Jesus and children

How should l i tt le

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trate

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and the

be

Jesus

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children

Juvenile literature with special insert for parents and teachers

CONTENT Chapter I – All children belong to God, the creator........................................2 Chapter II – There are not cursed children, because Jesus blessed them..........4 Chapter III – Children sing and dance to God..................................................6 Chapter IV – Every child has an angel!...........................................................8

technical content Authors Pictures Texts Translation

Marcelo Quintela, Tato Egg, Joel Costa Jr. (Brazil) Sil, Tato Egg (Brazil) Flávia Beck (Brazil), Joel Costa Jr. (USA), Marcelo Quintela (Brazil) Joel Costa Jr. (USA), Leonardo Rocha (UK), Thiago Fuschini (Brazil)

Quotations – The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

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what this material is for and how to use it This is a little book dedicated to children, with pictures and short texts, so that they might und erstand God´s attitude in His relationship with the little ones.

And how does one come to kno w what His relationship with children is like?

It is simple. Just look at the way Jesus treated the children whom He encountered on the way, bec ause, if Jesus is God made flesh, His encounter with little people sho ws, in a perfect and definitive way , how God sees and treats our son s, daughters and all the children.

Therefore, any religious orientation , pastoral advice or adult attitud e that deals with little children in a different way from the treatme nt given them by the Son of God, is certainly an evil theology. It doe s not come from God and it does not bless the families!

For this reason, despite it being juvenile literature, this material must be read and interpreted by grownups as well. It is dedicated to the parents, relatives, teachers, community and religious leaders that look after the little ones of JESUS. For every chapter devoted to children, there will be a biblical support to help adult comprehension, because this is not a book of children´s tales invented by us, but it is simply the transcription of biblical passages related to the subject.

Furthermore, this little book holds an insert at the end that will hel p the entire family to make devotio nal exercises in pleasant house meetings between parents and children, or in biblical classes, und er the pedagogical guidance of the teachers. In this insert, you will reach your own conclusions on the harmful effect of witchcraft accusations made against the chil dren God loves and in whom He sees purity.

So, we believe that in this simple content there is the power to turn every Home into a Temple. A Tem ple where love lives in every roo m and where God Himself lives, fillin g and protecting the house.

Mom, Dad and dear tutors: Try it out! Your children will never forget it!

The Editors

All children belong to God, the creator!

When you lift up your eyes, you see that the adults look strong and big, and, sometimes, even scary, and you, like every child, are small!

But it is not a problem. To be a child is a very special thing. And the more special is your childhood, the better will your life be when you are an adult. In the time of Jesus, the adults thought that children had no importance or value to God. They were wrong!

Jesus, the Son of God, invited a little child and put him, or her, amongst his big friends, saying: whoever wishes to be important among us, has to be as humble and simple as this little one here!

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Jesus lovingly embraced the child and said: Children are mine!

So, whoever takes care of them is taking care of me! Let the little ones come to me! Do not frighten them!

Have you ever been afraid of God, the creator of everything?

You do not have to be afraid anymore! God loves children. Read the next chapter and you will see other encounters between Jesus and his young followers.

to big people MARK 9.35-37

CHILDREN REPRESENT GOD ON THE EARTH Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

36 He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

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MATTHEW 18.5-6

JESUS PROHIBITS THE MISTREATMENT OF THE LITTLE ONES “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

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THERE AREN’T CURSED CHILDREN, BECAUSE JESUS HAS ALREADY BLESSED THEM Daddies and mummies love their children.

And, for that reason, many of them took their children to Jesus, so that he would bless them, putting His tender hands upon them.

Unfortunately, Jesus´ own friends – His disciples – tried to pull the children away from Jesus, so that they would not disturb Him. The children were sad, and their parents embarrassed.

When Jesus saw what was happening, He was very upset at his friends and told them that He wanted to bless the children and that He didn´t want his disciples to stop them from coming to Him. Do you know why?

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Jesus said that the Kingdom of God belongs to the little children.

It means that boys and girls were saved and blessed.

When Jesus touched those children, blessing them, He blessed every child on Earth!

So, you, my little friend, are a blessed person!

God is beside you! Nobody can touch you to cast away curses, because there is no witchcraft in you. You are protected from Evil and you can do no harm to anyone!

All of these things are normal to children: to play, to jump, to climb over things and, sometimes, to break them, right?

Be careful. Obey your parents. Have nice grades at school e never take for yourself what doesn´t belong to you.

Do you know why? Because you are a blessed child of the Creator and shouldn´t do bad things.

If you do, ask your parents for forgiveness, because God has already forgiven you!

Believe in that!

to big people MARK 10.13-16

THE ADULTS NEED TO KNOW THAT GOD HAS ALREADY BLESSED THE LITTLE CHILDREN 13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

16 And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

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CHILDREN DANCE AND SING TO GOD! In the time of Jesus, children weren´t scared of Him; in fact, they loved to stay around Him all the time. Jesus Christ is not scary.

Many boys and girls met Jesus when they went to the Temple, the “church”, and there, they liked to run all over the place around Him, singing songs of joy and saying that He was the Son of God.

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The church leaders did not like those songs and games and got annoyed, because they were jealous of Jesus, who was so loved.

So they asked Jesus to stop that. But Jesus told them that from the lips of the little ones, even those who are still breastfed, come the most honest praises to God. Do you also sing to God? Go running over the streets, looking at the skies and shout out to Jesus: I love you! He will be pleased, because He knows how you feel in your heart.

When you go to church, sing and dance to God, learn how to play a musical instrument, if you can… And when the grownups ask you, take part in all of the activities of the church with all your heart.

to big people MATTHEW 21.15-17

IN THE TEMPLE, THE CHILDREN WORSHIPPED JESUS AND WERE NOT AFRAID OF HIM But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

16 “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.

