Dear families,

In the final chapter of Luke’s Gospel account, we receive insight into how Christ made His resurrection power known. The manner He chose to reveal His newly resurrected body teaches us how we can share and receive His gospel truths in the present day. Since Christians today represent the body of Christ in action, we serve as living, tangible proof of His resurrection power in the world. Just as the earliest followers sought to make His life, death, and resurrection known within their circles, we too must seek to share the gospel with the world today. 

Why did Christ return to the people after His crucifixion? What knowledge did He seek to impart to them amidst their weariness and confusion?  

Though Christ now sits at the right hand of God, shortly after His resurrection He chose to stand in His followers’ midst, that His resurrected humanity might become apparent to them. The first greeting He offered was that of peace through the gift of His presence. 

The questions He posed were rhetorical: “Why are you troubled? For what reason do you doubt?” Jesus recognized their fear and welcomed His disciples to see and touch His body so that their fear may be overcome with belief. His desire was that they would realize their need for His peace and be assured by the power of His resurrected presence. 

As you talk with kids about Christ’s resurrection, reflect on the peace that His presence provides. He left the comfort of heaven that we would have peace with the Father through His death and resurrection. The disciples saw and believed in Christ's resurrection and would later come to profess His peace throughout the world. Only Jesus provides peace to all who trust in Him as Savior. By teaching this story to your group, you’re extending the legacy of the earliest church members! 

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: God made Jesus alive again! We can tell others this good news. 

·       Younger Preschool: God made Jesus alive again! Jesus is still alive today. He wants us to tell others this very good news. 

·       Older Preschool: God made Jesus alive again! Jesus visited many people so they would know He is alive. Jesus is still alive today. He wants us to tell others this very good news. 

·       Kids: For 40 days, Jesus presented Himself to over 500 people and proved that He is alive. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Jesus is still alive today. He sends out believers to tell others about Him. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: How do we know God wants us to know Him? We know God wants us to know Him because He shows Himself through the Bible. 

·       Older Preschool: How do we know God wants us to know Him? We know God wants us to know Him because He shows Himself through the Bible.  

·       Kids: How do we know that God wants us to know Him? We can know that God wants us to know Him because He has revealed Himself through His Word. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: People who know God will live forever. John 17:3 

·       Younger Preschool: People who know the only true God and Jesus will live forever. John 17:3 

·       Older Preschool: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.” John 17:3 

·       Kids: “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ.” John 17:3 

Dear families,

Amidst the darkness of the crucifixion story, the promise of new life in Jesus sprang forth. Here in these passages, the truth of Christ’s victory became known first to His closest followers and then was spread throughout the rest of the world. 

With what power was Jesus raised from the grave? How did these events tie into the story of the gospel or into our own lives? Every word of the Scriptures works in harmony to point to the reality of Christ’s death and resurrection. Through His victory over sin and death, those who believe in His name find everlasting life through Him, God’s Son.

Despite the security of the closely guarded tomb, Christ still rose again from the grave. Though the chief priests conspired to stop the truth of His resurrection from circulating, the truths of Christ’s enduring power still resounded. The guards in their earthly strength, as well as the priests in their worldly power, stood no chance against the unstoppable might of the one, true Son of God.

The Spirit of God that raised Christ from the dead was not just a once-and-done deal. In fact, that same Spirit is alive inside of those who profess faith in Jesus even still today. Remind kids that the miraculous power at work in the Son is still working within those who call upon His name for salvation from sin. God was pleased with His Son who reigns as King over all creation; He has invited us to enter into a relationship with Him, all because of the work that Christ did on our behalf.

Just as the angels reminded the women at the empty tomb, Christ did all that He said He would do, exactly as the Old Testament proclaimed the Messiah would. His truth remains, and His Word endures. Although the chief priests tried to spread false news, Christ’s truth remains active and living, still alive today. Despite the mourning, weeping, and confusion of our human experiences, the good news is still ours to proclaim and cling to with hope. Christ is risen, and He invites us into the victory He has secured.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: God raised Jesus from the dead to be King over everything.

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but He rose from the dead and is alive! God raised Jesus from the dead to be the King over everything.

●      Older Preschool: Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but He rose from the dead and is alive! God raised Jesus from the dead to be the King over everything. Jesus rescues us from sin and promises that we will live forever with Him.

●      Kids: Jesus died on the cross for our sins, but He didn’t stay dead. God was pleased with Jesus’ sacrifice and raised Jesus from the dead on the third day to reign as King over all creation. Jesus provides salvation from sin and the promise of eternal life.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Younger Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus rules over everything.

●      Older Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over everything.

●      Kids: How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over the universe as the King of kings.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Everyone will worship God forever. Revelation 5:13

●      Younger Preschool: Every creature will worship God forever and ever. Revelation 5:13

●      Older Preschool: I heard every creature … say, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! Revelation 5:13

●      Kids: I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say, Blessing and honor and glory and power be to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! Revelation 5:13

Dear families,

In all four Gospel accounts of the triumphal entry, we uncover the truth that Jesus reigns as the sovereign King over everything. From the need for a processional donkey to the praises spilling from children’s mouths, He continued to fulfill the Old Testament requirements for the coming Messiah—the One promised since the beginning.

Why were the crowds so welcoming to Jesus and His disciples on this day? What led them to sing so loudly, to make way for His arrival so exuberantly? Many had heard the news of this prophet from Nazareth. Some had even witnessed His miraculous, healing power for themselves. Yet they all looked on with the hope that He would do even more for them now as their long-awaited King.

Those they encountered while entering Jerusalem were excited to see what Christ would do next, especially regarding the Roman rule they faced. They knew of Scripture’s promises and wanted more than anything for Jesus to be their answered prayer. They were more than elated to celebrate Him as the object of their kingly anticipation but failed to recognize Him as Someone greater—their Messiah and Lord.

