What three things should children learn?

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Question: What three things should children learn from the Bible?

Answer: The New Testament says that children should be taught and learn: 1) To be obedient to parents. 2) That Jesus is the Messiah and Savior of man and the good news of God's kingdom he brought. 3) To obey God's commandments and laws.

Children should learn obedience to Parents

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3, NASB throughout unless noted)

"Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." (Colossians 3:20)

" . . . For what son is not disciplined by his father?  If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.  How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!  Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:7-11, NIV)

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, unthankful, unholy . . . having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" (2Timothy 3:1-3, NKJV)

Children should learn about Jesus and God's Kingdom

"Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. . . . Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. . . .

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. . . . Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.' " (Matthew 18:2-3, 5-6, 10, NKJV)

Children should learn to obey God's commandments

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3)

"His (Jesus') parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem.

"Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions." (This verse also indicates how the children were taught; they were taught by discussions about God's law with adults in the temple. - Luke 2:41-43, 46, NKJV)

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. "  (2Timothy 3:14-15, NKJV)

There are several places in the Bible that discuss children and what they should learn. For additional study please see our article listing what the book of Proverbs says about raising a child and the relationship between parents and children.