Why Students Matter to God?ಮಾದರಿ

Day 2 – Jesus and the Children

Picture this scene: parents are bringing their children to Jesus, hoping He would bless them. The disciples, thinking they were protecting Jesus’ time, tried to push the kids away. To them, children weren’t “important enough” to bother the Teacher. But Jesus stopped them with strong words: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

It’s striking. Jesus didn’t just “tolerate” the young — He welcomed them, honoured them, and pointed to them as examples of the kind of faith we all need.

Sadly, we often repeat the disciples’ mistake. In churches and ministries, youth and students are sometimes sidelined — “too immature,” “too distracted,” “not yet ready.” We wait until they hit adulthood before involving them in “serious” ministry. But if Jesus gave them front-row seats in His kingdom, who are we to push them to the back?

Here’s the truth: reaching and discipling students is not babysitting; it’s kingdom work. Their questions matter. Their struggles matter. Their energy, creativity, and sincerity are gifts to the church. Investing in them is investing in the heartbeat of God’s mission.

Think of it this way: if we ignore youth now, we risk building a future church with gaps too wide to fill later. But if we embrace and disciple them today, the kingdom tomorrow will be vibrant, faithful, and multiplying.

Reflection: Do I treat young people as central to God’s kingdom, or as background characters?

Action Step: This week, make space for a young person’s voice. Ask them their opinion in a Bible study, invite them to pray, or simply listen deeply to their questions. Don’t silence them—welcome them, listen to them, love them.