Read: Luke 13:1-9

Then [Jesus] told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
Luke 13:6-9

Help in Doing Good

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

Theo was mad. Everything was great—he and his best friend Anton had been happily playing. But then Anton took Theo’s toy and wouldn’t give it back. So Theo went and told his mom. He wanted her to tell Anton to give the toy back. He wanted his mom to be just as mad has he was.

Instead, Theo’s mom explained that Anton didn’t have brothers and sisters like Theo, so Anton needed practice in learning how to share. Rather than getting mad at Anton, Theo’s mom suggested that through his actions, he be patient and show Anton how to share.

Just like Anton, there’s something that everybody isn’t good at. But it’s something much more serious than sharing toys. Because of sin, none of us are good at obeying God. None of us are good at living like God tells us to live. On our own, we’re just like the tree that Jesus talks about in today’s reading—none of us are good at producing spiritual fruit.

There’s a struggle that happens inside us every day, a struggle between our naughty side and the nice, new person we are in Christ. The apostle Paul sums up this struggle: “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). How terrible! Is there any possible way to win that struggle and do good?

Left on our own, we will always lose that struggle between good and evil on this side of heaven. Anton needed help learning how to share. The tree in today’s reading needed help in producing fruit. When it comes to living like Christians, we need help too.

Where does that help come from? It comes from Jesus. He crushed everything wrong with us and made everything right between us and God. He showed us through his words and actions how to obey God. It comes from God’s Word, where God speaks to us and strengthens our faith. And it comes from everybody who helps you better understand God’s Word: faithful pastors, loving teachers, and patient parents.

One more thing: don’t be confused about why we do good. We don’t do good to make God like us more or to avoid being punished. We do good because we love God. We appreciate everything he’s done for us. Now, we want to do what God asks of us!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being so patient with us as we seek to obey God. Forgive us when we don’t. Encourage us to always look to you for how to 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 can help us do good?
• Where can we learn more about how to obey God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why can’t we perfectly obey God on our own?
• What’s one way you could have acted differently today in order to better obey God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Even though you will always struggle with your sinful nature, why don’t you have to worry that God will lose patience with your struggle?
• Jesus’ story talked about a tree in danger of getting cut down because there was no fruit. What does spiritual fruit look like in your life? Why is it so important?

Read: Philippians 3:17-4:1

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 3:20-4:1

Heaven Is My Home

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

For college basketball fans, this is the most exciting time of the year: March Madness. By the morning of March 17, a field of 64 teams will be set and the games will begin. Can you imagine what it would be like if you knew before the tournament started that your favorite team was going to win it all? Their best player could be injured, and they could be down by 20 points at halftime, but it wouldn’t matter because you knew for certain they would be crowned the champions in the end.

Today Paul is confident we can have something much more important than winning a basketball tournament. It’s citizenship in heaven. Most countries insist that you give up your former citizenship before taking up a new one. As Christians we have two places we call home. While we live on earth, our future home is in heaven. This means our homes and time here on earth are just momentary because our true home is in heaven where we will live forever.

We can be sure of our home in heaven because Jesus carried his cross to save us from our sins and gave us the gift of faith. Even though we suffer challenges because of our faith, we are wise to listen to Paul’s encouragement to “stand firm in the Lord.”

There is no easy way to avoid these challenges. Crosses will be a part of life while in our home on earth. We can find joy in them because we know that Jesus is working them for our good. He uses them to draw us closer to his side and to turn our focus away from the things of this world and back to him.

We can find contentment in any situation because we know that when Jesus returns, he will take us to be with him in heaven. Our bodies will be transformed, and there will be no more pain or suffering. Until we receive our crown in heaven, we ask Jesus to give us the strength and determination to take up our cross and follow him.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we ask that you give us the strength to stand firm as we face crosses here on earth. Thank you for being willing to die on the cross to save us from our sins so that one day we might receive our crown 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 do you like most about your home?
• Where will you live forever one day because of Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What city and state are you a citizen of?
• What does Paul mean when he says we are citizens of heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Give an example of a cross that you might face as a citizen on earth.
• How does knowing Jesus already won you victory in heaven help you deal with the crosses you face on earth?

