“Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, ‘Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives me does not receive Me, but him who sent me'” (Mark 9:36-37, NASB).

I am a trinitarian. I believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that God reveals Himself to us in the Bible as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. My comprehension of God and my personal experience of God is trinitarian.

I want my children to have a complete and accurate knowledge of God as they grow up. Yet, I’m not sure that I really completely understand the Trinity.

So, how do you explain this complex trinitarian theology to your children when you don’t really understand it yourself?

How do you explain the triune God to little children? And how can little children be expected to come to faith in God without understanding the Trinity?

One time Jesus’ disciples had a discussion about who was the greatest among them. Luke said it was more like an argument (see Luke 9:46). Mark said they were reluctant to tell Jesus about their dispute (see Mark 9:34). And, Matthew said they had to ask Jesus to settle the dispute (see Matthew 18:1).

In all three gospel accounts Jesus responded with an object lesson. Jesus set a child in front of them and then wrapped His arms around the child and told the disciples that whoever humbles himself like a child is greatest in the Kingdom of God. In God’s Kingdom, those who are humble shall be the exalted ones!

But, Jesus’ declaration to His disciples in Mark and Luke provides a somewhat trinitarian response to His disciples’ question about who was greatest in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said that whoever receives Me actually receives Him who sent Me. In other words, whoever receives the Son receives the Father. And, by “receiving” the Father, He then indwells the one who receives Him (by His Spirit).

So, if you want to teach your children about God, simply tell them about Jesus! If you want your children to come to faith in God, have them ask Jesus to come into their hearts!

Because, if they receive Jesus, then they receive God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And then, they too will become trinitarians!