The Study of Children in Mark 10:13 – 16 from a Yoruba Perspective

Jesus in his teachings in the Gospels expressly pointed out that, respecting a child, recognizing a child’s individuality, nurturing children into usefulness by serving them, are as important as any other ministry. He gave attention to children brought to him and blessed them. Jesus’ affection for children and his attitude towards them is at variance, in most cases, with the attitude of many adults in some cultures today where children are seen as mentally deficient, ignorant, capricious and foolish and thereby get little or no recognition. The Yoruba place a high premium on child-bearing, child-training and blessing of children because the children mirror the parents in the society and they are expected to carry on the legacy of the parents after their demise. The attitude of neglecting children, not giving them enough attention both at home and in the church today calls for concern. The ‘world’ is so encumbered with challenges and demands that many adults rarely have time for children; some don’t even want to have children in order to avoid the responsibility of caring and nurturing. However, children are very central to the continuity of the human race and as such should be given necessary recognition, blessings and training that will enable them to become responsible adults. The paper attempts a historical – grammatical analysis of Mark10:13-16. The reception of children by Jesus is set against child neglect, child suffering and child abuse in Nigeria today. A study of Jesus’ teaching and affection for children in the context of the Yoruba practices is done purposely to challenge contemporary conceptions about children and make readers to reflect on their own attitudes and behavior to children. We must learn from Jesus’ teaching, to emulate child-like characteristics of lowliness, trust, powerlessness and absolute dependence on God, in order to have peace here on earth and enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ acceptance of the children should be seen as a condemnation of the practice of turning children out of the home either through the actions of the parents or by their words.

Keywords: Children, St. Mark, Jesus teaching, Kingdom of God,