Read: Numbers 6:22-27

“So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
Number 6:27

He Put His Name on You

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

Do you remember in the movie Toy Story how Andy writes his name on Woody’s boot? Or on Buzz Lightyear’s foot? It’s not just a scribble. It means something—“You are mine.” Andy loves them. They’re important to him.

Or think about when someone signs a big, important paper. They write their name big and bold. That signature means, “I believe in this. I’m part of it.” That’s why we remember the name John Hancock—his name stood out! He was the first one to sign the Declaration of Independence.

God does something like that too—but even bigger. In the Bible, God told Moses to bless his people using very special words. At the end of that blessing, God said, “They will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:27).

God has put his name on YOU.

When you were baptized, whether as a baby or older, water was poured on you and the pastor said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” That wasn’t just something nice to say. That was God putting his name on you forever.

That means you’re his. You belong to him. You’re not just someone walking around this world—you’re God’s child. That’s your identity.

Maybe there are days when you feel left out. Or you wonder, “Does anyone really care about me?” God says, “I care. I chose you. I came to save you. I died for you. I put my name on you.”

So, when church ends and the pastor speaks that blessing again—“The Lord bless you and keep you…”—remember what’s real: God put his name on you. And he will never let you go.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank you for putting your name on me in baptism. Thank you for making me your child, forever. When I feel forgotten or left out, remind me that I belong to you. Help me to live each day knowing I am yours. 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

• If you could write your name on one toy or special thing, what would it be—and why? (What makes it special or worth claiming as your own?)
• What do you think it means that God wrote his name on YOU? (What does that tell you about how much he cares for you?)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When we write our name on something, it can wear off or get lost. How is it different when God puts his name on us? (God’s name on us—through baptism—never fades or washes away!)
• Have you ever seen John Hancock’s giant signature? (Ask an adult to show you!) Why do you think God wants his name on us to be just as big and bold?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Sometimes we write our name on something—but still lose it. Why will God never lose you? (Talk about how God keeps us close and never forgets his children.)
• Why is it important to know you are God’s child—even on hard days? (How can that help when you’re sad, anxious, or feeling alone?)

Read: Numbers 6:22-27

“‘“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’
Numbers 6:24-26

Bless you!

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

AH-CHOO!! A loud sneeze! What do you say when you hear someone sneeze? “Bless you!” You probably say it without even thinking. Maybe you learned it when you were little, just like saying “please” or “thank you.” It’s a kind thing to say. But have you ever thought about what it really means?

When we say, “Bless you,” we are not just being polite. We’re asking God to help that person feel better and stay healthy. That’s a big thing to ask—because only God gives real protection and care.

A long time ago, in the Bible, God gave his people a very special blessing. You can find it in Numbers 6. God told Moses’ brother, Aaron, to say it to the people. That’s why it’s called the Aaronic blessing. For thousands of years, God’s people have heard these words at the end of church services.

But this blessing isn’t just nice words. It’s God showing us how much he loves us. When God says, “I bless you,” he’s not just saying it—he’s doing it! He’s giving us good things like breath in our lungs, sunshine, and people who care about us.

Sometimes we think blessings are only the stuff we get. But the best blessing is that God is with us. Think about these words: “The Lord bless you and keep you.” That means God is close by. He sees when you’re sad, scared, or tired. And he promises to help.

• When you feel all alone—God is right there.
• When you mess up—God forgives you.
• When life feels hard—God holds you close.

God’s blessings aren’t just words. They have power. Because God’s Word always does something!

