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Read: John 10:1-10

[Jesus said] “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. John 10:1-4

Too Many Voices!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine you are in a grocery store, and you are looking for one thing, peanut butter. Your favorite kind! But you can’t find it anywhere. You walk up and down the aisles . . . bread . . . cereal . . . cookies . . . but no peanut butter. Finally, you decide to go up to the checkout to see if any of the workers can help you. As soon as you ask where the peanut butter is, everyone starts talking at once: “Try aisle 3!” “No, aisle 7!” “It’s by the jelly!” “I saw it by the snacks!”

Now you don’t know who to listen to! It’s so hard to figure out what they’re saying because they’re all talking at once. Then you see the manager, finally someone who really knows the store. If you just listen to what she says, you know you’ll find the peanut butter.

During our lives here on earth, there are lots of voices telling us where to find happiness and our salvation. They point us in all kinds of directions:

• We may be pointed in the direction of money, because if we have enough, money will keep you safe and happy. Or,
• We may be encouraged to be popular and liked, because that way we will never be alone. Or,
• We may be tempted to want to be famous, because famous people are remembered and never forgotten.

But those voices are like all the other people in the store guessing where the peanut butter is. There is only one voice that can tell us the way to salvation. That voice is our Shepherd, Jesus. We hear his voice in the Word of God. He is the only true way to salvation, and when we know his voice, we will run away from every other voice trying to lead us astray. Jesus says, “Listen to me. Follow me. I know the way.” We trust that our Savior will guide us to a life lived to the fullest. He calls us each by name and leads us in the way we should go.

So when lots of voices are shouting in your ears, listen to one voice—Jesus. He always knows the way.

Prayer:

Good Shepherd, sometimes it is hard for me to listen only to you. Other things in my life can sound really good! Help me to listen to your voice, because I know you want to lead me to eternal life with you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Have you ever looked for something at the grocery store? What was it? Did you find it?
• Why is it important to listen to Jesus’ voice instead of other voices?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What might happen if sheep don’t listen to their shepherd?
• In what way is Jesus like the grocery store manager in today’s devotion?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are things kids might trust instead of Jesus? (Google search, friends) Do those really keep you safe forever?
• Why do things like money or popularity make it so hard to listen to Jesus?

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Read: Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:42-47 (selected verses)

The Best Neighborhood Ever

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever wished you lived in the perfect neighborhood? One where everyone is kind . . . everyone shares . . . and nobody argues? For as long as history has been recorded, people have lived in groups. God made us to be with other people—not all by ourselves! It is nice to have neighbors. When you have neighbors, you have people to talk to, spend time with, and get to know. You have someone to watch out for, and you hope they’ll watch out for you too.

But . . . does that always happen?

Sometimes neighbors don’t like each other. Our sinful nature gets the best of us and instead of being kind and helpful, we can make other people feel left out and disliked. Sometimes people don’t share. Sometimes they argue. Sometimes they say unkind things. As great as a neighborhood sounds, it isn’t always perfect because of the sinful people within.

In our reading for today, we hear about a group of believers who live and work together—and it sounds wonderful! It says they “were together and had everything in common.” That means they shared meals in their home and worshiped together. They enjoyed time together. Wow! Wouldn’t that be a fun group to be a part of? What do they know that we don’t? How did they figure it out?

Turns out, we can have what they had. We have all we need in the words of our Good Shepherd. When we listen to the words of Jesus Christ in God’s Word, we hear his teachings. Our Good Shepherd teaches us how to live in harmony, and he gives us something in common with all believers of all time.

That “something in common” is Jesus! When we live and work and pray with other people who put God first, we can spread his Word to even more people. One day in heaven, we will live in a perfect community—one with no sadness or sin, where we will all glorify God without end. No fighting. No hurt feelings. No sin. Just joy . . . forever. Together!