Read: Luke 4:1-13

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil… Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” …Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” …Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” When the devil had finished all this tempting he left him until an opportune time.
Luke 4:1,2,4,8,12,13

A Battle for the Ages

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

There was a time in the United States where boxing was one of the most famous sports. Your grandparents and parents could probably tell you about some of the greatest boxing matches: Ray Robinson vs. Jake LaMotta in 1951, Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier in 1974, and Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson in in 1997. These were epic battles that were all over the news.

In our reading for today we see Jesus, our perfect champion, in a battle for the ages against the devil. Knowing that Jesus is weak from 40 days in the wilderness without food, the devil strikes first. He tempts Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus sidesteps the attack with the Word. Next, Satan tempts Jesus to worship him. Jesus counterpunches with the Word. Finally, the devil foolishly tempts Jesus to jump off the temple and trust that angels will save him. Jesus knocks down the devil and defeats him with the Word.

This wouldn’t be the last time that Jesus and the devil would battle. An epic battle would take place on the cross. Jesus would deliver a knockout blow that the devil still hasn’t recovered from to this day!

The 40-day season of Lent provides Christians an opportunity to reflect on our battles and the crushing consequences of sin. Lent calls out the importance of repentance—to turn away from sin. This section of Scripture lays out the weapons given us to fight temptation: Jesus Christ and his Word.

When we are tempted to disobey our parents and teachers, the Bible guides us to respect those in authority. The Bible directs us to love our neighbor even when we find that to be difficult with certain people. Acts of obedience when we are tempted are not done so that we can earn special favor with God. They are ways of showing our thanks to Jesus, our champion. He fought for us. He lived a perfect life for us. He won for us!

Lent may feel a little dark and gloomy, but it is also a season of great hope. These 40 days give us time at church and at home to double-down on hearing God’s Word, to fight against temptations from the devil. Then, at the completion of our 40-day journey, we will celebrate the sweet victory of our true champion as redeemed and forgiven children of God!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Savior, you have set the example for us as we face temptations. Help us to be regular students of your Word and lead us to live our lives in a way that brings you glory. 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 tempted Jesus to sin in the wilderness?
• Did Jesus listen to the devil? Did Jesus ever sin?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In what three ways did the devil tempt Jesus to sin in our reading?
• What can we learn from Jesus’ response to each of these temptations?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why did the devil work so hard to get Jesus to sin?
• Think of one specific way during Lent that you and your family can show thanks and gratitude to Jesus for doing everything needed for us to be saved.

Read: 1 Samuel 17:4-11,32-40,45-49

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.… All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
1 Samuel 17:45,47

Our Battles are the Lord’s

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

What a scene! For forty days the Israelites and the Philistines had been staring at each other across the valley. The mood in the two camps couldn’t have been much different. The Israelites felt hopeless and lacked a true leader. The Philistines, behind their champion, the giant Goliath, were confident and even cocky. With no candidate from the Israelites willing to fight Goliath, it seemed like the stalemate would last forever. That was until a very unlikely champion emerged from the Israel camp. He was a young shepherd boy named David.

Goliath couldn’t help but laugh as he watched David step onto the battlefield. Much smaller and less armed than Goliath, it looked like David didn’t stand a chance. Against all human odds, David didn’t feel hopeless like the rest of the Israelites or prideful in his own abilities and weapons like Goliath. He was confident of the outcome of this battle of champions because his trust was in the Lord. Knowing that the battle was in the Lord’s hand, he boldly stepped up, and with just one stone the giant was defeated. The victory that day is often referenced as one of the greatest underdog stories of all time.

Each of us have giants we face every day. They might not be 9 feet tall, but they are still intimidating. Your giant might be a bully in your neighborhood that is constantly messing with you. Your giant might be a subject at school that you just can’t figure out. Your giant might be an illness that really scares you.

As we face the giants in our life, we are often tempted to either feel crushed with hopelessness or foolishly believe that we can solve all our problems on our own. During this season of Lent, let us repent for those times of despair and pridefulness and follow the example of David in our lesson for today. Let’s take the focus off ourselves and to put our trust in the Lord who promises that he will help us in our times of trouble.

