Principal's Ponderings

Let the Children Come

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

In a world that often measures value by age, achievement, or influence, Jesus did something radical. He welcomed children, not as distractions or background noise, but as precious bearers of the Kingdom.

When the disciples tried to keep children away, Jesus rebuked them. He stopped everything to draw them close, bless them, and declare that “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” What an incredible truth, children do not just belong in the Kingdom, they help us see it more clearly.

Here at Devonport Christian School, we hold this truth dearly. Every child is a gift, seen, known, and loved by God. They are not just future leaders, they are Kingdom participants today. Their wonder, honesty, faith, questions, and compassion all reflect something of the heart of Jesus.

As a school community, our role is not to control children into good behaviour, but to disciple them into deep love for God and others. That means creating spaces where they can explore faith, ask questions, worship freely, and grow in confidence that they are loved, by us and by their Heavenly Father.

We believe that when children pray, God listens. When they worship, Heaven rejoices. When they serve, the world is changed. Jesus Himself pointed to children as models of humility and trust. He was not saying we should become immature, He was saying we should become dependent, like children who know they are safe in the arms of a loving Father.

Parents, never underestimate the spiritual depth of your child. They may not have all the words, but they often see and feel the presence of God more purely than we do. Some of the most profound prayers and insights come from children’s hearts.

This week, consider how you can nurture your child or teenagers walk with Jesus:

• Create space for conversation after school and production to about where they saw kindness, love, or courage.

• Invite them to lead prayer at the dinner table.

• Worship together, whether through song, silence, or storytelling.

And most of all, let them come. Let them come with their mess, their joy, their curiosity, their tears. We do not need to solve or be rid of every problem, we need to be there, for them to have someone beside them as they learn to walk through it. Let them come to Jesus, not just in formal moments, but in the daily rhythm of life.

Psalm 8:2 says, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise…”

At school, we are witnessing that praise every day, in classrooms, playgrounds, assemblies, and in productions. It reminds us that the Holy Spirit is at work in the hearts of our youngest community members.

Let us be the kind of school, the kind of homes, and the kind of community that echoes Jesus’ invitation:

“Let the children come.”

With deep joy and honour,

Chad