Prayer:

Oh, Good Shepherd, today we read about believers who were committed to serving you with each other. Help us to serve you and give us a community of believers to support and work with us. We look forward to the day when we will be with all believers in the perfect community of heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Do you know any of your neighbors? Name as many as you can.
• What is one way for you to be a good neighbor?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Can you think of a time when people from your church helped someone? What did they do?
• Do you have any friends or neighbors that also believe in God? Who are they and what do you like doing together?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Even if no one near you goes to your church, how can you still help others for Jesus?
• The believers in this reading probably did not agree on everything. What does it mean that they “were together and had everything in common”? What did they share together? Believe together?

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Read: 1 Peter 1:17-21

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:17-19

An Expensive Purchase

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A long time ago, in 1878, a wagon was carrying gold bars for a company. Thieves robbed it. The thieves stole all of the gold bars and hid them in a nearby cave so they could come back another time and retrieve them. However, before they could come back, another group of people found the gold hidden in the cave and buried it somewhere in the ground, because they recognized it as precious.

That gold was worth a lot of money. The thieves probably thought they were rich! But they learned something important. Even gold doesn’t fix everything. Gold can be lost. It can be stolen. It can disappear.

The thieves may have thought they had it all figured out—they had an immense amount of gold! But they learned the hard way that gold doesn’t mean their problems were gone. We might not use gold today, but many people know that money doesn’t stick around. It isn’t permanent. Money can be spent. Toys can break. Even very valuable things don’t last forever.

Thank God that he didn’t purchase us with something that can be stolen or hidden. When we were sinful and far from God, God reached out and purchased us with the most valuable thing of all—“the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” He didn’t use something like gold or silver to buy his children back. He used something far more valuable. He used the blood of his perfect Son to redeem us forever!

When we know that we have been bought by the blood of Christ, we can live our lives differently. Before we were bought, we did not have anything—worldly possessions can’t save us! But as children of God, we can live knowing we have a home that is waiting for us. We can live for God in eager expectation of our salvation. We belong to Jesus, and no one can take us away from him.

Prayer:

Dear God, help me to know that you bought me for a price. You love me more than I even know! I want to live for you every day until I am at home in heaven with you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Does money last forever? What are some things that don’t last very long?
• God “purchased” us to be his children—how long will we belong to God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Did God use gold, silver, or money to buy us? What did he use instead?
• We were horrible sinners who didn’t want to be with God. Why did he want to buy us back then?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is the most expensive thing you have ever bought? How does that compare to what God spent to buy us back? Was God’s price bigger or smaller?
• God had to buy us back. Who or what was he buying us back from?

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Read: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:19,24-29

I’ll Believe It When I See It!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“I’ll believe it when I see it!” Have you said that lately? Maybe someone told you something amazing and you weren’t sure it was true. Other people don’t always tell the truth. Sadly, people say things that they don’t mean. Sometimes, people lie to us. You can’t believe everything people say. We learn to say, “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

Here’s the problem: Sometimes, we say those words to God. God isn’t like us people. God doesn’t lie. God doesn’t change his mind. God always tells the truth. Yet we sometimes treat God like he’s just another person. We don’t believe him. We say, “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

That’s what Jesus’ disciple Thomas said after Jesus rose from the dead. It sounded too good to be true. Even though Jesus had told his disciples many times that he was going to rise from the dead, Thomas didn’t believe it. Even after his friends saw Jesus on Easter evening, Thomas still didn’t believe it. He said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands . . . I will not believe” (John 20:25). In other words, “I’ll believe it when I see it!”

So, Jesus did a wonderful thing for Thomas: He let Thomas see him. That next Sunday night, Jesus appeared to his disciples again, and this time he made sure that Thomas was with them. He let Thomas see the nail marks in his hands. He showed Thomas that it was really him. He was really alive! Finally, Thomas believed and said, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Thomas wasn’t doubting anymore—he believed!

Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Blessed are those who don’t need to see to believe. That includes you! You can trust Jesus. When Jesus says something, it’s always true.

