmed by the noise, the chaos or the messiness that often comes with kids remember: Jesus didn’t just tolerate children but he cherished them. And He still does.