“The Lord bless you and keep you.” Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord God, thank you for always being with me and blessing me every day. Help me remember that your love is bigger than any fear or mistake. Keep me close to you and help me be a blessing to others too. 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

• When the pastor says the blessing at the end of church, what do you notice he does with his hands? (This invites observation and curiosity—especially if they’ve noticed the sign of the cross.)
  Have you seen the pastor make the sign of the cross with his hand? What do you think that means? (Encourages discussion about the meaning behind the motion—God’s forgiveness, Jesus’ love, etc.)
• What is the best blessing God has ever given you? (Helps them think beyond material things—guide them toward “Jesus,” “forgiveness,” or “God being with me.”)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think the name “Lord” is said three times in the blessing? What might that tell us about God? (This can introduce the idea of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.)
• Can you think of other times during the worship service when the sign of the cross is made? (Helps them connect worship moments—baptism, confession, blessing—with God’s promises.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Are there times when it’s hard or scary to think that God sees everything we do? (Invites honest feelings about guilt or mistakes and prepares them to hear about forgiveness.)
• Have you ever had trouble falling asleep because you’re thinking about school or something that’s bothering you? (Relatable! Builds empathy.)
  How can remembering God’s promise to bless and keep you help you feel better?

Read: Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:1-4

Babel Reversed

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

In a previous devotion from Genesis 11, people were building a huge tower to show off how great they were—not to honor how great God is. So, God stopped their work by mixing up their languages. Suddenly, no one could understand each other! They couldn’t keep building, and they couldn’t work together anymore.

Why did God do that? Because he loves us. He didn’t want people to keep disobeying him and thinking they didn’t need him. But ever since then, confusion between people—arguing, fighting, and not understanding one another—has caused a lot of problems in the world.

So, you might wonder . . . “Can this confusion ever be fixed?”

Yes! That’s what makes the Day of Pentecost so amazing.

People from all over the world had come to Jerusalem. They spoke lots of different languages and they didn’t all understand each other. But God had a special plan.

First, there was a loud sound, like a giant windstorm—but no wind! People came running to see what was going on. Then, they saw something wild: flames appeared on the heads of Jesus’ disciples—but no one got burned! And then something even more amazing happened.

The Holy Spirit filled the disciples’ hearts with joy and courage. He helped them tell the story of Jesus—and guess what? They spoke in languages they had never learned! Suddenly, people from all over the world could understand what they were saying—in their own language!

God had done something wonderful: he reversed the confusion from Babel. He made sure that people from everywhere could hear how much Jesus loves them and how he forgives their sins.

We’re so thankful that God still does this today—uses his Word and the Holy Spirit to help people everywhere learn about Jesus.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for helping people hear and understand your Word. Fill us with joy and help us to share the good news of Jesus with others. 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 strange sound did the people hear on Pentecost?
  (Hint: It sounded like a big wind, but no wind was blowing!)
• What appeared above the disciples’ heads?
  (Would you be surprised to see fire that didn’t burn anyone?)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did the disciples feel after the Holy Spirit came to them?
  (Were they scared, happy, brave?)
• What amazing thing did the Holy Spirit help the disciples do with their voices?
  (Did they speak in English, or something special?)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think God wanted the disciples to speak in different languages?
  (Who needed to hear about Jesus?)
• In what ways does God show that the good news of Jesus is for all people?

Read: John 17:20-26

[Jesus said,] “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father . . . as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
John 17:20-26 (selected verses)

Jesus’ Prayer to Keep Us Together!

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

How long do you think people spend praying each day? A group of researchers wanted to find out! They discovered that on average people pray about 12 minutes every day. How about you? Do you talk to Jesus a lot? What do you usually pray for?

Sometimes we ask him for help or to make us feel better. Sometimes we ask for forgiveness or protection. We pray for ourselves and for our friends and family too.

But have you ever thought about this? Jesus prayed for YOU. That’s what we’re going to learn today. It was the night Jesus knew something really hard was going to happen. People would shout some horrible things about him. They thought Jesus should die. It was the night before Jesus went to the cross to take away all the horribly wrong things we’ve done.

Because so much was coming, Jesus prayed. And when he prayed to God the Father, he prayed for his friends—the disciples who were with him—and he prayed for us too! He said, “I also pray for those who will believe in me.” That means YOU! But what did Jesus pray for us?