Jesus promises that he is with us always. Is that true, even though we can’t see him? Yes! Jesus says that he has prepared special rooms for us in heaven. Is that true, even though we can’t see them? Yes! Jesus says that he has washed away all our sins. Is that true? Yes! Faith is believing in what we can’t see. We trust Jesus because he always keeps his promises. We don’t need to see it to believe it. We trust Jesus’ words!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for gently taking away Thomas’ doubts about your resurrection. When we doubt too, use your Word to convince us that we don’t need to see it to believe it. Help us trust your promises every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What didn’t Thomas want to believe?
• What did Jesus do to take Thomas’ doubts away?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Besides the examples in this devotion, what are two other promises God makes to us in the Bible that involve things we can’t see? (Jesus hears our prayers, heaven, angels, forgiveness, etc.)
• How can we know that those promises are true?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Reread Thomas’ confession: “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). What very important truth did Thomas confess about Jesus?
• Thomas is often known as “doubting Thomas” because of this one recorded moment. But based on this whole story, why isn’t that a very fair way to describe Thomas? What would be a better way to describe him? (Maybe: believing Thomas, trusting Thomas, or forgiven Thomas.)

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Read: Acts 2:14,22-32

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:14,22-24

Confident in Christ

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

On the night before Jesus died, Jesus’ disciple Peter did a bad thing. A really sad thing. Do you remember what he did? After Jesus was arrested and brought to trial at the high priest’s house, Peter followed along. He wanted to see what happened to Jesus. But people recognized Peter. Three different people said, “You’re one of Jesus’ disciples, aren’t you?” Do you remember what Peter said? He was scared. So he cried out, “No!” Peter denied Jesus three times. Isn’t that awful?

Actually, we’ve all done that, haven’t we? Maybe there have been times at school when your classmates have done or said something wrong, and you’ve been afraid to let them know that you believe in Jesus. Maybe you stayed quiet when you could have said something kind. Maybe there have been times at your house when you’ve chosen not to go to church or read a Bible story because you think you have something more important to do. Just like Peter, it’s easy to deny Jesus. It’s easy to be quiet about Jesus. It’s easy to shake and shiver in our faith in Jesus.

But something changed Peter. Just 50 days later, on the day of Pentecost, Peter stood up in front of thousands of people and boldly proclaimed his faith in Jesus. He wasn’t scared anymore. Isn’t that surprising? In just 50 days, Peter went from denying Jesus before a few people to boldly proclaiming his faith in Jesus before thousands of people.

What changed? Peter explained: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.” Seeing God raise Jesus to life on Easter changed Peter’s heart and life. Jesus’ resurrection took Peter’s doubts away, and when he received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Peter was ready to stand up and let everyone know that Jesus is the Savior.

Are you? You can be confident too. Seeing how Jesus was willing to die for you and was able to rise for you is meant to change your life. How can you be ashamed of your Savior who gave his life for you? How can you be afraid to follow your Savior who rose from the dead? You have a Savior who has even conquered death. He loves you! He is with you! He helps you be brave. Every day, you can be confident in Christ.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, just like Peter when you were arrested, it’s easy for us to be ashamed of you and pretend we’re not followers of you. Forgive us! Instead, just like Peter on the day of Pentecost, use your resurrection and your Holy Spirit to make us confident in you. Help us be brave and talk about you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What bad thing did Peter do on the night that Jesus was arrested?
• What good thing did Peter do on the day of Pentecost? (Was Peter talking to a few people or a lot of people?)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Peter go from denying Jesus to proclaiming Jesus? What changed his heart?
• If you saw someone rise from the dead, how would that change your life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: As you get older, it becomes easier to deny Jesus.
• Give three examples of situations in your life in which you can be confident in Christ.

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Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

I Saw It With My Own Eyes!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“I saw it with my own eyes!” Have you ever said that to convince someone that you were telling the truth? It’s frustrating when people don’t believe us. Sometimes the best way to show someone the truth is to say, “I saw it with my own eyes! I know it’s true!”

Did you know some people don’t believe that Jesus rose from the dead? They think that after Jesus died on the cross, he just stayed dead. They think it’s impossible for someone to come back to life.

But God made sure we could be certain that Jesus really rose. Paul wrote in the Bible, “I saw it with my own eyes!” We can be sure Jesus rose from the dead because he appeared to many people to prove he was alive.