Amid their jubilant festivities and merrymaking, they missed Christ's purpose in heading toward their city. It was not for the sake of sitting on an earthly throne, but to stake His claim as sovereign Ruler of the universe. He was not interested in merely delivering them from Pontius Pilate, but rather from life and eternity spent without God.

As you prepare to teach kids about Jesus’ triumphal entry, reflect on the full picture of the gospel’s good news: We do not have to wonder who Christ would turn out to be, nor shall we simply compartmentalize His reign to only one area of our lives. We already know of His death, resurrection, and ultimate victory over sin. We have even more reasons to welcome and worship Him than those in this story!

Teach your kids that Jesus made His way into Jerusalem to make a way for us to be with the Father for all eternity. May we never take for granted His sovereignty not just as King, but as Lord of all.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is the good King who rescues His people.

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus came riding on a donkey, just as the prophet Zechariah said He would. (Zechariah 9:9) One day, Jesus will come back, riding on a white horse as King over everything.

●      Older Preschool: Jesus came riding on a donkey, just as the prophet Zechariah said He would. (Zechariah 9:9) One day, Jesus will come back, riding on a white horse as King over everything.

●      Kids: Jesus is the Messiah spoken about by the prophet Zechariah: “Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). One day, Jesus will return to earth on a white horse as King over everything.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Younger Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect Prophet? Jesus tells us God’s message.

●      Older Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect Prophet? God speaks to us through Jesus.

●      Kids: How is Jesus the perfect Prophet? Jesus perfectly reveals God the Father and fulfills what the prophets spoke.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Babies & Toddlers: We can listen to Jesus. Deuteronomy 18:15

●      Younger Preschool: God wants us to listen to Jesus. Deuteronomy 18:15

●      Older Preschool: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet … . You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:15

●      Kids: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.” Deuteronomy 18:15

Dear families,

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John all recounted Christ’s anointing in the last days before Passover. As Christ, His disciples, and friends all gathered to remember what God had done for His people so long ago, Mary anointed Jesus. We continue to celebrate the legacy of her worshipful act, just as Jesus proclaimed we would.

What was the significance of Mary’s extravagant offering? Why did Christ declare that she would always be remembered for the affection she displayed for her Lord?

While Judas’ eyes were blinded by his own greed, Mary’s hands were guided by devotion to Christ alone. Though it seemed her offering of such precious perfume was a waste of resources, her reverence was not lost on Jesus. He deemed the costliness of her worship to be noble and exemplary. A year’s worth of oil was worth less to her than this opportunity to worship Him there in His presence. She found herself unwilling to waste such an occasion to showcase His worth before all who were assembled in Simon the Leper’s home.

To Jesus, it did not matter where the cost of the oil went, so much as the fact that she offered it up to Him in worship. So often, those on the outside wish to find the worth of our worship through a worldly lens. However, Christ is more interested in the obedience of our hearts. The joy in our giving is of greater value than any price tag it may bear.

Mary’s choice to anoint the Lord with this costly oil became preparation for His burial; her sacrificial choice to honor Him with all she had was not put to waste. In fact, it helped establish her legacy in Scripture and even brought Christ one step closer to fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy.

Explain to kids that genuine worship, even at its costliest, is never wasted because He is worth more than all the treasures of the world. Mary’s opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s value before the others was what set her apart. How can we lead our kids toward lives of genuine devotion to Christ?

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Jesus deserves to be worshiped. He died to rescue people from sin.

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus is most important, and He deserves to be worshiped. Jesus died to rescue people from sin. He was buried and then rose from the dead.

●      Older Preschool: Mary did the right thing by pouring oil on Jesus. She worshiped Him. Jesus is most important, and He deserves to be worshiped. Jesus knew that He was going to die to rescue people from sin. He would be buried and then rise from the dead.

●      Kids: Pouring the expensive oil on Jesus was not a waste; it was worship. By allowing Mary to anoint Him, Jesus showed that He is more valuable than anything. Jesus knew He would soon die, be buried, and rise from the dead on the third day to rescue sinners.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Younger Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect Priest? Jesus gave His life for us.

●      Older Preschool: How is Jesus the perfect Priest? Jesus gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

●      Kids: How is Jesus the perfect Priest? Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for sin, and He speaks to God the Father for us today.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Jesus never sinned. Hebrews 4:15

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus lived a perfect life. Hebrews 4:15

●      Older Preschool: For we … have a high priest … who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

●      Kids: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

** Next week: Jesus Shared a Last Meal (Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22)

Dear families,

The account of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead is a foundational passage in the New Testament. Not only was a dead man brought back to life, this passage in John 11 also contains the shortest verse in the Bible and a glimpse into the humanity of Jesus. John 11:25 says, “Jesus wept.”

In this historical account of the death of Jesus’ dear friend, Jesus is questioned three times for not arriving sooner. The primary reason He is questioned can be found in the words of both Mary and Martha: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” (John 11:21,32)

Mary, Martha, and others around them had seen and heard of the miraculous things that Jesus was doing. They had only seen Him miraculously prevent death. Their framework for how Jesus worked was limited to their experience with Him.

Martha showed a glimmer of hope in John 11:22 when she said, “Yet even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” However, she still seemed to limit what Jesus could do to her previous experience.

It can be easy to put God inside of a box, to limit what we believe He can do to what we’ve seen Him do before. Yet Jesus’ delay served a greater purpose: to give Him the opportunity to perform an even greater miracle—and thus display God’s glory.

Today, we often struggle to pray with confidence that God could heal physical ailments or save those that seem most unlikely to repent. In our minds, we limit what God can do to what we have seen or can explain.

What if we prayed with the confidence that God is a wonderworker, doing more than we could ever ask or imagine? What if we believed that God isn’t bound by our opinions or perspectives? What if we demonstrated our confidence in a God who is beyond our full comprehension, but is always within our reach? Not only would this type of faith change us, but it would also greatly impact those around us.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Jesus showed that He has power over death.

