Weekly Update for the Week of 4/10/23

Weekly

Weekly Newsletter: Family Devotion Material for the Week of 4/10/23

Theme: Jesus Is Alive Bible Verse : “Jesus said, ‘I am alive for ever and ever!’” Revelation 1:18. Read the Bible: Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:36-53; Acts 1:1-9

Who? Jesus’ friends, Jesus

What? Before Jesus went back to heaven, He told His friends He would be with them and help them tell the good news about Him (Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:36-53; Acts 1:1-9)

When & Where? During the days after Jesus’ resurrection, in Jerusalem and other nearby cities

Why? To encourage children to feel confident that Jesus will keep His promise to be with them throughout their whole lives

Goals:

1. Tell what Jesus promised before He went to heaven

2. Repeat a Bible verse telling that Jesus is alive

3. Thank God for the good news that Jesus is alive

What do you see that you’ve never noticed before as you read these Bible passages? How does Jesus’ life today make a difference in your own life? Jesus promised His disciples that they would do great things “because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Yet Jesus’ friends only focused on the fact that He was leaving. Jesus wanted them to see that what seemed like the end heralded the grandest new beginning ever! He now could rightfully claim universal sovereignty. He was—and is forever—the undisputed King of all that is! All power in heaven and on Earth has been given to Jesus (see Matthew 28:18)!

• Look back in your life. Where have you seen an “ending” turn into a beginning?

• Thank God that you are His child and that He is with you through all endings and beginnings.

You belong to the absolute Monarch of the universe. His Holy Spirit has come to guide and empower you because He went away. For a child of the King, every ending is not a cause for hopeless sorrow, for it also marks a new beginning!

Weekly Update for the Week of 4/3/2023

Weekly Newsletter: Family Devotion Material for the Week of 4/3/2023

Theme: The Empty Tomb

Bible Verse: “Jesus is risen from the dead.” Matthew 28:7

Read the Bible: Matthew 28:1-10; Luke 22:2; 23:33—24:9; John 19:38-42. Read the story on pages 409-414 in God’s Story for Me Bible Storybook.

Who?

Jesus, religious leaders, Jesus’ friends, two angels

What?

After Jesus let people kill Him, He becamealive again

When & Where?

About a.d. 30, in Jerusalem

Why?

To help children recognize that Easter is a special day to celebrate and be glad that

Jesus is alive

Goals for each child:

1. Tell that Jesus’ friends were joyful when they learned that Jesus is alive

2. Identify ways that people today show joy that Jesus is alive

3. Thank God that Jesus is alive

How has history’s most important event made a difference in your life? What new change can it bring to your life this week? It looked as if death had triumphed; but while Jesus’ disciples cowered in fear, Jesus was bursting through the gates of hell “with laughter,” as Keith Green described it in his song “The Victor”—putting to death the power of death! Jesus’ resurrection is the pinnacle of history: in it, Satan was dealt the deathblow that would eventually finish him off. Jesus did exactly what He had said He would do, what the prophets predicted He would do, completing the task His Father had given Him to do!

• What is the most meaningful way you’ll celebrate Jesus’ resurrection?

• How can you communicate your joy to the children you teach?

Because most young children have not yet had firsthand experience with death, they may not comprehend what Jesus’ death and resurrection are about. But let them share the joy and wonder that Jesus’ victory has wrought in you! They’ll respond gladly to the good news that “Jesus is alive!”

Weekly Update for the Week of 3/27/23

Weekly Newsletter: Family Devotion Material for the Week of 3/27/23

Theme: Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Bible Verse :“How good it is to sing praises to our God.” Psalm 147:1

Read the Bible: Matthew 21:1-11,15-16; Mark 11:1-10. Read the story on pages 409-414 in God’s Story for Me Bible Storybook.

Who?

Crowds of people, Jesus, Jesus’ friends, Temple leaders

What?

When Jesus came to Jerusalem, people praised Him and laid palm branches and coats on the ground in front of Him

When & Where?

About A.D. 30, at the beginning of the week during which Jesus died on the cross, in Jerusalem

Why?

To provide opportunities for children to experience praise to God

Goals:

1. Tell ways that people praised Jesus

2. Name reasons to be thankful for Jesus

3. Thank God for Jesus in song and/or prayer

As you prepare to tell this story to the children in your class, consider the ways you

praise Jesus. How will you help children love and praise Him, too?

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, people welcomed Him, quoting Psalm 118:25-26 and waving branches. Some people expected to make Him their king. Others looked for a way to kill Him. Even those who welcomed Jesus didn’t understand that He had come to create a deeper freedom than they had expected. His death and resurrection brought far more than rest from political oppression-He brought real and permanent freedom! Because we have experienced that freedom, we know that Jesus is worthy of genuine praise—always!

• In what situations do you find it difficult to praise Jesus?

• Talk to God honestly about the fears and worries in your life.

Even if your life today seems as precarious as Jesus’ was at this point, praise Him! Praise overcomes the darkness of fear and helps us see our life from God’s perspective. Know that He hears and receives your praise, standing ready to amaze you and help you in the middle of whatever worries come. Let your little ones hear your praise of God!