Bible verses for Kids

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

People were bringing little children to Jesus so he could bless them, and the disciples tried to send them away, probably thinking Jesus was too busy. Jesus stopped them right away. Children were welcome, and he even said the Kingdom belongs to people like them. Kids can hear this as a simple truth. Jesus is never too busy for you, and he is glad when you come to him.

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him.

John sounds almost amazed as he writes this verse. He wants readers to stop and see how much the Father loves them. God does not just call people his helpers or his servants. He calls them his children, and John adds, that is what we are. For a child, this is a wonderful identity to grow up with, being loved and claimed by God himself.

Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

This is one of the few verses that tells us about Jesus growing up. Luke describes four kinds of growth, wisdom for the mind, stature for the body, favor with God for the spirit, and favor with people for friendships. It is a balanced picture of a healthy childhood. Families can use it as a simple guide for talking about how kids are growing in every part of life.

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.

Paul speaks directly to children here, which shows that he expected kids to be listening when his letter was read aloud in church. He gives a reason for obeying parents, because you belong to the Lord. Obedience is presented as part of a relationship with God, not just a household rule. A few verses later, Paul also reminds parents not to provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up with instruction that comes from the Lord.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and almost every verse celebrates God's word. Here the writer says he has hidden it in his heart, like treasure kept in a safe place. Memorizing a verse is one simple way to do that. A verse learned as a child can come back to mind years later, right when it is needed most.