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He showed that He has power over death. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will live forever with Him.

●      Older Preschool: Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He showed that He has power over death. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. Those who trust in Jesus will live forever with Him.

●      Kids: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. He gives eternal life to those who trust in Him.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: Why do people not choose Jesus? People choose what they want rather than what God wants.  

·       Older Preschool: Why do people not choose Jesus? People are born with sin and choose what they want rather than what God wants.

·       Kids: Why do people reject Jesus? People reject Jesus because all people are born with a sin nature and want to please themselves rather than obey God. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: People were unkind to Jesus. Isaiah 53:3 

·       Younger Preschool: People turned away from Jesus and were unkind to Him. Isaiah 53:3  

·       Older Preschool: He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. Isaiah 53:3 

·       Kids: He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. Isaiah 53:3 

Dear families,

As the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth was drawing nearer, large crowds of people followed Him from each town and village. So the question someone raised in Luke 13:23 may seem unusual: “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

Jesus had spent time with the crowds. He had fed them, taught them, and healed them; yet He knew that relatively few would follow Him as true disciples. He knew He would ultimately be rejected by the crowds.

Jesus said that the gate is narrow, and few will find it. Most people will not taste and see that the Lord is good. The simple answer to this probing question is, “Yes, the number of people who will be saved is significantly less than those who will not.” Many people knew about Jesus. They had shared meals with Him and listened to Him, but they did not know Him personally as Lord and Savior.

Jesus was clear that being a Jew by birth or a zealot for the law was not enough to enter God’s kingdom. God’s heart is both for Jews and Gentiles. Jesus’ honest response offers hope to those who will hear. He tells them that no matter the numbers, make every effort to be one who enters that narrow gate. You do not want to be left outside the entrance.

We are surrounded by people who wonder about this very same thing. Who will be saved? Though we are not armed with the eternal knowledge of God, we do have pictures like this in Scripture that remind us to point to the hope of Christ in all things. We don’t know the future—and it’s not for us to know—but we do know where hope is found. The subject line of our message should be as hopeful as the gospel that saved us. The invitation to God’s kingdom is for all to place their trust in Christ, the One who was rejected and killed on a cross—so that we may be justified and fully accepted by His sacrifice on our behalf.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Everyone who trusts in Jesus will enter God’s kingdom.

●      Younger Preschool: Everyone is invited into the kingdom of God, but not everyone will go in. People are saved only by trusting in Jesus.

●      Older Preschool: Everyone is invited into the kingdom of God, but not everyone will go in. People are saved only by trusting in Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

●      Kids: Everyone is invited into the kingdom of God, but not everyone will enter. People are saved only by trusting in Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: Why do people not choose Jesus? People choose what they want rather than what God wants.  

·       Older Preschool: Why do people not choose Jesus? People are born with sin and choose what they want rather than what God wants.

·       Kids: Why do people reject Jesus? People reject Jesus because all people are born with a sin nature and want to please themselves rather than obey God. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: People were unkind to Jesus. Isaiah 53:3 

·       Younger Preschool: People turned away from Jesus and were unkind to Him. Isaiah 53:3  

·       Older Preschool: He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. Isaiah 53:3 

·       Kids: He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him. Isaiah 53:3 

Dear families,

Let’s set the scene: It’s Monday morning, you’re running late for work, where you have an important meeting scheduled first thing. But before you can make it to work, you have to drop off the kids at school. And before you can drop the kids off at school, you’ll need to get everyone in the car, which means you’ll need the car keys. And therein lies the problem. Where are the car keys?! A panicked search ensues, sofa cushions are tossed to the ground, bags are emptied, pockets are turned inside out. You have the car, you have the kids, you have the backpacks, lunchboxes, and your wallet, but without the keys, no one is going anywhere.

Every time I read the three parables that Jesus shares in Luke 15—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son—I can’t help but imagine such a scene. A valuable target that’s worth the risk and resources to go and get.

From these three stories, it’s fair to ask, “Who is it that Jesus is after?” A close look at the context where Jesus shared these parables helps us understand.

Jesus has been approached by tax collectors and sinners. These are the worst of the worst in the eyes of the religious people of the day. But there’s another audience as well. The Pharisees and scribes had gathered. And while they complained about Jesus being with such terrible sinners, Jesus started to make a point that leveled the playing field.

These three parables illustrate that Jesus is concerned about the far-off sinner who has either wandered from faithfulness or has yet to taste and see the goodness of God. But He is also concerned with the outwardly righteous, inwardly sinful Christians who consider themselves deserving of the grace of God. Both are in great need of the love of God.

As we read Luke 15 it should stir our hope for those around us that are far from God and in need of salvation or restoration. But it should also cause us to see our own need for the love and grace of God.

The love of God is relentless, coming after us in our time of need. Whether He is leading us to Himself in salvation or leading us to repentance from our sin, Jesus is in pursuit. We are all always in need of his love and grace.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: God is a loving Father who sent His Son to rescue people from sin.

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus told stories to teach about God’s love. Jesus loves people who do not know Him. Jesus gave His life to rescue people from sin.

●      Older Preschool: Jesus told stories to teach about God’s love. Jesus loves and looks for people who are lost, people who do not know Him. Jesus gave His life to save people from sin.

●      Kids: Jesus told these parables to teach about God’s love. God sent Jesus so sinners can be forgiven. As Savior, Jesus loves and seeks sinners. He paid the ultimate price—His own life—to save people from sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God.  

·       Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. 