Jesus asked God to help all of us who believe in him to stick together like one big family. Sometimes families don’t get along. Sometimes we argue or hurt each other’s feelings. But Jesus prayed for us anyway—because he loves us and forgives us. Because Jesus prayed for us, we can love, forgive, and pray for each other too! Jesus wants us to love each other so much that everyone can see God’s love shining through us.

So, when we pray for ourselves and for others, we can remember Jesus’ prayer for us. That can make us feel brave and happy when we talk to God.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for praying for us and making us part of your family. Please forgive us when we forget to love each other. Help us to live together as one family so others can see you in us. Keep us close to your Word and love forever. 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 did Jesus pray for when he talked to God? (Everyone who believes in him, like his family.)
• What does Jesus want us to do with our family and friends? (Love and stick together like a family.)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think Jesus wants us to be united like one big family? (Because Jesus wants us to show God’s love.)
• How can you show love or forgiveness to someone in your family or at school this week?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus prayed for all believers to be united like a family, even though he knew we might sometimes disagree or get hurt. What is one way you could show love and forgiveness, like Jesus did, to help people get along when things are hard?
• Jesus prayed for us to show God’s love and goodness to the world by being united. What are some ways we can show this unity?

Read: Acts 16:6-10

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia. They passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
Acts 16:6,8-10

From Everywhere to One Family

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

Imagine an older version of yourself is attending a huge school on a university campus—over 40,000 students go to school there! You see students from all over the world. You hear people talking in Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, and English. These students are learning things like math, science, farming, and money stuff. Everyone looks different, talks differently, and has different dreams for what they want to be and do for their lives.

But on Saturdays in the fall—something remarkable happens. All those differences seem to disappear. Thousands of students put on their team colors, pile into the stadium, and cheer for the football team together. They shout, high-five, hug, and jump up and down like they’re all one big happy family!

The apostle Paul knew what it was like to be around people who were different too. He was Jewish, but that didn’t stop him from telling the good news of Jesus to everyone—even people who weren’t Jewish. He traveled all around (like in today’s country of Turkey), sharing the life story of Jesus with people who ate different foods, wore different clothes, and spoke different languages. The one thing they all had in common: Jesus. That made Paul super happy, and he wanted to keep sharing the good news with even more people!

Then one night, Paul had a special dream from God. In the dream, a man from another place—maybe dressed funny and looking different than Paul—said, “Please come to us! We need Jesus too!”

That was Jesus’ way of saying, “Go tell everyone in the world about me!” (Mark 16:15). So off Paul went—to tell people about the Savior who came for everyone, no matter where they lived or what language they spoke.

And guess what? That good news has made it all the way to you and me!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for sending your helpers to share your love with people from every country and language. Help us remember that we all belong to 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 important message did Paul want to tell people from other countries?
• What did Paul see in his dream at night that helped him know where to go next?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Even though Paul was different from the people in Asia Minor, what did they both have in common?
• Why do you think God gave Paul a dream to tell him to go to Europe and talk about Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What can we learn from today’s devotion about telling people from other places about Jesus?
• How did the dream help Paul know that people in Europe needed to hear about Jesus, and what can we learn from that?

Read: Revelation 21:21-27

The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Revelation 21:21,23,27

A Sneak Peek at Heaven

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

Have you ever had your eyes checked at the doctor? You look through that big machine, and the doctor keeps asking, “Which is better: one or two?” It’s all about helping you see clearly.

In Revelation chapter 21, it’s like God is giving us a picture of heaven so we can see it clearly in our hearts! The streets are gold, so pure you can see through them like glass. The gates are giant pearls—not just decorated with pearls, but each gate is one huge pearl! And there’s no need for a sun or moon because God himself is the light. It means there’s no night, it’s sunny and bright all the time in heaven! You won’t need a special eye test or glasses to see it either!