We can face our giants with confidence because our champion, Jesus, has already defeated our greatest giant: sin. As Jesus hung on the cross, many people believed that he had lost the battle against sin, death, and the devil. As our perfect substitute, three days later he rose from the dead victorious. Those three giants had been conquered, and through the gift of faith, his victory is our victory!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for winning us eternal life through your death and resurrection. As we face the giants in our life, help us to put our trust in you, who promises to always help us in our times of trouble. 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

• Name one thing you are afraid of.
• Who is always with you, even when you are scared?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why were the Israelites afraid to fight Goliath? What did Goliath put his trust in?
• How did David respond differently than both the other Israelites and Goliath?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What it the biggest challenge that you currently face?
• How does the story of David and Goliath help you better prepare to face this challenge?

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Repent and Realize God’s Love

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

What if a limousine with the seal of the President pulled up to where you live, and a nicely dressed man in uniform got out of the car with a message from the President just for you? Would you be excited about hearing the message? Wouldn’t it be awesome to be a messenger for the President, or a king or queen? The President would make a decision and send you to go tell others. You would deliver their words in person! People would listen to you like you were a king or queen or the President. That’s what we call being an ambassador.

Now, let me tell you something very cool. God considers you ambassadors of Jesus Christ. You represent him and deliver messages for him from his Word. God made you his child through baptism, you have all the blessings of forgiveness of your sins, heaven for your eternal home, and good work to do here and now. As Christ’s ambassadors, you have an important message share with others. Here it is: “Be reconciled to God!” Sometimes it is difficult news to deliver when we or others are caught in a sin, or when we’ve broken God’s commands and need to tell God, “I’m sorry.” But here’s the good news: Jesus took our place on the cross and suffered for our sin. God gives us Jesus’ perfect life and accepts us because of him. We have peace with God. This is the message we get to share with people after we show them their sin: God loves you! God says you are forgiven for your sins in Christ Jesus! This isn’t bad news. This is the best news! God sends you to share it with the people in your life.

You may not get to pull up in a limousine or wear a fancy suit or dress, but the message you carry is from our God and Savior. You are his ambassador so all of us repent and realize God’s love.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help me to be a good ambassador not only to others around me, but to myself too. Help me to be sorry of my sins and realize your love and forgiveness for me. Help me to share it with 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

• What is an important message your mom or dad wants you always to remember?
• What good news do you know about Jesus that is worth sharing?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Repent means to turn away from sin and turn to Jesus. Give two ways our parents help turn you away from sin to Jesus.
• How does an ambassador for the President act? Describe how you want to act as an ambassador for Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• As a group, discuss what makes it difficult to be an ambassador for God.
• Evaluate: While it would be hard to hear, I would want my friend to correct me if I am caught in a sin.

Read: Luke 6:27-38

But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, … Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. … Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:27,30,36

Doing the Impossible

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

Gus thought it was impossible to make a basket in the basketball hoop. Then he saw his older sister, Hattie, make a shot. So Gus tried and tried and tried. Finally made a shot through the hoop!

There are a lot of things that sound impossible until you see someone else do them. Do you think you could change a dirty diaper? Eww, never! But ask your mom how many dirty diapers she’s changed! Ask her to show you how, she probably would! There are things that are hard to do, but eventually we find we can do them because someone else does them and shows us how.

Jesus tells us to do some hard things today, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who mistreat you, lend to enemies without expecting to get anything back.” These seem impossible to do! Enemies fight against you and don’t like you. I thought you should avoid and defend yourself against your enemies, not be nice to them or help them! You can’t just give without getting back, can you? These don’t seem like things we want to do or can do until we see Jesus do them. He did them for us, didn’t he? Our sinfulness and naughtiness had made us God’s enemies. We loved ourselves the most, rather than others or him. But Jesus loved us—his enemies. He gave up not just his coat or money for us, he gave up his own life. Do you remember how Jesus died? He died on the cross for us. He loved us so much. He did good to us and to all people—even those who hated him. He prayed for all people. His love changed our lives and eternity. We get to go to heaven because Jesus loved, lived, died, and rose from the grave for us.

What can our love do? God can use your love to impact others too. You may just make a friend out of an enemy by helping them, loving them, praying for them. God uses your prayers and the good things you do for others to change other people’s outlook, helping them to listen when you tell them about their Savior.

