Teaching Children to Love Jesus
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When I think about teaching our children how to love and trust Jesus, I’m reminded of an incident with my grandson several years ago.
As Durham’s mom dropped him off at school, he remarked about the name he saw written on her
hand. In answer to his inquiry, she told him it was the name of a friend who did not have a relationship with Jesus. She’d written it there to remind her to pray for this friend throughout the day. Later that afternoon when Durham hopped in the car
after school, she saw his little hand with his friend’s name written across it.
His words – along with his heart – matched hers. I want him to know Jesus.
In their family, this practice of looking to God and praying
throughout the day comes from a consistent practice of reading the Bible,
talking about the Bible, and practically following God’s instructions given
throughout His Word.
In the days of Jesus, the Jewish custom of Bible study
linked with prayer was very defined. Jewish boys were taught the greatest of
all Jewish commandments, the Shema, as soon as they could speak. It’s certainly
safe to assume that Joseph, Jesus’ earthly father, taught Him to pray this
passage from the scriptures.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I
give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk
about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie
down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on
your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates
(Deut. 6:4-9).
See the practicality in those instructions?
When you read and discuss Bible passages with your children,
they’ll come to experience God’s supernatural power in their lives at home, at
school, as they play sports and interact with their friends. As you impress
God-Truths upon their hearts, and talk about them when you sit at home and when
you walk (and drive) along the road – they will develop a dynamic and practical
relationship with Him. As Bible reading becomes more than a casual glance at
God’s Word, you’ll be equipping them to live life by the principles laid out in
scripture.
Take a look at this simple approach to enjoying the scriptures with your children:
Select a passage to read together.
Ask your child to tell you what it means to him (her).
The, discuss ways you both can practice sharing God’s love based on the scripture you explored.
The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their
hope in His unfailing love.
Psalm 147:11