That’s not all. In heaven, there’s no darkness, no sadness, and nothing bad ever gets in. But guess who gets to go in?! Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life—that’s Jesus’ book. And guess what?! Your name is in it because you believe in him!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I want to walk as a child of the light; I want to follow you. I can’t wait to see you, the Lamb and the light of the City of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. 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 or someone you know wear glasses? Will we need them in heaven?
• Why is there no sun or moon in heaven?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What words did John use to describe heaven’s beauty?
• What do people mean when they say, “heaven on earth”? Can anything here really compare to the real heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name someone whom you know who already is in heaven. What would be your first words when you see them again?
• Describe heaven in your own words. What are you most excited about seeing in heaven?

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:31-35

You Are God’s Bulletin Board!

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

Have you ever walked down your school hallway and seen a super cool bulletin board?

Mrs. Hill made some of the best ones! When school started, her board showed a giant crayon box that said, “It’s going to be a COLORFUL year!” Then, inside her classroom, every kid had a name tag shaped like a crayon in a different color! Every few weeks, the board changed to match the season, like snowflakes in winter or pumpkins in fall. But here’s the neat part: the hallway bulletin board gave a sneak peek into what was happening inside her classroom.

Guess what? You are like that bulletin board, too! What people see in your words and actions shows what’s in your heart. When Jesus lives in your heart, his love shows up on the outside!

Before Jesus went to the cross, he told his disciples something super important: “Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should love one another. When you love each other, everyone will know that you follow me” (John 13:34,35).

Jesus wants us to love others the same way he loves us—with kindness, patience, and forgiveness. That’s how people know we’re his followers!

Just like Mrs. Hill’s bulletin boards showed what was happening inside her classroom, your life shows the love Jesus has put in your heart.

So, what’s your bulletin board showing today?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us so much that you died on the cross and came back to life. Help us show your love in what we say and do. Make our lives like bright, loving bulletin boards that point people to 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

• Why do people wear name tags? What can a name tag tell you about someone?
• Do you know when God wrote your name in his book of life? (Hint: It happened at your baptism!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What bulletin boards do you have in your classroom? What kinds of things do they show people?
• How are YOU like a bulletin board for Jesus? What are some ways your words or actions show others that you love Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How can people tell that you are a follower of Jesus? Can you think of a time when you showed love or kindness like Jesus does?
• How might people know if someone is NOT following Jesus? Have you ever acted in a way that didn’t show Jesus’ love? What could you do differently next time?

Read: Acts 11:1-18

Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’’ . . . So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.”
Acts 11:4-18 (select verses)

Be Our Guest!

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

Have you ever seen Beauty and the Beast? There’s a fun scene where Belle sneaks downstairs at night because she’s super hungry. Instead of treating her like a prisoner, all the enchanted furniture welcomes her with a fancy dinner! They roll out a huge white tablecloth, pile on yummy food—beef stew, cheesy treats, flaming desserts—and sing, “Be our guest!” They want her to feel special.

A long time ago, Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, had a super strange dream. In the dream, a big white sheet came down from heaven. On it were animals—big ones, creepy ones, flying ones. Then Peter heard a voice say, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” Peter was shocked! “I can’t eat those! Jewish people don’t eat those animals!” But then the voice said, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

God was showing Peter something amazing: Jesus didn’t just come for one group of people. He came for everyone. Jesus’ love is for the whole world—no matter where you’re from or what you’ve done.

It’s like God rolled out a big tablecloth, filled it with something way better than beef stew and pie, and said, “You’re my guest. Come sit at my table. You belong here because of Jesus.”

Jesus died on the cross and rose again to wash away all our sins—even the really messy, ugly ones. Because of him, we’re not prisoners to sin anymore—we’re invited guests at God’s heavenly banquet!