·       Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Lord, You are great and powerful. 1 Chronicles 29:11 

·       Younger Preschool: Lord, You are great and powerful. Everything belongs to You.1 Chronicles 29:11 

·       Older Preschool: Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory … for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:11 

Kids:Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11

Dear families,

As you read of the miraculous multiplication of bread and fish in Matthew 15 pay attention to what captures your attention. What stands out most? Consider these astonishing observations: Thousands of people had been following and listening to Jesus for three days with nothing to eat. The disciples doubted Jesus’ ability to provide something substantial enough to meet the needs of this crowd. With seven loaves of bread and a few small fish, the disciples were able to feed a crowd of thousands. At the end of this simple meal, the people had food left over.

But one observation seems to showcase the heart of Christ in this story–He had compassion on the crowd. The hungry multitude had nothing to eat and would surely collapse on their journey home. From this compassionate heart, Jesus performed His miraculous works that not only satisfied their hunger, but produced an abundance of leftover food. Such is the heart of Christ, to show compassion, give generously, and seek to satisfy.

Jesus' miracle demonstrated both His power and His love. Just as He had power to multiply the loaves and the fish, so does He have power to save us from sin. And just as He displayed His love toward the crowd, so does He display His love toward sinners by way of the cross. The Bread of Life gave His body to be broken so that our hungry souls would be satisfied and find life.

Through Jesus' miracle of feeding the crowd, we find the gospel message: set your heart to feast on Jesus and you will live. (John 6:51) Only in Christ will we find forgiveness, satisfaction, and life eternal. We can turn to Jesus and be reminded that in Him we have all we need.

As you study the miraculous works of Jesus, don’t lose sight of the love of God on display through these acts. To know the works of Jesus is to know the tangible evidence of His unsurpassed love.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Only Jesus can give us everything we need.

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus fed the people who were hungry. Jesus can give us everything we need: forgiveness, peace with God, and life with Him forever.

●      Older Preschool: Jesus gave the people food so they would not be hungry. Later, Jesus said that He is the bread of life. (John 6:35) Jesus can give us everything we need: forgiveness, peace with God, and life with Him forever.

●      Kids: By feeding the crowd, Jesus provided for the physical needs of the people. Later, Jesus called Himself the bread of life. (John 6:35) Only Jesus can satisfy our souls forever by providing forgiveness, peace with God, and eternal life.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: Is Jesus God or a person? Jesus is both God and a person.  

·       Older Preschool: Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.  

·       Kids: Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is God’s Son. John 1:18 

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus shows us what God is like. John 1:18 

·       Older Preschool: No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son … has revealed him. John 1:18 

·       Kids: No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him. John 1:18 

Dear families,

In the Gospel accounts of Jesus calming the storm, we learn that Jesus' disciples experienced tremendous fear. Their fear was so great, they believed they would perish in the storm. Yet, Jesus experienced the same violent storm, and rather than quake in fear, He slept.

The disciples’ fear emerged from a lack of faith in the One who slept in the boat. While they worried about their circumstances and allowed fear to overtake their hearts, Jesus remained confident in His control over all things–including the raging sea. Not a drop of an ocean wave or a gust of wind escaped His authority. The Word made flesh, who spoke all creation into existence, rules every inch of this world according to His sovereign will.

At the sound of His voice, the wind and the waves were stilled. And the disciples' fear of the storm was redirected to a fear of another kind–one of reverence and awe. The power of the storm was no rival for the power of the Lord, and the disciples’ perspective was shifted to wonder at the holiness, power, and authority of Jesus.

The disciples’ fear toward Jesus was different. This fear was one of awe and reverence—a humbled perspective regarding the holiness, power, and authority of Jesus.

We all resonate with their timidity, for it is commonplace in our daily lives to be shaken by concerns in the face of trying circumstances. This story is about a storm and the different feelings that came out of it. But from that storm, and even the storms within our own lives, we see the character of a Savior. It is about our need to bow our hearts and our lives to the beauty, holiness, power, and authority of Jesus as we trust in His authority—for His glory and also for our good.

We all have things that cause us worry and concern, but do you have a reverent awe toward the God who made you and loves you and has promised to be with you through every circumstance of your life?

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

●      Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is Lord. He has power over everything.

●      Younger Preschool: Jesus’ friends knew He was a good teacher. When Jesus calmed the storm, He showed that He is the Lord. Jesus has power over everything.

●      Older Preschool: Jesus’ disciples knew He was a good man and a good teacher. When Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, He showed His friends that He is the Lord. Jesus has power over everything He made.

●      Kids: Jesus’ disciples knew Jesus was a good man and a good teacher. When Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, He showed His disciples that He is also God. God rules the sea and stills its waves.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: Is Jesus God or a person? Jesus is both God and a person.  

·       Older Preschool: Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.  

·       Kids: Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is God’s Son. John 1:18 

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus shows us what God is like. John 1:18 

·       Older Preschool: No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son … has revealed him. John 1:18 

·       Kids: No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him. John 1:18 

Dear families,

“I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.” These words from Charles Hutchinson Gabriel’s classic hymn “My Savior’s Love” have been sung and treasured for more than a century. When Gabriel first released this song in a 1905 hymnbook, it served as a reminder to the church of the deep love of God, His work through Christ, His presence in all circumstances, and their cause for celebration and amazement. 

In all the rich truths of the five stanzas of this great hymn, the first line may be most striking: “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene.” Why? Because it reminds us of the unfathomable reality that we are able to stand in the presence of God by no other means than God’s gracious work through Jesus. Paul reinforced this idea in his Acts 17 address at the Areopagus: “For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’” (Acts 17:28) 

What causes you amazement? What brings a sense of awe? Are you guilty of being captivated by a sunset but being indifferent to the Savior? Are you left breathless by the miracle of new life, only to be largely unaware of the miracle of sustained life? 

We rightly experience moments of wonder as we witness some of the incredible ways that God works in our lives; however, we often miss the everyday opportunities for amazement of the same degree. 