Jesus did the impossible for us. He uses you to do impossible things too!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, please use our love and help for others to make friends out of enemies. Help all people learn about how you made us your friends. 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 Gus first think was impossible, but finally was able to do?
• How did Jesus show his love for us? Name one way we can we show his love to other people?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Think of two reasons why it is hard to do nice things for people who aren’t nice.
• Remember the last time you weren’t so nice. Name at least two things God has done for you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why does it surprise our enemies when we do something nice for them?
• Which has the greater impact: to do something nice for a good friend or to help your enemy with something they need? Why?

Read: Genesis 45:3-15

Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”

“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.”

And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.
Genesis 45:3-5,8,15

Forgiveness Defeats Fear

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

Joseph’s brothers were terrified of him. They had been so mean to him, hurt him, and sold him for money to die in Egypt. They thought they’d never see him again. They were some of the worst brothers.

When someone hits you, you often want to hit them back. If someone hurts you, you often want to hurt them back. Joseph’s brothers thought that was what Joseph would do to them, that he would get angry and hurt them. He was powerful enough to do it, even to put them to death!

But Joseph did not give in to anger. Instead, Joseph trusted God to take care of him, and he forgave his brothers. God took care of Joseph and protected him through all the bad things he suffered. God blessed Joseph and brought him from slavery and prison to become the second in command over all Egypt! The bigger miracle was that God gave Joseph the ability to forgive. He didn’t hurt his brothers or try to get revenge. He let go of anger, and he trusted God. You know what else God did? God worked sorrow and fear in the brothers over what they had done. Through forgiveness God brought them back together as a family. Forgiveness defeated fear.

God has made us his family. We are sinners, and we do things that are wrong, sinful, and awful against God every day. At one time we were even enemies of God, born in sin, the worst! But God showed love to us even though we didn’t deserve it. God forgave us. He made us his own at our baptism and grows us through his Word when we hear it and learn it. God took care of us. God sent his Son Jesus to take away our sins and pay for them on the cross. God raised Jesus from the dead to prove it. God’s forgiveness takes away our fear and makes us part of his family. God gives us the ability to forgive those who hurt us and let go of anger or wrath. God will take care of it. God will take care of us. Forgiveness defeats fear.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the forgiveness you give to us, and help us to forgive those who sin against us. Help us trust you, and bless 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

• Joseph was powerful and could hurt his brothers, but what did Jesus help him do instead?
• What did Jesus do for us to forgive us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What makes it hard for you to forgive classmates when they hurt you?
• How can forgiveness bring people back together?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: It’s the best policy to talk to someone right away if they’ve hurt you.
• How can forgiving someone in your heart be a blessing even when the other person isn’t sorry?

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Boast in Weakness?

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

It is time for the annual family reunion game of tug-of-war. All the cousins under the age of five are on side “A” of the rope while all of the strong grade school through high school-aged cousins are on side “B”. It is pretty obvious which side will win. But wait…an army of strong uncles suddenly picks up the rope on the young children’s side. Can you say game changer?! The little cousins cheered as they won, thanks to the strength of their uncles.

So it is with God and us. He’s like a strong uncle who grabs the rope for us who are weak and little. Normally we try to hide our weaknesses. It’s embarrassing to admit you’re not a great speller, can’t make free-throw shots, and talk before you think. The apostle Paul admitted his weaknesses. But he has some rather interesting words for us in today’s reading. He tells us to boast about our weakness. In our devotions this week, we see God turning the definitions of the world upside down.

List some things the world would tell us to boast about. Some lists might include athletic ability, winning an art contest, or getting straight A’s. What does Paul encourage us to delight in? He tells us to enjoy weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution, difficulties. What?! That’s upside down!

We’re not exactly sure what Paul’s weakness was. He describes it in verse 7 as a “thorn in the flesh.” Ever get a deep sliver in a finger that hurts horribly? It’s kind of like that. When Paul asked God to take his “thorn in the flesh” away, God heard his prayer but didn’t remove it. He could have but found a way to use Paul’s weakness. It would constantly remind Paul that he was just a weak human and entirely dependent on God’s grace (undeserved love). By experiencing weakness, Paul would need to rely on God’s greatness and power to carry out his work.