And guess what? The guest list is HUGE. Everyone is welcome. Even people who weren’t part of God’s family before. That means you. That means me. That means everyone!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for taking away the old rules and making a place for us at your table. Thank you for loving us and inviting us to the party in heaven. Help us tell others that they’re invited too! 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 are some of our favorite foods to eat for dinner? Do you think someone from the Old Testament could eat those foods, or were they on God’s “do not eat” list back then?
• Why is it okay for us to eat things like hamburgers or bacon today, even though people in the Bible couldn’t?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In the Bible story, why were some people upset with Peter when he visited other people in Judea?
• Have you ever been told you were doing something wrong when you were just trying to be kind or include someone? How does it help to remember that God wants everyone to be part of his family?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What strange and surprising thing did Peter see in his dream from God?
• Why doesn’t God usually use dreams or visions to speak to people today? How does God help us know what to do instead?

Read: Revelation 7:9-17

“They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Revelation 7:15-17

No More Tears Ever Again

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

Beth started crying. It really wasn’t that big of a deal—her brother teased her a lot—but today, that tiny tease was just too much. She had woken up late, left her lunch at home, forgot her math homework, and even tripped while playing basketball in gym class. It had been a really bad day, and Beth felt like she just couldn’t take one more thing going wrong.

But thankfully, Beth had someone she could go to for comfort. No matter how rough the day was, Beth knew her mom would be there. Her mom gave her a big hug, handed her a tissue, and told her that tomorrow would probably be way better.

It feels so good to have someone who helps you feel better when you’re sad. Your mom or dad, grandma or grandpa, aunt or uncle, or big brother or sister—they’re special because they care about you and try to help when you’re hurting. But here’s the thing: they’re not perfect. They can’t stop every bad thing from happening. Because we live in a world full of sin, there will still be times when you get hurt, feel sad, or even cry.

That’s why the picture from today’s Bible reading is so amazing. In the book of Revelation, John gets a special peek into heaven. What he sees is a huge crowd—so many people he couldn’t even count them all! They’re standing in front of God’s throne, worshiping him.

John asks who they are, and he gets a beautiful answer. These are the people who went through hard times on earth because they trusted in God. But now? They’re safe. They’re happy. They’re with Jesus. They’ll never be hungry or thirsty again. They won’t get sunburned or tired. Jesus will be their shepherd, leading them to fresh, cool water. And best of all? God will wipe away every single tear from their eyes.

One day, you will be there too. One day, you’ll get to stand in heaven with all of God’s people, and nothing bad will ever happen again. No more pain. No more crying. Just perfect joy with Jesus!

Until that day, it’s okay to cry sometimes and go to someone you love for comfort. But remember, you can always go to God, too! He loves you so much—and one day, he’ll wipe away every one of your tears for good.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, sometimes the world feels really hard. Thank you for the promise of heaven, where everything will be perfect and happy. Help me to always remember that you love me and are with me, even on my worst days. 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 do you like to talk to when you’re feeling sad or having a rough day?
• Why can’t that person always make everything better or stop all the bad stuff?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do we still have bad days, even when we love Jesus?
• What do you think it means when it says God will “shelter them with his presence”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How could you help a younger kid feel better when they’re sad or upset?
• What’s the BEST part you imagine about being with Jesus in heaven someday?

Read: John 21:1-14

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
John 21:4

“Who Is That on the Shore?”

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

Megan loved getting her hair cut. But not for the reasons you might think. It wasn’t because she liked the shampoo or having fun with her mom. Megan loved getting her hair cut because of a silly game her dad played with her. After her hair was cut, he would pretend not to recognize her. Even if she only had an inch or two trimmed off, he would act surprised and ask who her mom had brought home! Megan and her dad both knew the game was silly, but it always made them laugh.

It might sound just as funny that the disciples didn’t recognize Jesus in today’s Bible reading. They had been with Jesus for three years! They had heard him teach, seen him perform miracles, and had lots of personal conversations with him. But when they saw him on the shore after his resurrection, they didn’t recognize him right away. Maybe he looked different, or maybe they just didn’t expect to see Jesus that day.

