Making Bible Study Engaging for Young Children
Engaging Young Children in Bible Study
The biblical emphasis on teaching children the scriptures from a young age is evident in passages like Proverbs 1:4, which highlights the importance of imparting "shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and purpose to the young" [1]. This focus is also seen in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul commends Timothy for having known the holy scriptures "from a child" (2 Timothy 3:15) [2].
In biblical times, children were considered important recipients of spiritual instruction. The Jewish tradition placed a strong emphasis on teaching children the scriptures at a young age. According to John Gill, it was a maxim among the Jews that when a child was five years old, it was proper to begin teaching them the scriptures [2]. This early instruction was seen as crucial for their spiritual development.
Jesus himself set an example by welcoming children and blessing them. In Mark 10:13-16, Jesus is approached by parents who bring their children to him, and he takes the opportunity to teach his disciples about the importance of childlike faith [3]. Matthew Henry notes that Jesus' actions demonstrate a "kind and tender disposition" towards children, encouraging both children and adults to apply themselves to Christ [3].
The biblical model for teaching children involves more than just imparting knowledge; it also emphasizes the importance of example and experience. David, in Psalm 34:11, takes on a teaching role, instructing young people from his own experience [6]. This approach is echoed in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who uses paternal language to describe his relationship with his spiritual children, indicating a deep affection and concern for their spiritual well-being (Galatians 4:19) [4].
To make Bible study engaging for young children, it is essential to consider their unique needs and capacities. The Apostle Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians to avoid being "children in understanding" (1 Corinthians 14:20) highlights the importance of adapting teaching to the spiritual maturity of the audience [5]. For young children, this means using simple, clear language and incorporating engaging methods such as storytelling and visual aids.
The biblical emphasis on teaching children is not limited to formal instruction. The scriptures also encourage parents and caregivers to model godly behavior and to create opportunities for children to learn through experience. The account of Jesus blessing the children in Luke 18:15-17 demonstrates the value of involving children in spiritual practices and encouraging them to come to Christ [7].
Sources
- Proverbs “Proverbs 1:4 (LEB) — to give shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and purpose to the young,”
- 2 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Timothy 3:14: And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures,.... And therefore must know that the doctrines he had learned were agreeable to them; and so is another reason why he should continue in them. The Jews very early learned their children the holy Scripture. Philo the Jew says (w), "from their very infancy"; a phrase pretty much the same with this here used. It is a maxim with the Jews (x), that when a child was five years of age, it was proper to teach him the Scriptures. Timothy's mother being a Jewess, trained him up early in the knowledge of these writing”
- Mark (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Mark 10:13: It is looked upon as the indication of a kind and tender disposition to take notice of little children, and this was remarkable in our Lord Jesus, which is an encouragement not only to little children to apply themselves to Christ when they are very young, but to grown people, who are conscious to themselves of weakness and childishness, and of being, through manifold infirmities, helpless and useless, like little children. Here we have, I. Little children brought to Christ, Mar 10:13. Their parents, or whoever they were that had the nursing of them, brought them t”
- Galatians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Galatians 4:18: My little children,.... A soft and tender way of speaking, used by Christ to his disciples, and frequently by that affectionate and beloved disciple, John. It is expressive of the apostle's strong love and affection for them, and points out their tenderness in the faith, and that small degree of spiritual light and knowledge they had, as well as signifies that he had been, as he hoped, and in a judgment of charity believed, an instrument of their conversion, and was their spiritual parent: hence it follows, of whom I travail in birth again; he compares himself to”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 14:19: Brethren, be not children in understanding,.... There are some things in children in which it is reproachful for believers to be like them; as nonproficiency in knowledge, want of capacity to receive, bear, and digest strong meat; levity, fickleness, and inconstancy, unskilfulness in the word, deficiency of knowledge, want of understanding, not of things natural, but spiritual and evangelical; which is the more aggravated, since their understandings were opened and enlightened; an understanding was given them; the Spirit of God, as a spirit of understanding, w”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 34:11: David, in this latter part of the psalm, undertakes to teach children. Though a man of war, and anointed to be king, he did not think it below him; though now he had his head so full of cares and his hands of business, yet he could find heart and time to give good counsel to young people, from his own experience. It does not appear that he had now any children of his own, at least any that were grown up to a capacity of being taught; but, by divine inspiration, he instructs the children of his people. Those that were in years would not be taught by him, though he”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 18:15: LITTLE CHILDREN BROUGHT TO CHRIST. (Luk 18:15-17) infants--showing that some, at least, of those called in Matthew (Mat 19:13) and Mark (Mar 10:13) simply "little" or "young children," were literally "babes." touch them--or, as more fully in Matthew (Mat 19:13), "put His hands on them and pray," or invoke a "blessing" on them (Mar 10:16), according to venerable custom (Gen 48:14-15). rebuked them--Repeatedly the disciples thus interposed to save annoyance and interruption to their Master; but, as the result showed, always against the mind of Christ”