First, Jesus appeared to Cephas—that’s another name for Peter. Then he appeared to his twelve disciples. Then he appeared to more than 500 people at the same time—wow! Then Jesus appeared to his brother James. And last of all, he appeared to Paul himself. Paul said, “I saw it with my own eyes!”

Jesus wants you to be certain he is alive. It might sound impossible for someone to rise from the dead—but Jesus isn’t just anyone. Jesus is true God and true Man at the same time. With God’s power, Jesus can do anything—even rise from the dead!

Jesus also wants you to know why his resurrection is so important. When he rose from the dead:

• He showed that all your sins are forgiven.
• He showed that there is life after death for everyone who believes in him. You will rise too and live with Jesus in heaven!
• He proved that God always keeps his promises.

So don’t listen to people who say Jesus didn’t rise. He did! Paul says it best: “I saw it with my own eyes!”

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, it’s amazing to think you have the power to raise yourself from the dead. Help us never to doubt your resurrection, and one day raise our bodies too so that we can live with you in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What amazing thing did Jesus do on Easter morning?
• Why is it hard for some people to believe that Jesus rose from the dead?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Who were some of the people Jesus appeared to after he rose from the dead?
• Why do you think Jesus appeared to so many people after he rose?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is Jesus’ resurrection so important to our faith as Christians?
• Many people like Peter and Paul were later killed for their faith in Jesus. How does that help prove they really did see Jesus alive?

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Read: John 19:17-30

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:28-30

A Death Like No Other

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

When people are very sick or close to dying, their bodies usually become very weak. They might not be able to talk much or think clearly.

But Jesus’ death was different. Even while Jesus was suffering on the cross, he knew exactly what was happening. He spoke clearly. He even made sure his mother would be taken care of. The Bible tells us that Jesus knew God’s promises in the Scriptures were coming true right at that moment.

At one point Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” That showed he was truly human and really suffering. But it also happened so that God’s promises in the Bible would be fulfilled. Nothing that happened on Good Friday was an accident.

Then something very important happened. After Jesus received a drink, he said three powerful words: “It is finished.” What was finished? Jesus was finishing the job God sent him to do. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live. He never sinned—not even once. And on the cross he was paying for all the sins of the world. When he said, “It is finished,” it meant the work of saving us was complete.

The Bible says Jesus then bowed his head and gave up his spirit. That means no one took Jesus’ life from him. Jesus chose to give his life for us. Jesus was not helpless. Even while he was suffering, he was still the powerful Son of God who loved us enough to save us.

Why did Jesus do that? Because we could never save ourselves. Our sins separate us from God, and we cannot fix that problem by trying harder. So, Jesus did everything for us. He took our sins, paid the price for them, and finished the work of salvation completely. That means your sins are forgiven. You belong to Jesus. And because he finished the work, you never have to wonder if you are saved.

Good Friday is a sad day because Jesus died. But it is also a wonderful day—because Jesus finished the work that saves us. Never before had dying been done with so much life, so much power, and so much love. Sin finished with Jesus—so it will never finish you.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, on this day we confess that it was our sins that put you on the cross. We deserve nothing but punishment. Yet in your mercy, you endured hell in our place. We give thanks for the ultimate sacrifice you paid to buy us back and give us salvation. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What three words did Jesus say on the cross?
• What job was Jesus finishing when he said, “It is finished”?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is it comforting to know Jesus did everything needed to save us?
• How was Jesus’ death different from how most people die?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• When you feel guilty about something you did wrong, how can Jesus’ words “It is finished” help you remember you are forgiven?
• How does “It is finished” change the way we think about our works for God?

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Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. Zechariah 9:9-10

A King on a Donkey

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever watched a parade when an important person comes to town? Maybe people cheer, wave, and clap. Something like that happened when Jesus came to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday!

Palm Sunday can feel a little confusing. During Lent we remember that Jesus suffered and died for our sins. That makes us feel sorry for our sins. But on Palm Sunday people were cheering and celebrating Jesus. They sang joyful songs and waved palm branches. Why would people celebrate if Jesus was going to die only a few days later?