Can you boast in a weakness? It doesn’t mean we jump up and down with joy because we have trouble in life. Boasting in our weaknesses means even as we experience troubles, those are the very moments we can joyfully rely entirely on God’s grace and power—like the younger cousins depending entirely on their uncles to win the tug-of-war game. For when I am weak, then I am strong with Christ’s power!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, use our weaknesses, troubles, and sadnesses in life to keep our eyes fixed on your grace and power. 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

• List one thing you need help to do because you are too small or weak.
• Give an example of one thing Jesus did for us because we are too weak to do it ourselves.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name two things that you like to boast about. But according to today’s devotion, what does God want us to boast about?
• What can you remind yourself in times of sadness or weakness to stay focused on God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In an upside-down way, how did Paul’s weakness glorify God?
• Name one weakness/trouble that is hurting you right now. Discuss with your family how it can bring you closer to and make you more dependent on God.

Read: Luke 5:1-11

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:8-11

Chosen: Who, Me?

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

What makes a team “the greatest”? Do they win the most games, have the strongest players, or the biggest superstars? If you were choosing a team of helpers for Jesus, who would you choose? The best speaker? The best looking? The strongest men? The richest? Take a look at who Jesus chose: “When Simon Peter saw this (the miraculous catch of fish) he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” (v. 8)

Not only did Simon Peter realize he was a sinful man, but he was a common fisherman—not a popular, rich, handsome superstar. Fishermen were just common workers, useful, hard-working, usually a little gruff, and probably a little smelly from fish. Maybe a little like a garbage collector, yet God chose Peter, James, and John—all fishermen—to be his first disciples.

What qualified them to be chosen as disciples of Jesus? Not their actions or efforts, but simply the words of the all-powerful God: “Do not be afraid, from now on you will fish for people.” The Holy Spirit worked in their hearts to willingly leave behind everything and follow Jesus. For three years they learned from their Lord and then were given this great command, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

God has also chosen you—a sinner, a commoner. He has chosen you as his child at your baptism. His Holy Spirit is working in your heart through the same powerful Word of God to grow your faith. You, too, have been given the great commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” Like Simon Peter, you may wonder why God has chosen you for such an important job. Like Simon Peter, hear Jesus say, “Don’t be afraid.” And with his powerful Word ringing in your ears, share God’s word with your family, your friends, your neighbors, your classmates—with everyone!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for making me your child, for the gift of forgiveness, and the sure hope of eternal life. Help me rely on your power as I 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 did Peter do for a living?
• Instead of fishing for fish, what did Jesus want Peter to go fishing for?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What did Jesus mean when he said to Peter, “From now on, you will fish for people?”
• Jesus tells Peter to “not be afraid.” How does that make you feel better about sharing Jesus with others?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Put the Great Commission in your own words.
• Name at least two ways you see the Great Commission carried out in your church. Name two ways you see it carried out in your home.

Read: Isaiah 6:1-8

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it, he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:5-8

Choose Me!

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

The teacher needs a volunteer. Some students eagerly raise their hands and jump up and down, wanting to be chosen. Other students try their best to hide, hoping not to be chosen. Which one are you? What if the teacher says she needs a volunteer to clean up a milk spill? Are you jumping up eagerly wanting to help or working hard not to get chosen?

Being chosen can be quite exciting—picked first for the kickball team, chosen to be line leader, team captain, or the main role in the school play. Being chosen can also be intimidating—the coach chooses you to shoot the buzzer-beater that could win or lose the game for your team, or you are chosen to give the answer in the class game that could win extra recess for the class. In these instances, you might feel a little nervous or not ready.

In our reading for today, Isaiah felt very unworthy to be chosen. He was standing in front of the holy God who was seated on his throne and surrounded by angels. Isaiah was so scared that he was shaking as he stood before our perfect, holy God, knowing that he was unworthy because of his sin. God used one of his angels to touch Isaiah’s lips with a live coal, changing Isaiah’s standing before God. Isaiah could now stand before God confidently, as a forgiven child of God and a worthy choice, not because of anything Isaiah did, but because of God’s act of choosing Jesus to suffer and die to take away all sin. Because his sins are and his guilt is wiped away, Isaiah eagerly volunteers to be chosen. Instead of focusing on his shortcomings, Isaiah focuses on God’s love for him and with excitement states, “Send me! Choose me!”

