God seems to be pretty clear about how he feels about children. Throughout Scripture, he makes provision for children to be taught. Deuteronomy says that we should not forget what God has done but to make it known to future generations (Deut. 4:9), and emphasizes the importance of teaching children and outlines practical ways to remember God’s will (Deut. 6). After Israel crosses over the Jordan on dry land, God tells them to stack 12 stones to commemorate the story of when God helped Israel (Josh. 4). Jesus loves children, even rebuking the disciples for trying to send them away (Mark 10:14-15) and declaring that the kingdom of God belongs to them (Matt. 18:10). We read that the children praise Jesus as the Messiah (Matt. 21:15) – a proclamation rarely discussed as much as Peter’s confession.

With the love and emphasis shown towards children, it’s interesting to think about how they might have been affected by what they saw. In the feeding of the 5,000 we often focus on the miracle. However, John adds a detail not included by Matthew or Mark: the little boy. Imagine being that boy who offered up his five loaves of bread and two fish. His willingness and generosity to give up his meal instigated the miracle. Consider the generosity of one whom Jesus’s own disciples might have attempted to send away. In every account, the disciples speak of the meagerness of the offering against the vastness of the need.

When one of our children was very young, the collection plate came by. The child refused to put the coins in the plate and instead declared, “Mine!” It was hard not to smile, because it reminded me so much of how adults react sometimes. Knowing an important lesson was at stake, I took the child’s hand and explained the importance of the collection. I knew where the money was counted; so we headed to that room for a second opportunity to give the contribution. As the door opened, I explained what we wanted to do, and the plate was offered. Right after the door closed, the child looked up at me and declared, “I saw Jesus!” I’m not sure exactly what they saw or thought they saw. Perhaps the bearded elder looked like Jesus. Whatever it was, it made an impact and reinforced a lesson. We often overlook the impact that brushes with ministry can have on children.

I wonder what the little boy who shared his lunch thought when Jesus turned it into more than enough to feed 5,000 men and who knows how many women and children. John seemed to understand the importance of including this detail. God’s choice of the unlikely, the overlooked, and the marginalized, is a beautiful feature of the kingdom.

In Acts 23, the Jews form a pact to kill Paul. The son of Paul’s sister overhears it and goes into the barracks to tell Paul, who sends him to the commander with the news. Although we don’t know his age, the text calls him a “young man” (Acts 23:17). This brave act puts into motion a series of events that fulfill the statement made to Ananias that Paul would be an instrument who would go before Gentiles and kings with God’s name (Acts 9:13-14). Imagine being the one who gave the shove that sent the gospel before the court system. Although not an active part of the ministry, this story shows evidence that the young man is influenced by observing and listening to the ministry of his uncle.

Children today are sometimes regarded as passive members of the church. We have given them permission to learn and grow, but they often do not have a generative role. Their needs go beyond entertainment, amusement, and activities. They have a need to see boldness, ministry in action, and consequence of one’s efforts. When I reflect on these stories about children in the Bible, I can imagine wide-eyed, young participants in awe of what happened next, forever changed. We need to consider putting our children where they can see the action, participate, and make a difference, even in small ways. Small acts of service and involvement can make a big impact on their faith. Perhaps this will even help them develop a dream for their own future service.