When Jesus came into Jerusalem, the crowd spread their coats on the road like a red carpet. They waved palm branches and shouted with joy. Those were things people did for a king! But many people thought Jesus came to be a powerful king who would beat their enemies and make their country strong again. They wanted help with their problems right away. They didn’t understand that Jesus came for something even more important.

God had already told people what to do on that day. Through the prophet Zechariah he said, “Rejoice!” God wanted people to celebrate because his Son had come. That was wonderful news! Jesus is a righteous King. That means he is perfectly good and holy. We are not perfect—we sin. But that’s exactly why Jesus came. He came to save us from our sins.

Now notice something surprising: Jesus did not ride a big war horse like a powerful king. He rode a donkey! That showed that Jesus came gently and humbly. He came to bring peace, not to fight a battle.

There’s another interesting detail. Many donkeys have a dark stripe down their back and another across their shoulders, making the shape of a cross. It’s a quiet reminder of why Jesus came. Right in the middle of the Palm Sunday celebration, God reminds us that Jesus was on his way to the cross.

Jesus went to the cross willingly. No one forced him. He did it because he loves you. He came to forgive your sins and give you eternal life. That’s why Palm Sunday is such a happy day. Our King came to save us!

Let’s say the Palm Sunday words together: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for willingly going to the cross for me. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on? Why is that surprising for a king?
• What did Jesus really come to do for us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Some people thought Jesus came to defeat their enemies and fix their problems right away. Why is what Jesus actually did even better?
• What is one way you can say “Hosanna” (praise Jesus) this week—at home, at school, or with a friend?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Sometimes we want Jesus to fix things immediately. What can we remember about Jesus when life doesn’t go the way we expect?
• Why is it important that Jesus entered Jerusalem as a righteous King who came to suffer rather than to rule with power?

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Read: 2 Kings 4:17-37

When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD. Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 2 Kings 4:32-34

God Makes the Dead Alive

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Death scares us, but it really shouldn’t. Death is just a natural part of life.” That’s a quote from a popular children’s book about death. It’s a touching story, that is, until you see what a Shunammite woman is cradling in her arms. The Bible tells her story in 2 Kings. In her old age, God blessed her with a gift that she never expected: a little boy. She watched him grow up, playing and learning, and she loved him very much. But one day, as he was working in the field with his dad, his head began to hurt. A servant rushed him home to his mother and she cradled him in her arms until he died. Her heart was broken.

Sometimes people say things like “death is just a natural part of life” to make it sound simple. But when someone we love dies, that doesn’t feel true at all. We hate and fear death because it is sad and scary.

The Shunammite woman did the right thing—she went to God’s prophet Elisha, trusting that God could help. Elisha prayed to the Lord, and God brought the boy back to life! This miracle shows us two things: 1. God is loving and merciful. 2. God has power, even over death.

Just like that boy, we are born with sin, and we will face death one day. But God made a way from death to life through Jesus. When we are baptized, God makes us spiritually alive. Baptism joins us to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It makes us forgiven children of God and gives us the gift of eternal life.

That doesn’t mean you’ll never cry when someone you love dies. Sometimes, there may be a part of you that wants to quote whatever phrase you can to make the pain go away. But when you want to understand death, look to Jesus. Stories like today’s remind us: death is real, but God has the power to fix it. Jesus didn’t just bring the Shunamite boy back to life—he brings life to you too. This Lenten season, look at Jesus on the way to the cross. He teaches us not just about death, but about real life with him.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to provide a real answer to death. Because Jesus lives, we too will live! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who helped the Shunammite woman when her little boy was very sick and died?
• When you feel sad or scared, who should you go to for help?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do some people say things like “death is just a natural part of life”? Why does that not feel true when someone we love dies?
• How did God show his power and love in the story of the Shunammite woman and her son?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is death hard for people to understand and deal with?
• How does baptism connect us to Jesus’ victory over death? How does that help Christians face sadness and grief?