This week, set your mind to remember that gift of God’s grace found in being able to stand in the presence of God because of the work of Christ applied to you. Take time to remember the gracious gift of God’s sustaining power in your life—keeping breath in your lungs, relationships in your life, and function to every other part of your being. Stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, who sustains your very life and has cast such incredible love on an undeserving sinner.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that He is God’s Son. 

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that He is the Son of God. 

·       Older Preschool: Jesus cares about people. Jesus’ miracles helped people and showed that He is the Son of God. Through Jesus, God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. He provides forgiveness and life with God forever. 

·       Kids: Jesus’ miracles proved that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. His miracles strengthened people’s faith and met their needs. Through Jesus, God did what is impossible for us to do on our own. He provided forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool:  How can we be saved? We are only saved by trusting in Jesus. 

·       Older Preschool: How can we be saved? We are only saved by trusting in Jesus. 

·       Kids: How can we be saved? We are only saved through faith in Jesus. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Believe in God. Hebrews 11:6  

·       Younger Preschool: Believe in God. Hebrews 11:6 

·       Older Preschool: Without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 

·       Kids: Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 

Dear families,

A clear reality that echoes throughout the New Testament is that God sends those He saves. Jesus commanded His disciples to go and tell others about Him. (Matt. 28:18-20) The story of Jesus and a Samaritan woman in John 4 also provides reminders of this idea. 

Upon the Samaritan woman’s hearing that God Himself was standing before her, she left her water—the very thing she had come to the well for—and returned quickly to her town to tell of this man. 

Her response was not to run from Jesus but to expend her energy bringing others to Him: “Come, see.” At the very least, she concluded that He was the Messiah. At the very most, she had surrendered to His authority over her life and was now trusting in His power to forgive. Either way, she was moved to go and tell. 

Immediately following this, Jesus used the question of His need for food to exhort the disciples to go and tell as well. After telling the disciples that He is fulfilled by doing the work of God, Jesus shared with His friends that they too were created to participate in the work of God— sowing and reaping by bringing men, women, boys, and girls to Jesus. 

Ultimately, Jesus called these men to follow Him so they would experience joy in His presence forever, glorify Him, and invite others to do the same. He saved them to participate in the mission of God to make known the hope found only in Him.  

And the same is true of us as well. Those whom God has saved are also sent by Him so that people in their communities and all over the world can receive the invitation to come and see the Savior—Jesus Christ. 

Jesus calls us to Himself and then He sends us to go. When we take part in the mission of God, we are demonstrating that we love Jesus more than anything. Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus also promised that we don’t take on this mission alone. He will surely be with us—by the gift of the Spirit. 

The Lord saves us and commands us to share the hope of the gospel. As we participate in His mission, He promises to be with us and produces joy within us as others come to faith in Him. Jesus is worthy.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus loves everyone. Anyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved from sin. 

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus loves everyone. He came to give people salvation from sin. When we trust in Jesus, we worship Him as our Lord and Savior. 

·       Older Preschool: Jesus is different from other people. Jesus loves everyone, and He came to give people a free gift: salvation from sin. When we trust in Jesus, we worship Him as our Lord and Savior. 

·       Kids: Jesus offers something better than physical water; He gives us Himself. Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to everyone who comes to Him by faith. We can worship Him as Lord and Savior wherever we are. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: How do we know God loves us? We can know that God loves us because He sent His Son Jesus. 

·       Older Preschool: How do we know God loves us? We can know that God loves us because He sent His Son Jesus. 

·       Kids: How do we know God loves us? We can know that God loves us because He gave us Jesus to forgive the sins of the world. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: God sent His Son Jesus. Romans 5:8 

·       Younger Preschool:  We know that God loves us because He sent His Son Jesus. Romans 5:8 

·       Older Preschool: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

·       Kids: But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

Dear families,

Light and darkness are contrasted throughout the Scriptures. In John 3, Jesus explained to Nicodemus the hope and grace of God and the means by which He saves. Consider what Jesus was saying as He emphasized this contrast in this conversation. 

In John 3:19-21, Jesus said, “This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” 

Jesus said that judgment is coming—and has arrived—because people loved the darkness more than the light. Ultimately, Jesus was referring to Himself, having entered the world to overcome the darkness. But as John 1 says, He was not recognized as the light, even by His own people. 

Some two thousand years later, the question is, do we too love the darkness, or have we truly received the light? And how can we know? Jesus helps us answer this question. 

One might summarize Jesus’ response this way: if you love the darkness, your deeds will be evil. If you love the light, your works will be obvious evidence of the power of God. The evidence of whether we love the darkness or the light is found in the way we live. 

Do you live in a way that expresses your love for light or for darkness? Is there a clear picture of the power of God in your decisions, actions, and words? Do people see the work of God and hear of His power when they interact with you? 

It’s easy to answer these important questions with aspirations, but we cannot convince God of what is not true. And even further, our aspirations mean nothing without a deep dependence on God's transformation for our lives. Though we find evidence of what we love in how we live, ultimately God looks at the heart. Our lives will be evidence for loving God above all else. In our faithful pursuit of the light, the evidence will show itself.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus gives us life forever with God. 

·       Younger Preschool: God showed His love by sending His one and only Son to rescue people from sin. Jesus gives us life forever with God. 

·       Older Preschool: Nicodemus wanted life with God, but he could not do anything to earn it. Eternal life is a gift. God showed His love by sending His one and only Son to rescue people from sin. Everyone who believes in Him receives God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus. 

·       Kids: Nicodemus needed new life—eternal life—but he could not do anything to earn it. Eternal life is a gift that comes only from God. God showed His love in this way: He sent His one and only Son to save the world. Everyone who believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: How do we know God loves us? We can know that God loves us because He sent His Son Jesus. 

·       Older Preschool: How do we know God loves us? We can know that God loves us because He sent His Son Jesus. 

