We can tell children about Jesus, and children may believe and recite what we say. But in Mark 10:14 Jesus says, “Let the children come to me.” This is something deeper than simply knowing about Jesus. Jesus makes it clear in this passage that he desires a deep and lasting relationship with children.
So how can we help foster a personal relationship between children and Jesus?
- Dwelling with God of Creation
- Dwelling with God in Prayer
- Dwelling with God in the Word
- Dwelling with God in Worship
- Dwelling with God in the Body of Christ
- Dwelling with God in Mission
Over the next six blogs I will be sharing how each of these pivotal experiences helps children experience Jesus and provide opportunity for them to respond to him.
Dwelling with God of Creation:
God designed us with a will for discovery. It’s what compels us to roll over, to crawl, stand, walk, and run. As children we wanted to get our hands (or sometimes mouths) on that thing that was just out of reach. It’s why little ones are always asking “Why?”—from the beginning, we are curious about the world in which we live.
The apostle Paul notes in Romans 1:20 that God is revealed in part through creation, and John 1:1-5 reminds us that Jesus is our Creator God.
When we encourage and give space for children to interact with Jesus’ creation, it is an opportunity for them to interact with and dwell with Jesus.
What does this look like?
Provide opportunity for regular exploration of Jesus’ creation. This could include:
- Nature walks
- Planting a garden
- Picking up trash
- Putting items from nature in paper bags and encouraging children to reach in and share what they feel
- Science experiments “Big Bible Science: Experiment and Explore God’s World” by Erin Lee Green
- Going to the zoo
- Using a microscope or telescope
Personalizing the relationship with Jesus:
What do you want to say to Jesus about what you have discovered?
What questions do you have for Jesus about what you have found or what you are seeing?
Explain to children that the things of creation are not exactly as Jesus wants them. The wonderful things Jesus created sometimes break and die because we don’t always love Jesus or care well for his creation.
Remind them:
Jesus is with them now—and he is happy every time they discover something new!