God could have used angels for his work, but he has chosen you. You might be excited about being chosen, or like Isaiah, you might feel unworthy or unprepared. Sinful, imperfect you. Forgiven, child of God—you are his chosen messenger. Like Isaiah, let us excitedly jump up and down and say, “Send me!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for making me your child. Thank you for forgiving all my sins. Give me confidence as I work as your messenger. Help me to see the opportunities to share your Word, and give me the words to say. Knowing your Holy Spirit is always with 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

• When do you like to be chosen (picked first)?
• Who do you want to tell about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did Isaiah feel unqualified to stand before a holy God?
• What makes you worthy to be God’s messenger?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What makes sharing God’s word hard for you?
• Discuss with your family how to become better at sharing God’s Word.

Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
2 Timothy 4:2-5

Be Prepared

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

The meteorologist’s voice sounded urgent coming from the TV. The hurricane was approaching within the next couple days, and he warned viewers of the impending danger it could cause for the people and places around the area. He listed off items that one should have in their emergency kits—most definitely water, food, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.

It’s important to be prepared for certain kinds of weather. Most often, we have an idea of what is coming and what we’ll need to be ready for the weather.

It’s important to be prepared for other circumstances of life too. There are plenty of times we can’t see the future, so we’re not sure what will happen or what we’ll need. Yet, there are times when we can be prepared for certain situations because we know they are bound to happen.

The apostle Paul wrote to young pastor Timothy about being ready to face uncertain times, false teachers, and corrupt people with “itching ears.” That’s a fancy way of people saying, “Scratch my desire to hear what I want to hear.” I wish I could say you and I have never possessed such ears. But many of our struggles, setbacks, and trouble with friends and family are because of words we tell ourselves that scratch our desire to hear what we want to hear.

What would prepare Timothy to confront lies? God’s powerful truth. When someone says, “God can’t use me unless I’m strong.” God’s Word calls out, “That’s a lie!” If someone tells you “God’s love must be earned,” God’s Word will equip you to say “That’s a lie!” Whenever you think, “I can listen to God’s Word but don’t have to do what it says,” God Word says “Wait! That’s not true!”

Timothy needed to study the Word himself first. How can we avoid lies and be prepared to call them out? The same way Paul, Timothy, and anyone who shares the gospel prepares. Hear, listen, read, and study the truth of God’s Word. Your parents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, Lutheran school teachers, and many others teach you God’s Word. In God’s Word, you hear about Jesus’ work which makes sinners righteous in God’s sight, you receive the blessings of forgiveness, and you gain encouragement to share this message. Child of God, you are prepared!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help us be eager listeners of your Word that we may always be prepared in every situation to speak your truth. 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

• Name two people who have told you the truth about Jesus.
• Name one person you would like to tell about Jesus.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is it important that we are prepared to speak God’s Word at any time and any situation?
• What is the most important thing you want someone to know about God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify an “itching ears” lie that is dangerous to your faith. Then identify God’s truth which addresses it.
• As a family, find a Scripture verse that can serve as a reminder or encouragement to keep sharing God’s Word even if it’s hard to do so.

Read: Luke 4:16-30

[Jesus] returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

“I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown.”

All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up drove him out of the town and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.
Luke 4:16-19,24,28-30

Good News Worth Rejecting or Cheering?

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

The teacher stood at the front of the room with a joyful expression on his face. “I have good news!” he said. The whole class sat quietly holding their breath for what he would tell them. “You all received A’s on your Social Studies test!” The class happily cheered.

Do you like hearing good news? Jesus has some good news for his hearers today. If you’ve been following the devotions this week, they may sound familiar. In an earlier devotion, the prophet Isaiah prophesied words that Jesus would say hundreds of years later. In the lesson today, we see how Jesus lived out that prophecy.

Jesus told people that he was the one to preach the good news, to free them, to release them, and to comfort them. But the good news Jesus talked about was so much more than an earthly freedom. He was talking about freedom for people from their sins, from the enemy—the devil, and recovery of sight for people who blinded by the darkness of their sin. But what Jesus said next seems strange: “No prophet is accepted in his hometown.” It seems strange, but it was sadly true. The very people Jesus told good news were the people who rejected him. Why would they try to run Jesus out of town? It doesn’t make sense! Sometimes, people don’t like everything Jesus has to say because they want something different from Jesus. They want him to be the kind of Jesus that fits the ideas they have of him in their minds.