·       Kids: How do we know God loves us? We can know that God loves us because He gave us Jesus to forgive the sins of the world. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: God sent His Son Jesus. Romans 5:8 

·       Younger Preschool:  We know that God loves us because He sent His Son Jesus. Romans 5:8 

·       Older Preschool: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

·       Kids: But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 

Dear families,

New Christians may find themselves wondering, Now what? What do I do? To answer these questions, we may talk with those new believers about Bible reading, prayer, community, and mission. Though these are all good and essentials things, they alone do not capture Jesus’ initial call to His disciples. 

When Jesus first began calling disciples, He used two words: “Follow Me.” He didn’t say “Clean yourself up” or “Work harder.” He said, “Follow Me.” 

The call to follow Jesus is a call to our souls to find rest. He invites us to be with Him and enjoy Him. Jesus’ invitation is not to be amazing, to do great things, or even to get to work. Jesus’ initial invitation is to follow Him. 

Jesus has most certainly called His followers to go and do good works, but the order in which we heed His calling and instructions is vital to our spiritual health. 

It’s easy for us to get caught up in the activity of God, the work of His mission, and the effort we must engage in to grow as He desires for us; however, these are not to be first. 

God calls us to come to Him; draw near to Him; and to see a glimpse of His goodness, beauty, splendor, and grace. And it is only in seeing these realities that we will go and do faithfully. For if we seek to go and do before we come and see, we will find ourselves in a spiral of constant despair feeling like we are falling short or equally as dangerous, feeling like we must earn our way to God. 

Jesus’ call to His disciples to come and see is the same invitation that we have today. Whether we have walked with God for decades or are new to the faith, our greatest need is to draw near to God and experience His glorious grace. It is then that we will see Him for who He truly is, understand ourselves more fully, and then live faithfully for His glory.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: We are Jesus’ disciples when we trust in Him. 

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus came to earth to save people from their sins. He called disciples to follow Him. We are Jesus’ disciples when we trust in Him. 

·       Older Preschool: Jesus, the Son of God and true King of Israel, came to earth to save people from their sins. He called disciples to follow Him. We are Jesus’ disciples when we trust in Him. 

·       Kids: Jesus, the Son of God and true King of Israel, came to earth to show what God is like and to save people from their sins. He called disciples to follow Him. We are Jesus’ disciples when we trust in Him. We can invite everyone to come and see the good news about Jesus. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Older Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Kids: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Older Preschool: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

·       Kids: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

There was once someone who said such amazing things and did such wonderful

things that people followed him. They couldn’t help it. They wanted to know who

he was, so they just had to ask him.

Once when they asked him who he was, he said, “I am the Good Shepherd. I

know each one of the sheep by name. When I take them from the sheepfold they

follow me. I walk in front of the sheep to show them the way.

“I show them the way to the good grass and I show them the way to the cool, still,

fresh water. When there are places of danger I show them how to go through.

“I count each one of the sheep when they come back and go inside the

sheepfold. If one of the sheep is missing I would go anywhere to look for

the lost sheep—in the grass, by the water, even in places of danger.

“And when the lost sheep is found I would put it on my back, even if it is

heavy, and carry it back safely to the sheepfold.

“When all the sheep are safe inside I am so happy that I can’t be happy just

by myself, so I invite all of my friends and we have a great feast.”

When the wolf comes, the Good Shepherd stays between the wolf and the

sheep. The Good Shepherd would even give his life for the sheep, so they

can come back safely to the sheepfold.

Now, I wonder if these sheep have names?

I wonder if the sheep are happy inside this place?

I wonder where this place could really be?

I wonder if you have ever come close to such a place?

I wonder if you have ever found the good grass?

I wonder if you have ever had the cool, clear, fresh water touch you?

I wonder if you ever had to go through a place of danger?

I wonder how you got through?

I wonder if you have ever been lost?

I wonder if you have ever been found?

I wonder if the Good Shepherd has ever called your name?

I wonder where this whole place could really be?

Dear families,

What gives you hope? It seems like a simple question, and most of us who regularly attend church likely know the “right” answer to the question. However, it’s the most important question for every person who has ever lived because your answer will determine your security and eternity. Unlike the hope the world has to offer, we can have a sure and steadfast hope that will never fail. 

In the Gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism, we see John the Baptist offer words of warning that lead us back to the question, what gives you hope? 

John warned the Pharisees sternly that no family, tradition, or outward practice is sufficient to save people from the wrath of God due to them for their sin. People are saved only by the grace of God received through faith and repentance. 

The same is true today. Though we may be tempted to find our hope in the faith journey of our parents, grandparents, or even children, those experiences are not sufficient to save. Though it is a gift to have family members who have placed their faith in Christ, our hope does not come from them. 

Similarly, no tradition is sufficient to save either. Though we may uphold the traditions and practices—baptism, the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and so forth—those practices alone are not able to save from sin and secure eternity with God. 

John the Baptist made it clear that the faith that leads to repentance brings the certainty of salvation. The larger context of the New Testament reminds us that this repentance is always paired with genuine faith. When these are present, the believer will bear the fruit of the Spirit. 

What gives you hope? The only true answer is that we must put our hope in Jesus. Only faith in His finished work on the cross rescues us from sin and death, empowers us to live for Him, and promises us life with God forever.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: People are baptized to show they follow Jesus. 

·       Younger Preschool: Baptism reminds us that Jesus died and came back to life. People are baptized to show they follow Jesus. 

·       Older Preschool: Jesus never did anything wrong, but He was baptized like sinners are baptized. Baptism reminds us that Jesus died and came back to life. People who know and love Jesus are baptized to show they are following Jesus. 

·       Kids: Jesus never sinned, but He obeyed God and was baptized like sinners are baptized. Baptism reminds us of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It reminds us that when we trust in Jesus, we turn from sin and start a new life—a life lived for Jesus. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Older Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Kids: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Older Preschool: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

·       Kids: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

There was once someone who did such wonderful things and said such amazing things that people wondered who he was. Finally they couldn’t help it—they just had to ask him.