“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’c?”

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c

Psalm 8:2

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EVERY CHILD HAS An ANGEL! Children can´t protect themselves alone. They don´t really understand the adults’ world and might get confused and filled with guilt. Yes, they believe everything is their fault. If a grown up accuses them of something, they may get embarrassed and confirm the accusation. That is a normal response of the child, because he or she is still growing up.

Because of that, our Father who is in Heaven arranged a spiritual resource to protect children form the things they do not understand yet.

Do you know what God does?

God sends His angels to guard you! God tells the heavenly angels to look after the little ones, so that they may learn the way without trembling.

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Angels are good spirits! Enlightened spirits obedient to Jesus. We do not see them, but they are. They are everywhere, helping good people. And they are also near you to forbid any witchcraft to come in or to come out of you.

Do you know how we know that? Because Jesus said so, and everything Jesus said is true.

to big people MATTHEW 18.10

“TAKE HEED THAT YE DESPISE NOT ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONE, FOR THEY HAVE ANGELS IN HEAVEN” – JESUS “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. a 10

a Some manuscripts heaven. The Son of Man came to save what was lost.

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ND THE FAMILY A INSERT FOR DUCATORS CHRISTIAN E iblical tional exercises. The b g vo de s ain nt co ok bo chosen for speakin The next part of this orded, were especially

en rec passages that have be d and the children. ationship between Go rel the d an us JEs t ou ab and their ons between parents ati ers nv co the t tha , by ators, will be blessed It is our hope, therefore sses facilitated by educ cla al the lic to e bib lov the d or an , on children inspirati ord of God bring light, W the y Ma . nte nte this co lives of the children!

The Editors

How does God view the little children? What importance does He give them?

What importance should we, then, give them, and how would He have us treat our little ones?

Let us begin with the Old Testament: From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalms 8:2 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. Psalms 103:13 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children. Psalms 103:17 May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. Psalms 115:14 Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Psalms 127:3 He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

Proverbs 14:26

The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. Proverbs 20:7 When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Isaiah 29:23 But this is what the Lord says (…); I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.

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Isaiah 49:25

All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.

Isaiah 54:13

(Jesus) will de fend the afflicted among the people an d save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor. Ps alms 72:4

for your reflection

Before this list of ancient biblical texts, how would God like for His people to treat the children?

What does the New Testament have to say? (Words of Jesus in red) At that time Jesus said, I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Matthew 11:25

for your reflection

Children represent simplicity and genuine, sincere faith. Only those with such simple hearts can really know God. Based on these words of Jesus, do you believe that God can reveal His grace and love to the little ones?

YES

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. Matthew 19:13 Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Matthew 19:14

NO

and h e said the t ruth, : i tell yo unle u chan ss yo g u like l e and bec ome ittle you w ch ill ne ildren, the k ingdo ver enter m of Matth ew 19 heave :14 n.

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And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16 for your reflection

Based on these words of Jesus, is it possible to suppose that his own disciples (pastors, evangelists, priests, etc) can confuse the children and hinder their little lives, pushing them away from receiving blessings from the hands of the Lord?

YES

NO

If even the disciples of Jesus can be mistaken, who should be responsible – above anyone else - for teaching the Gospel of Jesus to the children?

Parents

Priests

Teachers

Friends

God loves the little children and wants us to love them as well. He wants them treated with kindness, goodness and compassion.

But what if someone is afraid of witchcraft? What if someone is sure their child practices witchcraft and will bring them a terrible curse?

What does the Bible say about followers of Jesus and curses?

All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Galatians 3:10 (BUT…) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Galatians 3:13 So Christ has delivered us from all curse and condemnation by his sacrifice on the cross! We now have nothing to fear!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ (has faith in Christ), he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. Revelation 22:3 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

NOT EN CAN CHILDR F USED O BE ACC R O EVIL, F DOING IS THE THEIRS D. M OF GO KINGDO

Should we then fear witchcraft and curses?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?

Psalms 56:4

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13

He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matthew 8:26 14

So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. Matthew 10:26 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” 1 Peter 3:14 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1John 4:18

The Lo rd my is m sa lva yl sh tio igh all nta If is t nd wh ear he om ? s my The tro lif ng Lo erd ho Ib o l ea fra f who d of id? ms Ps hal alm l s2 7:1

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 But that might be different from what you were taught to believe. What if someone has been teaching something different?

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel. Galatians 1:6 Which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:7 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! Galatians 1:8 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! Galatians 1:9 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up.

Galatians 1:11

And what is the true gospel according to the New Testament? ith say w ord So we “The L , ence not l il confid er; I w p l e n h an ma is my What c . id a r s 13:6 be af ebrew me?” H do to

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18 That God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 Not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:9 And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:6

We have been forgiven and reconciled unto God in Christ! Jesus has already paid the price; there is nothing left to pay! Fear no longer has any place in our hearts, because it has been filled with divine love.

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This is a little book dedicated to children, with pictures and short texts, so that they might understand God´s attitude in His relationship with the little ones.

And how does one come to know what His relationship with children is like?

It is simple. Just look at the way Jesus treated the children whom He encountered on the way, because, if Jesus is God made flesh, His encounter with little people shows, in a perfect and definitive way, how God sees and treats our sons, daughters and all the children.

For this reason, despite it being juvenile literature, this material must be read and interpreted by grownups as well. It is dedicated to the parents, relatives, teachers, community and religious leaders that look after the little ones of JESUS. Furthermore, this little book holds an insert at the end that will help the entire family to make devotional exercises in pleasant house meetings between parents and children, or in biblical classes, under the pedagogical guidance of the teachers.

Mom, Dad and dear tutors: Try it out! Your children will never forget it!