Don’t we do the same thing sometimes? We hear God’s Word, but we don’t like everything it tells us. We like to hear how good we are, but we don’t like hearing when we do things that are not pleasing to God. We don’t like to admit when we do wrong if it means someone else is right. We become slaves to our own stubbornness. That’s why repentance is an important word to understand. It means to be sorry in our hearts and to ask God to forgive and change us.

Jesus is the Son of God who came to forgive and free us from the punishment of sin and the power of devil’s hold on us. That’s good news worth cheering! Believe it! Share it!

Closing Prayer:

O Lord, Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I’ve turned from your Word and gone my own way. Give me a heart that follows you and cause my life to be a reflection of your Son, Jesus my Savior. 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

• Share one thing that made you happy today.
• What’s the good news Jesus shared that makes you happy today?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In today’s devotion, why did people run Jesus out of town and reject him?
• How does Jesus want us to react when we realized we’ve sinned?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What do you have to do to get an A in Social Studies? What is needed to get an A in faith?
• Repentance is meant to be part of daily life. Share something done or said today you are sorry for. (Parent: Immediately be ready to share today’s good news of Jesus’ forgiveness.)

Read: Isaiah 61:1-6

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.
Isaiah 61:1-2

“Good News” Messengers

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

Amelia and her grandma enjoyed spending time together. They went for walks, put puzzles together, and baked cookies. So, one day when Amelia’s parents told her that grandma was ill, Amelia became sad and quiet. She was sitting on her bed alone in her room when her dad came in and saw her sad face.

“Oh, Amelia! Are you sad about Grandma?” he asked. Amelia nodded. “It’s just that… Oh Dad,” she sobbed, “what can I do? Grandma was always so happy and excited to spend time with me and others she loved. But now she’s sick and can’t do any of it.”

Amelia’s dad wrapped his arms around her. “Sweetie, let’s make Grandma a card, reminding her how much God loves her and will take care of her. I have a feeling it will lift Grandma’s spirits, and it will do your heart good too.” As Amelia began to write in the card, she grew excited that she could bring her grandma the good news of God’s love.

By the time of our Scripture reading, God’s people, the Israelites, had already spent years in a cycle of loving and obeying God, then turning against him and doing what their sinful hearts wanted instead. God gave them many warnings. He even caused enemy armies to conquer and defeat them. In a way, you could say the Israelites were really sick. They weren’t ill in their body like Amelia’s grandma, but their souls were darkened by sin. God wanted the Israelites to come back to him. In his mercy, God promised to comfort them. He gave these words of prophecy about Jesus, the promised Savior.

Jesus wouldn’t be born for another 700 years, but God would not leave his people alone in a sin-darkened world. He sent Isaiah to warn his people, but also to be a messenger of good news for his people. Jesus is this good news. He heals broken hearts and souls. He comforts those who are sad. He frees people from behind the prison bars of sin.

Just like Amelia’s grandma needed a messenger to bring her good news and lift her spirits, people today need the good news of salvation to lift their spirits. Listen to God’s words, and then, just as Amelia shared God’s love with her grandma, you too can be a messenger and share it with others.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior from sin. Help us turn from sin. Send your Holy Spirit to comfort us with your gospel and give us courage to be your messengers. 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

• Amelia was sad her grandma was sick. What did she do for her grandma that made her excited?
• Name two people who proclaim the good news about Jesus to you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did God send a messenger to the Israelites?
• How can you be God’s messenger?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Evaluate and discuss this statement: We are like the Israelites.
• Name someone in your life who really needs to hear God’s comforting message. Discuss as a family how you can share it with them.

Read: Isaiah 62:1-5

No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
Isaiah 62:4

What’s in a name?

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

Do you know what your name means? Parents put some thought into naming their children. After all, your name is attached to you for life. It’s an important job to give someone a name! Names in the Bible usually have special significance. Eve was named Eve “because she would become the mother of all the living” (Genesis 3:20); Abram’s name was changed to Abraham because he would be “the father of many nations” (Genesis 17:4-5); Joseph was instructed to name Mary’s son Jesus “because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Names mean something.