“I am the Good Shepherd,” he said. “I know each one of the sheep by name, and they know the sound of my voice.

“When I take the sheep from the sheepfold, they follow me.

“I walk in front of the sheep to show them the way.

“I show them the way to the good grass.”

This is the table of the Good Shepherd. Here is the bread and wine of the Good Shepherd.

Sometimes we think we need to have a little statue or something on the table to remind us that this is the table of the Good Shepherd, but the Good Shepherd is in the bread and the wine, so we don’t really need anything else to remind us.

Sometimes someone comes to read the very words of the Good Shepherd and to give us the bread and the wine.

Sometimes the people of the world come to this table. Even the children come.

Now I wonder if you have ever come close to a table like this?

I wonder where this table could really be?

I wonder if the people are happy around this table?

I wonder if you have ever heard the words of the Good Shepherd?

I wonder if you have ever come close to the bread and the wine?

I wonder where the bread and the wine could really be?

I wonder what the bread and wine could really be?

I wonder where this whole place could really be?

For parents

Every lesson, we offer information about Godly Play to help you understand both its methodology and purpose. Today we look at the first of three key concepts that children teach us about God: God’s presence is elusive.

Our relationship with God is like the children’s game of Peekaboo and, as it develops, one of Hide-and-Seek. This can be dignified iin Latin by the phrase Deus Absconditus atque Praesens (God is hidden yet also present).

This is because we do not play Hide-and-Seek with people we know are not there. The possibility of a presence that can be revealed is necessary for the game to go forward. Children will play what and with whom they please. You can’t make children (or adults) play. If adults really want to know children they need to become childlike. This is like being born of heaven rather than earth, like Nicodemus said (John 3:3, 5), because it is so different from “normal” adult understanding. Theological Hide-and-Seek continues for a lifetime. In fact, the goal of the game is to keep the game going rather than ending it by winning or losing.

Dear families,

As the narrative of Jesus’ early days on earth unfolded, several unique people are introduced who teach us lessons about our own journey. We find the wise men who sought Jesus with persistence, Herod whose power was threatened by this newborn King, and others such as Simeon and Anna—both who demonstrated a remarkable devotion to the Lord. 

In Luke 2, Simeon and Anna are described as people who are deeply committed, faithful, and devout followers of God. Simeon is described as one who was old in years—near death—and desperately waiting for the Messiah to come. So, you can imagine the significance of that moment as Simeon saw the Christ child and rejoiced. 

Anna, also old in years, had been faithfully worshiping God through fasting and prayer in the temple for 84 years. It is easy to imagine the joy she had upon seeing Jesus in the temple and her eager desire to tell everyone about this glorious child. 

Both Simeon and Anna came upon the incredible blessing of seeing, celebrating, and worshiping Jesus because of their faithfulness to the Lord. Both were in the place the Lord wanted them to be, faithful to God over the years, and daily looking for the Lord in everything they did. 

Imagine if your daily decisions were influenced by similar factors. You were deeply committed to being in the places God wanted you to be, you were seeking to be faithful over the decades, and in all that you did you were pursuing what the Lord might have for you. What would have to change in your life, in your motivations, and in your decisions to make this true of you? In what ways would you see and experience the blessings of God’s good gifts even more? 

Faithfulness like that of Simeon and Anna doesn’t earn any additional degree of salvation before God. But it can produce more opportunities to see the work of God in your life, even if it’s only because you’re more attuned. What a blessing that would be for each of us as well.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: We can tell others the good news about Jesus. 

·       Younger Preschool: We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins, and we can tell others about Jesus. 

·       Older Preschool: God had promised His people that a Savior was coming. When Simeon and Anna saw Jesus, they knew He was the Savior. Jesus came to save people from sin. We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins; and like Simeon and Anna, we get to tell others the good news. 

·       Kids: Throughout the Old Testament, God promised the arrival of a King who would redeem people. When Jesus arrived, Simeon and Anna knew He was the promised Messiah, God’s own Son. We can trust Jesus for our salvation, and like Simeon and Anna, we should share the good news. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Older Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Kids: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Older Preschool: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

·       Kids: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Dear families,

How many times have you read or heard the narrative of Jesus’ birth? When interacting with a familiar Bible story, it is easy to simply skim over it and assume we understand all there is to know about it. Rather than taking that approach, spend time this week meditating on Luke 2:1-20. 

The detailed account of His conception and birth, as well as the details between those two events provide the believer with a gift of God’s grace that is far too important to gloss over. This event preceding Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection lays the foundation for a close and thoughtful study of the Gospels. 

The details around the conception and birth of Jesus provide reason for amazement and strengthen our faith. Consider the detail of Mary having been a virgin, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. Jesus was born in the small town of Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. He was born into the family line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—fulfilling God’s promises in Genesis 12:3; 17:19; 28:14. 

All of this ought to cultivate a sense of wonder at the divine intervening in the human world, and an amazement at the detail to which God worked out His plan. 

Additionally, recalling the details of Jesus’ birth ought to generate affirmation in the believer’s heart and mind. The uniqueness surrounding the birth of Jesus affirms His claims of being the Son of God. 

Finally, the birth narrative should grow the anticipation of the believer. At the end of the New Testament, the book of Revelation sheds light on the end of sin and death, the final judgment of the living and the dead, and the new heaven and the new earth. These promises can seem distant or unlikely; however, the joy and gratitude that comes from understanding Jesus’ birth narrative can cultivate confidence in and anticipation of the future promises of Jesus. 

Luke 2 invites us to behold our God, who—out of His great love for us—“emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity” (Phil. 2:7). Jesus came to earth to rescue sinners. The angels’ announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 is also for us and for the nations: “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came into the world to rescue us from sin. 