But what’s really important is how they recognized Jesus. He told them to throw their fishing net off the right side of the boat, and when they did, they caught so many fish that they couldn’t pull the net back in!

How did Peter recognize Jesus? He remembered something that had happened before. Peter had caught a big haul of fish once when Jesus told him to do the same thing. That’s when Peter realized, “This is Jesus!” Peter recognized Jesus because he was familiar with what Jesus had said and done.

And you can recognize Jesus too! That’s why it’s so important for you to go to church, listen to Bible stories, and have family devotions. It’s also why memorizing Bible verses is so helpful—even though some can be tricky! The more you learn about Jesus, the more you will recognize him in your life. And when you recognize Jesus, you’ll be able to tell others about him!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us the Bible so we can read about your words and actions. Help me always be excited to learn more about you, so I can recognize you better and share you with others. 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 funny game did Megan’s dad play with her after her haircut?
• Why do you think the disciples didn’t know it was Jesus at first?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Peter recognize Jesus?
• How does learning about Jesus help us see the ways he works in our lives?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Can you think of a time when you’ve seen Jesus working in your life? How did you recognize it?
• How can you share with others the ways you’ve recognized Jesus working in your life?

Read: Acts 9:1-22

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 9:17

From Darkness to Light

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

Are you afraid of the dark? Sometimes the dark can be scary—funny shapes, creepy shadows, strange noises. When the power goes out at night, all you want is to flip the light switch and see clearly again.

But darkness isn’t always scary. On a camping trip, it can be fun to sit around a campfire and watch the flames flicker. Far away from city lights, the night sky fills with stars. Sometimes, we see amazing things in the dark that we can’t see in the light.

Today’s verses from Acts tell us about Saul, who was in total darkness—not because of nightfall or a storm, but because he was blind. His blindness wasn’t from illness or injury—it came after Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus. After the vision ended, Saul couldn’t see. He stayed blind for three days, until a disciple named Ananias, sent by God, helped him see again.

Can you imagine being blind for three days? We don’t know exactly what Saul was thinking, but the rest of Acts gives us clues. He was probably thinking about what he had done—hurting Christians and trying to stop the church from growing. He may have been replaying Jesus’ words: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” And maybe he wondered what Jesus meant when he said, “You will be told what you must do.”

What Saul was told—and what he did—fills much of the New Testament. You probably know him better as Paul, his Greek name. Paul became one of the greatest missionaries in the early church. He traveled from city to city, telling people—especially non-Jews—about Jesus. He also wrote many books in the New Testament. He began in spiritual darkness, but God brought him into the light of grace through the Holy Spirit.

You might not travel the world like Paul, but you can still share Jesus. You can tell your friends and family how God brought you into the light of his love. You can shine like a light in a dark world and help others see who Jesus is.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me into the light of your grace. Let your light shine through me in my everyday life. 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 surprising thing happened to Saul when he saw a bright light on the road? (Hint: Someone special talked to him and something happened to his eyes!)
• What other name did Saul go by after he became a follower of Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If you couldn’t see anything for three days, how would you feel? Why do you think Saul felt that way?
• What do you think it means to live without knowing Jesus? How is that like being in the dark?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think Ananias was scared to go help Saul? Would you be nervous too?
• Can you name some of the books in the Bible that Paul wrote? Try to list as many as you can! (Bonus idea: You could even turn this into a fun memory game or matching activity.)

Read: Revelation 1:4-18

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.” When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Revelation 1:4-7,17-18

The Unstoppable Gospel: Jesus Is the Lord of the Church!

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

Do you go to a big church or a small church? Are you happy when you go to church? Are you sometimes unhappy about going? When you look at the other people there, do they seem excited to be there?

Not everyone will answer those questions the same way. For example, someone who has been going to church their whole life might feel excited and happy to see their friends each Sunday. But someone going to church for the first time might feel a little scared or worried. They might wonder if they fit in.

