Back to School: New Beginnings and Welcoming the Outsider Through the Eyes of Jesus

Aug 1

3 min read

As backpacks are packed and school doors swing open once again, the familiar rhythm of a new academic year begins. For some, it’s an exciting return to friends, routines, and favorite subjects. For others, it may bring nerves, new environments, or the quiet ache of feeling like an outsider. But whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone cheering from the sidelines, this season of new beginnings carries deep spiritual meaning—especially when viewed through the eyes of Jesus.

A Season for Fresh Starts

Scripture reminds us that our God is the God of new beginnings. Just as the school year starts with blank notebooks and clean slates, so too does Christ offer us a fresh start each day.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Back-to-school season is more than buying supplies or organizing schedules. It’s an opportunity to reset our hearts. To commit anew to kindness, growth, forgiveness, and inclusion. To choose compassion over comparison, and love over judgment.

Jesus Welcomes the Outsider

As we think about classrooms filled with unfamiliar faces, it’s important to remember that Jesus often went out of His way to welcome those who felt out of place. Whether it was the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19), or the leper whom no one dared to touch (Luke 5:12–13), Jesus saw them, welcomed them, and gave them a place to belong.

“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7

In every hallway and every lunchroom, there’s someone who feels like they don’t quite fit. As followers of Christ, we are called to be His hands and feet—to notice, include, and love those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Back to School as a Mission Field

Whether you're a student, teacher, parent, or school staff member, you are stepping into a mission field every single day. The way you treat others, stand up for kindness, or offer a simple smile can be a light to those walking in darkness.

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

The courage to show compassion or extend an invitation to someone sitting alone at lunch can be life-changing. In a world that often values popularity and performance, Christ values humility and hospitality.

A Prayer for the School Year Ahead

Heavenly Father, As this new school year begins, may we embrace it with hope and courage. Help us see each day as a chance to grow in grace and love. Remind us to look for those who feel left out, and to extend the welcome of Christ in every word and action. Let us be known not just for what we achieve, but for how we love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

As the school bell rings and a new chapter begins, may we remember this: Jesus sees you. He welcomes you. And He invites you to do the same for others. Let this school year be one where love is louder than fear, kindness stronger than cliques, and faith more powerful than doubt.

Contest Corner:

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Our contest for August is a $25 Walmart card for all your back to school needs. Enter by commenting on the newsletter or on home page. Thanks for playing!

Next month we will have something extra special for our 100th episode celebration- if you have entered a previous contest you will get an extra entry in September!