Happy Easter! We are loving getting to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ today especially, and taking time to remember each element of the story. God showed patience with us, since while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)! Today is a great opportunity to share this good news with your kids, and to share it with others.
PATIENCE: Trusting and waiting for God in all things!
MEMORY VERSE: “Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NLT)
This Week’s Finish Line: God showed His patience with us through Easter
We looked at the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection this week, in John 19-20. The story is listed in all 4 gospels, but John tells the story in the most detail. As you read through the story with your family this week, talk about what sticks out. See if your kids can share the good news of this story with you! Use different scriptures as necessary (John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, etc.) Praise the Lord together for this news that changes everything!
Family Questions:
- As you read through the Easter story, put yourself in someone’s shoes. How would you feel if you were watching Jesus die?
- How would you feel if you were Mary Magdalene and you were the first one to discover that Jesus was alive?
- Talk through 2 Corinthians 5:17 together. What does this mean?
- Who is someone you can share this news with this week?
Bring it Home Conversations & Activities:
* Check out our vision for parents and how to use these activities each week.
TEACHER: Memory Verse Practice
At dinner this week, start learning this month’s memory verse! (Psalm 27:13-14) Pick a fun method that works for your family to practice during dinner, and be sure to post it up several places around the house. While you’re eating, ask your kids what they think this verse means. If you get stuck, look up some commentaries!
FRIEND: Who Needs this News?
While driving in the car this week, brainstorm people in your life who may not know or believe in who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Write down their names when you get home, and every day as you are driving to school, pray for them together. Pray for God to soften their hearts to the gospel, and also pray for opportunities for you to share more with them.
COUNSELOR: God’s Patience
During bedtime this week, talk about how you see God showing His patience with each of you. How do you see it through Easter? How do you see it in other areas of your life? Ask your child if he or she can think of a time God was patient with them, and how that made them feel.
COACH: Sharing the Good News
One morning this week, practice sharing the gospel with each other. Use Scripture as you tell the story of Jesus and why He came. As listed above, some good verses to start with are John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Even if your child is not ready to make the decision to fully follow Jesus, keep sharing it with them! If he/she has already made this decision, help them practice sharing it with you, and ask questions along the way.
Prayer
Thank God for Easter and the impact it has had in your life. Thank Him for His patience, love and free gift of salvation. Ask Him to give you the opportunity to share this Good News this week.
Looking Ahead
Next week we will continue studying patience, and will look at Matthew 18:21-35. Since God is patient with us, we can be patient with others!
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