But no matter what, both of them should find the same thing at church: Jesus is there. Whether the group is big or small, whether you are excited or a little nervous, Jesus is with you in church whenever you hear about him from the Bible.

Do you know what Jesus does at church? He is healing everyone there. Everyone who is sick with sin (that’s everyone at church), Jesus cures. Everyone who is facing death (that’s everyone at church), Jesus saves. Everyone who needs strength to fight against sin and the devil (yep, that’s everyone), Jesus helps them.

Jesus is the Lord of the church. He walks with you every day, giving you the power to fight against sin and comforting you when you’re afraid of death. When you go to church, thank God for the other people there because they need the same things you do: healing, strength, forgiveness, and Jesus!

And Jesus really does show up in his church. He rules over everything in the world for the good of his church—and for your good. The gospel message of sins forgiven through faith in Jesus will always be shared in churches everywhere. Nothing can stop the gospel, because Jesus is the Lord of the church!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, rule over your church so that many can find healing, forgiveness, and strength from you. That’s what I find in church. Thank you, Jesus! 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

• Everyone has a terrible sickness that separates us from God. What is that sickness? Who heals us?
• God wants all people to hear his Word and believe in Jesus as their Savior. Where are places that you hear God’s Word taught?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When you think of judgment day, how do you feel? According to verses 17-18, how does Jesus want us to feel?
• The apostle John was exiled, or in prison, on the Island of Patmos for preaching God’s Word. Why can we be confident that God’s Word will continue to be spread even when God’s enemies don’t want it to?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Using verses 4-8, list the different phrases and names that describe God. What do these verses tell you about God and what he has done for us?
• Through the gift of faith, we look forward to spending eternity with our Savior in heaven; however, many will “mourn because of him” (verse 7). Why is our mission to share the news of the Bible with others urgent?

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words. When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
Luke 24:1-12

He Has Risen!

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

Imagine waking up extra early—before the sun even rises. It’s still dark outside. But your best friends are waiting for you. Together, you walk down a quiet road. You stick close together, not just because it’s dark, but because you are sad. Someone you love so much has died. You all agreed to visit his grave when no one else is around so you can say goodbye one last time.

But when you get there, nothing is how you expected. It’s still so early, and you feel a little confused. Wait, did we come to the wrong place? Something is different. Then, out of nowhere, two men appear! But wait, are they men? Their clothes shine as bright as lightning! You are so scared that you drop to the ground. These must be angels from heaven! But why are they here?

Then they speak: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember?”

And suddenly, you DO remember! You remember everything Jesus told you! He told you this would happen. He said he would die and then come back to life on the third day. And now, it’s the third day! He really did it! Jesus is alive!

At first, you don’t know what to do. But then you realize—you have to tell everyone! Where do you even start? You run to tell your closest friends. At first, they don’t believe you. But soon, they will see for themselves!

The joy those women felt on the first Easter morning is your joy too! We might not have been there at the empty tomb, but we know the truth—Jesus is alive! And just like those women, we get to share this amazing news with others. Jesus has risen!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you left the tomb empty on the first Easter Sunday. You have risen, just like you promised! Thank you for your promise that because you live, I will live too! 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

• Can you retell the Easter story in your own words to a family member or friend?
• Many of us celebrate Easter with candy, Easter baskets, and egg hunts. Those are fun! But what is Easter REALLY about?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Imagine you were there with the women at the tomb on Easter morning. What would you be thinking and feeling?
• God uses people to share his message. What good news do we get to share with others, just like the women did? Why is this the BEST news ever?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If you were one of the disciples, would you have believed the women’s story? Why or why not?
• Sometimes, people don’t believe the good news of Jesus, just like the disciples at first. What can we learn about sharing the gospel even when others don’t believe right away?