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For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:8-14

Looking Like We Live In the Light

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine this: A patient had just finished surgery. The nurse gently peeled off the bandages and told him to keep his eyes closed. Then she said, “Okay, slowly open your eyes.” Light poured in. At first, everything was blurry. But then, little by little, shapes became clear . . . colors appeared . . . and finally, he could see for the first time in his life! His world had completely changed.

We haven’t had that kind of surgery, but something similar happened to us spiritually. The Bible says: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8). That’s a big deal! We weren’t just in darkness—we were darkness itself. We couldn’t see how lost we were, and there was no way we could make ourselves see the light.

But then Jesus, the Light of the world, came into our hearts. He didn’t wait for us to figure things out. He shined his light on us, showing us that we are forgiven and loved. Suddenly, our hearts were no longer in darkness, they were full of light!

Now our lives are different, just like the patient who could see for the first time. The Bible says we should “live as children of the light.” Before, we only cared about ourselves. Now, we want to do what is good and pleases God.

That looks like:

• Speaking kindly to others, instead of hurting them with words.
• Helping others, even when it’s not easy.
• Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Why? Because we have seen the light of Jesus, and we get to live in it every day!

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, in you the darkness turns to light. Help us live as children of the light. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• A night-light helps us walk safely in the dark. How is Jesus like a night-light for our hearts and lives?
• Where can we look to “find out what pleases the Lord” (v.10)? (Hint: think about a special book we read or listened to in church or at home!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Agree or disagree: The life of someone living in darkness looks different from the life of someone living in the light. Why do you think that?
• What are some ways kids can make sure they keep living in the light?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Temptation sometimes tries to pull us back into darkness. When we mess up, what does Jesus want us to do to stay in the light?
• Do you have friends who don’t know Jesus yet? How could you share the light of Jesus with them?

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Read: John 4:5-26

A Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” John 4:7,9,13-15

The Picture We Can’t Live Without

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever heard someone say, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? It means that sometimes showing a picture is better than trying to explain it with words. For example, I could describe a famous painting for a long time but seeing it in person makes it so much easier to understand.

When Jesus taught people, he loved to use pictures like that to help them understand really important truths. One of his favorite pictures was water. Why water? Because we literally can’t live without it! A human body can only survive about three days without water. Water is essential for life.

One day, Jesus met a woman at a well. She had come to draw water to drink. Jesus used that every day, important water to teach her about something even more important: spiritual life. He said: “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Jesus wasn’t talking about water you guzzle from a bottle that quenches your thirst for a little while. He was talking about the gift of salvation—forgiveness of sins and eternal life—something that lasts forever.

We all look for things in this life to make us happy. The woman at the well thought the right person in her life would make her happy. We might think games, friends, screens, or even AI will satisfy us. The problem is those things never fully satisfy us. They leave us wanting more. They leave us feeling empty.

Jesus gives us what we can’t find anywhere else:

• Forgiveness when we foolishly look elsewhere for fulfillment.
• Peace with God for the moments we need it most.
• Eternal life to someday replace this life.

And the best part? He fully satisfies us with salvation! We don’t need to keep going back and trying over and over—Jesus already gives us everything we need. Jesus even gave us a picture of this truth: his cross. Look at it, and you see the gift of salvation, love, and forgiveness—all in one picture.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for helping me understand how important your gift of salvation is for me. May your gift always satisfy me and make me truly happy. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What happens to a person who doesn’t drink water? How is that like what happens to someone who doesn’t know or believe in Jesus?
• When you see a picture of a cross, what does it make you think of?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was the woman at the well so surprised that Jesus talked to her? What does that show us about Jesus?
• How is spiritual life like drinking water? How is it different?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name three other things people sometimes look to for happiness or fulfillment.
• Jesus used a normal, everyday thing (water) to teach a spiritual truth. Can you think of something in your life that could help you teach someone about Jesus? How would that look?