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus was born! This was very good news! Jesus came into the world to rescue us from sin. 

·       Older Preschool: Jesus was born! This was very good news! Jesus was not like other babies. Jesus is God’s Son. God sent Jesus to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to rescue people from their sins. 

·       Kids: The birth of Jesus was good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He is God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven. Jesus, the promised Savior, came into the world to show us what God is like and to deliver us from sin and death. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

·       Younger Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Older Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

·       Kids: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.  

·       Babies & Toddlers: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Younger Preschool: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

·       Older Preschool: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

·       Kids: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Dear families,

What comes to mind when you think about confession? Do you think of sadness? Weeping and guilt? Shame and failure? What about worship?

When was the last time you came before God in true confession? What led to your admission of failure before a holy God?

The Bible is clear that “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4). But what does the Bible say about what confession should look like? What does the Bible say should lead us to confession?

Nehemiah 9 gives insight in how to answer that question. The Israelites had gathered and were fasting and beginning to confess their sin when the priests chimed in with an appropriate pattern for how that confession ought to progress.

In this text, we discover that true confession of sin will never come before genuine recognition of the holiness of God. God’s people had promised to be faithful, but following their return from exile, the men of Israel intermarried with foreign women. Their were unfaithful to God, disobeying His commands. Yet God remained faithful.

The pattern of the priests is to first recognize, exclaim, and celebrate God’s goodness, faithfulness, holiness, and righteousness. Only out of those comes the reason for confession. For it is only when we see the majesty of the holy God that we see the weight of our sin and the punishment due to us as a result. Then, and only then, will we be drawn to the altar of honest confession before God. Yes, conviction must come, but it will only come when there is first an awareness of the greatness of God.

Set aside time to intentionally approach God to confess the sin in your life. Remember this pattern. That God wants your eyes fixed firmly on Him, even in moments of reflection and confession. For the moment we lose sight of Him is the moment we lose sight of the sinfulness of our sin, which is the moment before we lose sight of the necessity of confession.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: God does what is right even when His people do what is wrong. We have God’s kindness and love through Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins.

·       Younger Preschool: God has always done what is right even when His people have done what is wrong. We have God’s kindness and love through Jesus, who died on the cross so we can have life with God forever.

·       Older Preschool: God’s people remembered all He had done and promised to be faithful. God is kind and loving. God has always done what is right even when His people have done what is wrong. We have God’s kindness and love through Jesus, who died on the cross so we can have life with God forever.

·       Kids: God’s people remembered all He had done and promised to be faithful. God is gracious and compassionate. All along, God has been faithful to people who are unfaithful. We experience God’s grace and compassion in Jesus, who gave His life so we can receive mercy and life forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Younger Preschool: How should we feel when we make wrong choices? When we make wrong choices, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to obey Him.

●      Older Preschool: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and choose to obey Him.

●      Kids: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to turn from our sin because we love Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Babies & Toddlers: We should feel sorry when we disobey God. 2 Corinthians 7:10

●      Younger Preschool: We should feel sorry when we disobey God and want to obey Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10

●      Older Preschool: Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10

●      Kids: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Dear families,

Find 1 John 1:9 in your Bible and read it slowly two or three times. Many Christians are familiar with these words; perhaps you have them memorized. We agree that God wants us to confess our sins to Him. We believe that God is faithful to forgive His children by the blood of Jesus. But do you find it easy to confess your sin to God? If not, why? Do you believe the lie that keeping quiet about our sin will prevent God from knowing about it?

In Ezra 9, leaders approached Ezra and declared to him the grim reality of the people of Israel who were caught up in devious behavior and lifestyles. Following the second return of exiles to Jerusalem, the men of Israel began to intermarry with foreign women again. It was as if they had completely forgotten God. Ezra’s response of honest confession before a holy God ought to teach us something about his character and about our need to do likewise.

First, Ezra stood before God and the faithful of Israel, and he cried out before the Lord. Ezra didn’t point fingers as he went before God. He didn’t shift the blame or use the chance to gossip about others in his community. Ezra did precisely what we see later recorded in 1 John 1:9: he confessed his sin to God.

Ezra truly believed that it was right to bring his sin and the sin of his community before God, to lay it all out before the Lord and to seek God’s forgiveness by faith and repentance. And not only did Ezra see the good of confession, he found reason to celebrate as he did. 

Read Ezra 9:13. Ezra recognized the necessity of confession and then celebrated that God’s grace was still enough, still active, and still effective toward His people.

Ezra took his sin seriously and confessed it before a holy God. And Ezra confessed with hope that the God he had sinned against, had been gracious and would continue to be so. 

When we bring our sin before God, let us do so with humility rooted in our deep need for God and confidence grounded in our understanding of His amazing grace.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

·       Babies & Toddlers: The Bible helps us know the right things to do. We do wrong things, but God can help us want to obey Him. Jesus died to rescue us from sin.

·       Younger Preschool: The Bible teaches us about God and Jesus. It helps us know the right things to do. We do wrong things, but God can help us want to obey Him. Jesus died to rescue us from sin.

·       Older Preschool: The Bible teaches us about God and Jesus. It helps us know the right things to do. We do wrong things a lot, but God can change our hearts and help us say no to sin. Jesus died to rescue us from sin.

·       Kids: God's Word is powerful. When Ezra read God's Word, the people loved God more and changed their ways. The Bible says that Jesus is "the Word." Jesus is God who came to live with people on earth. Jesus has the power to change our hearts.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Younger Preschool: How should we feel when we make wrong choices? When we make wrong choices, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to obey Him.

●      Older Preschool: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and choose to obey Him.

●      Kids: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to turn from our sin because we love Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

●      Babies & Toddlers: We should feel sorry when we disobey God. 2 Corinthians 7:10

●      Younger Preschool: We should feel sorry when we disobey God and want to obey Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10

●      Older Preschool: Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10

●      Kids: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10