On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:6-9

Mountaintop Views

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

Have you ever climbed a really big hill or even a mountain? When you reach the top, everything looks amazing! You can see for miles, and it feels like you’re on top of the world.

In our Bible reading today, God gives us a mountaintop view—but not just any mountain! This is God’s holy mountain, which is a picture of heaven!

What do we see when we get to the top? A huge feast—the best food ever, a joyful celebration with people from everywhere, and best of all, no more sadness, no more tears, no more sin, no more death. God has taken all of that away!

But right now, we’re still climbing. We’re not at the top yet, but we can see where we’re going. And guess what? Jesus made the path for us! His death on the cross and his resurrection opened the way to God’s mountain. That means we don’t have to be afraid of anything—not even death—because Jesus already won!

And here’s one last thing to remember—when we finally reach heaven, we will talk about our faith. “We trusted in him, and he saved us.” We’ll look back and see how God helped us through everything. We won’t be sad about the tough times anymore. Instead, we’ll celebrate because Jesus brought us safely to the mountaintop!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for giving us a mountaintop peek at heaven! Help us trust you as we climb toward the amazing celebration you have waiting for us. 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

• Heaven sounds amazing! What do you think it will be like?
• What’s something that worries or scares you? How does it feel knowing Jesus has power over everything—even death?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Think of the happiest moment in your life! How do you think heaven will be even better than that?
• Why will we be so happy in heaven? And why can we already be happy here on earth, especially during Easter?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What’s the most exciting or comforting thing about heaven from this Bible passage?
• This is an Easter reading! What words or verses remind you of Jesus’ victory on Easter Sunday?

Read: Luke 22:7-20

“. . . Do this in remembrance of me.”
Luke 22:19

We Remember

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

The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history. Over 600,000 American soldiers died. After the war, families and friends who were sad and missed their loved ones would often decorate the graves of the fallen soldiers with flowers.

In 1868, a group of soldiers called the Grand Army of the Republic decided to make May 30th a special day called “Decoration Day,” where they decorated the graves of soldiers with beautiful spring flowers.

In 1882, this day was renamed “Memorial Day.” In 1967, it became an official holiday. Memorial Day is a day to remember—a day to honor those who died to give us freedom.

We honor their memory by decorating their graves. We honor their memory by being thankful for the freedom they fought for. We honor their memory by remembering what they did for us.

This week, we remember another sacrifice. Just like Memorial Day, Holy Week is a time to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. Holy Week is a time to remember how Jesus died to set us free from our sins.

On the night before Jesus died, he shared one last meal with his disciples. He gave them bread and said, “This is my body.” Then he gave them wine and said, “This is my blood.”

We call that Holy Communion. In Holy Communion, Jesus gives us his body and blood with the bread and wine in a special way to help us remember what he did for us.

Jesus died so that we could live forever with him in heaven. He died because death was the punishment we deserved for all the bad things we do. He died because he loves us so much.

Just like Memorial Day, Holy Communion is a Memorial Meal. When you see your parents and other adults receive Holy Communion at church—and when you receive it one day—take the time to remember.

Remember what Jesus did for you on the cross. Remember his sacrifice. Remember everything he gave up for you.

Remember how he died so that you could live.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help me to never forget your amazing sacrifice 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

• We have many symbols and pictures in church to help us remember. What should you remember every time you see a cross?
• Many Christians memorize verses from the Bible (like John 3:16). Why would it be good for you to memorize Bible verses like that?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What other things can you do to help you remember what Jesus did for you?
• Just like the soldiers who died fighting for our freedoms, Jesus died to set us free. From what did Jesus set us free?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• A traditional name for Holy Communion is “Eucharist,” which literally means “thanksgiving.” What does that name remind us to do as we remember what Jesus did for us this week?
• When Americans today celebrate Memorial Day, they often get distracted by picnics, hot dogs, and family get-togethers, to the point that they don’t remember what the day is all about. When we take Holy Communion at church, what similar temptation is there for us?