You probably know how much it can hurt your feelings when someone is mean to you and calls you a bad name or an unkind nickname. Those names sting, because they draw all the attention to some mistake we’ve made, something bad we’ve done, or even something we didn’t have any control over.

The neighboring nations around Israel had some mean nicknames for them. Israel had stopped listening to the LORD. They had been pushed down by enemies and were going to face even more losing battles in the future. They were supposed to be God’s chosen, special people, but it didn’t look like they were. The neighbors called Israel “Deserted,” because it seemed like the LORD had left them all alone. They called Israel “Desolate,” because nothing good could possibly be there. But the LORD had other ideas and new names for his people. The new names sound kind of funny, but they have awesome meaning. The LORD declared that their new name would be Hephzibah, because “my delight is in her,” and Beulah because they would be joined to the LORD like a bride to her groom. The LORD was going to send a Savior to bring his people back to him.

Because of our sins, we deserved to be deserted and left alone by God forever. But God has given us a new name. It’s his name. In the water and promise of your Baptism, the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—put his name on you. You are God’s own. Jesus has claimed you and joined you to himself like a bride to her groom. But he doesn’t stop there. He gives you another name: Hephzibah, because he delights in you! Not because you’ve earned it, but because God has taken away your sins in Christ and has made you beautiful, delightful, and joined to him forever.

Find out what your name means, and maybe you’ll learn something. Rejoice that God has named you as his own, and as he names you, so you are!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, what undeserved love you show us! Even though we deserve nothing from you because of our sin, in Christ you give us everything. Help us always to rejoice that you have placed your name on us in Baptism, and give us comfort to know that you delight in us. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, 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

• Ask your parents to tell you why they named you what they did.
• What does the name “Jesus” mean?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did the nations around Israel call them “Deserted” and “Desolate”?
• Who put his name on you when you were baptized?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What do the names “Beulah” and “Hephzibah” mean?
• What comfort is there in knowing that, in Christ, the LORD’s delight is in you?

Read: Titus 3:4-7

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his great mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Titus 3:5-6

He Saved Us

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

Reread the first three words of our verse for today: “He saved us.” If you wanted to sum up the whole story of the Bible, those three words do it: God saved us. God doesn’t just leave us with a three-word sentence. On every page of Scripture, he explains why he needed to save us. Our problem is sin. It’s so serious that we can’t save ourselves. Salvation wasn’t a team effort with you doing your part and God doing his. Forgiveness of sins isn’t if you’re sorry enough or say it in just the right way. God didn’t choose to save you because you were so bright and shiny and beautiful. He did it because of his great mercy. God wants to show you his genuine kindness. Those three words sum up nicely what he decided to do for us—He saved us.

Where do we see that perfect rescue of God most fully and beautifully? In Jesus our Savior. From his conception to his birth to his baptism by John in the Jordan all the way to the cross and empty tomb, Jesus took our place and our sin. He even died to pay for them all. Because he rose from death to life, he could give us his new life. That’s the good news He saved us!

But wait, there’s more! God attaches that good news to you in a wonderful way—through the water and Word of your baptism. In Holy Baptism, God doesn’t just make a promise, he makes a promise to you! He connects you to Jesus and all that Jesus did to win salvation. Now you know how he saved us. Now you can live a new life, because the Holy Spirit gives you the kind of life your mom never could when you were born. That’s why you can live as a person made brand new in Christ. Now you live with a righteousness that is not your own, but the perfect righteousness of Jesus covering you from head to toe, body and soul. Even though you may look like any other person, your baptism tells another story about you. “He saved us,” Paul said. How do you know? Because God brought you into his family through water and the Word: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for pouring out your Holy Spirit on us through the washing of rebirth and renewal, connecting us to Jesus our Savior through Holy Baptism. Help us always to cling with faith to the simple promise that, in Christ, you have saved us from sin, death, and the devil’s power. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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 saved us?
• Why did he save us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is the most important message of the Bible?
• How is Jesus able to give us such wonderful gifts in Baptism?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Look again at the focus verses. Can you find a reference to each person of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)?
• What does it mean to have “rebirth” and “renewal”?