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The whole Israelite community . . . camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?” But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. Then Moses cried out to the LORD “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The LORD answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” Exodus 17:1-7 (selected verses)

Worth More Than Water

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever been REALLY thirsty? Like after recess? Or soccer practice? Or playing outside on a super hot day? Without food, a person can live for quite a while. But without water? Only about three days! That means water isn’t just nice to have. It’s something our bodies absolutely need.

Most of us can just turn on a faucet and—splash!—there’s water. We use water to drink, brush our teeth, shower, wash dishes, water plants, and even have water balloon fights! We have LOTS of water.

But not everywhere is like that. Some places are called deserts. A desert is a place that gets very, very little rain. One of the driest deserts in the whole world is called the Atacama Desert in Chile. It is said to be 100 times drier than Phoenix, AZ. Some parts of the desert have gone years without rain! Imagine waiting years for rain! Plants that grow there have to survive with almost no water. But people? People can’t survive like that.

Now imagine the Israelites. They had just left Egypt, and they were traveling through the desert. It was hot. It was dry. And they were thirsty. Very thirsty. They started to complain. But they forgot something important: They were not alone. God was with them. And God promises to take care of his people.

So God told Moses to do something amazing. He said, “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it.” Water. From a rock! And it worked. God gave his thirsty people exactly what they needed.

But God didn’t just give them water. And he doesn’t just give us water either. God gives us food, water, homes, and families. But he gives us something even more important. He gives us salvation. Just like a desert can’t make its own water, we can’t make our own salvation. We can’t be good enough to earn heaven. We can’t fix our sins by ourselves.

And when we complain like the Israelites did—or forget to trust God—that shows us how much we need a Savior. And God gave us one. He didn’t just bring water from a rock. He sent Jesus. That is worth more than water. That is worth everything. Let’s never forget it.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, you alone provide everything that I need for my body and life. Most of all, you provide what I need for eternal life: Jesus. Thank you! Now help me to trust you and not complain. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Where were the Israelites traveling that made it hard to find water?
• We need water to live physically. We need God’s Word to live spiritually. How is the Bible like water for our faith?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The Israelites complained to Moses—but who were they really complaining against? What does that teach us about complaining?
• In your own words, what did Jesus do to save you? Why couldn’t we save ourselves?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Where do you complain the most (Homework, chores, siblings, bedtime)?
• God gave the Israelites water in the desert. Water can remind us of Baptism. How does your Baptism show that God has already given you forgiveness and made you his child?

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Read: Romans 4:1-5,13-17

Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. Romans 4:4-5

Salvation Is Not a Chore

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Would you rather earn $5 by taking out the trash, or just be handed $5 as a gift? Most of us would rather get the gift! If you earn it, you have to grab the smelly garbage, tie the bag, carry it outside, and put in a new bag. You worked for that money. You earned it. But if someone gives you $5 as a gift, you don’t have to do anything at all. You didn’t earn it. They just gave it to you because they care about you.

Now think about something even bigger—salvation. Would you rather earn your way to heaven, or receive heaven as a gift? We might say “gift,” but sometimes we act like we have to earn it. “If I’m good enough, God will love me more.” But that’s not true. The Bible says even our best good deeds are like dirty rags because we still sin. No matter how many good things we do, we can’t earn heaven. Your sin makes your good deeds look like rotten trash.

Here’s something that is worth praising God! You don’t have to earn salvation at all. Jesus already did the work for you. He died on the cross and rose again, so your sins are forgiven. Heaven is a gift. God gives it to you because he loves you—not because you earned it. And now, when you obey God or help others, you’re not trying to earn anything. You’re simply saying, “thank you.” Serving God isn’t a chore. It’s a joyful way to show love back to him.

Prayer:

Lord, I praise you for giving me your salvation without expecting anything in return. Inspire me to live for you and others, not out of obligation, but out of thanksgiving for all you have done for me. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How has God shown his love to you?
• Does Jesus ask us to pay him back? Why or why not?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• “All our righteous acts like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Why can’t our good deeds earn us heaven?
• What makes salvation different from earning money for chores?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• When does obeying or helping feel like a chore?
• How does knowing heaven is a gift make you want to live for God and others?

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