Jesus' Ministry: A Guide to Child Therapy

Many of us have heard the song lyrics, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” Most of us would find it easy to agree with those words. After all, Jesus often included children in his teachings. As followers of Jesus, what can we learn from his view and treatment of children? How Jesus interacted with children during his ministry on earth can serve as a guide for our own interactions with them and, as a result, guide our approach to child therapy. 

So, what do we know about how Jesus treated children?

He welcomed and blessed them.
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God.” Mark 10:13-14

The disciples rebuked the children because they believed that Jesus had more important things, or people, to offer his attention. Instead, Jesus not only welcomed the children, he blessed them.
“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:15-16

When we welcome children into the therapy room, we are welcoming them for exactly who they are and letting them explore the world in their own unique way. We build relationships and offer a safe space where they can freely express themselves.

He recognized and valued them.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:1-5

Children were truly “the least of these” in the first century. They were to be seen and not heard- a view that some may hold onto today. Jesus’ response, then, was countercultural. His example teaches us that a “valueless” member of society is a valued member of his kingdom. According to Jesus, not only should we recognize children, but we can learn from their model of innocence, humility, faith, and dependence on him.

Child therapists believe in the inherent value of children and the experience of childhood. Every opportunity to engage with a child through their worldview is an opportunity to learn. Children are experts of their own experiences. As we let children lead and communicate in a way that makes sense to them, we can begin to understand their world.

He healed them.
In the Gospels, we find multiple examples of Jesus healing children during his ministry on earth. He cast a demon from a possessed child, healed a young boy who was near death, and even raised a young girl from the dead.

Taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. Her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. Luke 8:54-56

As child therapists, we enter the child’s world as a safe and genuine facilitator of growth. While we may not be able to offer sudden, miraculous changes, what we can do is walk with children through a process of healing. Through this process, children are empowered to express and reflect on their feelings, make decisions, and work toward positive change.

As the song goes, “They are precious in his sight.” Children and the experience of childhood are precious gifts worthy of protection. As child therapists, our hope is to offer genuine understanding into the worldview of children and to guide them in a process of discovery, growth, and development.