Read: John 14:1-11

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6

The Story of the Bridges

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

There was a bridge. It reached from Human Mountain to God’s Mountain. People who walked on this bridge could be with God.

Two hikers walked part of the way and then chopped the bridge down. It swung back to Human Mountain. Now it hangs there, attached to the top of the mountain but dangling down the side toward the canyon. All the hikers of the world still want to cross to the other mountain to be with God, but they can’t build another bridge. They can’t secure it to God’s Mountain from where they are.

A builder came and strung a second bridge starting at God’s Mountain and reaching all the way to Human Mountain. Everyone who crosses that bridge is with God.

But some hikers still want to use the old bridge. They climb it, but it only leads down Human Mountain to the canyon. Other hikers want to build their own bridges. They begin the bridges on their mountain. They try many materials, but always have the same problem. They have a starting place, but everything they build goes down the side of the mountain toward the canyon and hangs next to the broken bridge.

But everyone who walks across the second bridge get to be with God forever.

Now let’s read this story another way:

The two hikers were Adam and Eve. When God created them, they were going to live perfectly and be with God forever.

When they sinned, they broke that plan for all humans. It is impossible to live without sinning, so it is impossible to get to God by being perfect.

Along came Jesus. He made a new way. He lived the perfect life that had been broken and paid for all the destruction of our sins. Now there is a new bridge to God—trusting in Jesus.

Some people still try to get to God by doing good things, but they can’t do it perfectly, so it doesn’t work. It just leads them down to the canyon of hell. Some try to build their own ways. These are called false religions and false gods. Those religions start with humans and don’t reach to the true God. Like the broken bridge, they just take people down to hell.

But everyone who trusts the bridge Jesus built—Jesus’ perfect life and death-payment on the cross—will be with God forever in heaven. They cross right over death into eternal life.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you built a bridge to God the Father when you lived perfectly and died instead of me. Keep my feet securely fixed on that bridge and take me by that bridge to 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

• Can anyone be perfect enough to please God?
• What (or Who) is the only way we can get to God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Get a clean piece of paper and draw a picture that illustrates today’s devotion.
• How did Jesus build the bridge between us and God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why does our human nature like to believe we are the ones who earn heaven?
• How do people sometimes try to cross with one foot on the bridge Jesus built and one foot on another bridge? How safe is that?

 

 

Read: Acts 4:8-12

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”
Acts 4:8-10

You Don’t Know Who You Are Dealing With

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

“You don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

You hear that line in movies. There is a person who holds power but whose power is hidden. Maybe she is an undercover spy. Or a superhero disguised as a normal human. Or the owner of the company, but the employees don’t recognize her. Someone says something threatening or intimidating and the response is, “You don’t know who you are dealing with.” The person is saying, “I may look like you, but if you knew who I really am, you would be afraid of my power.”

God came to earth as a little baby. He looked and lived like everyone else. Jesus was on an undercover mission. He tucked his power and glory away to live and die in a way no one would expect God to live and die. He used his power to say “no” to sin. He used his strength to bear the punishment of the world’s sin.

After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter spoke to the Jews who had called for Jesus to be crucified. He told them that God raised Jesus from the dead, which proves that Jesus is really God. Basically Peter said, “You didn’t know who you were dealing with.” Those words can be terrifying. You didn’t know you were dealing with God Almighty, who has the power to punish you!

There is another movie situation that involves hidden identity. Someone is in danger, but a person with them reveals that he is able to help. For example, there’s a car accident and someone is badly hurt. But a passerby runs up and says, “I’m a doctor. I can help.” What a relief! Here’s another example: Hikers find themselves lost in the mountains. But then, a fellow hiker appears and says, “I’m a park ranger. I know the way out.” Here’s one more: A group of terrified people have been taken hostage. But one of them whispers, “I’m a police officer. I know exactly what to do.”

The point is this: While Jesus lived on earth, he revealed his identity. He said, “I’m the Messiah. I’ve come to save you.” What a relief! What peace! Many believed him. When they learned his true identity, it gave them peace. How different from Jewish leaders who were disturbed and fearful when Jesus’ identity was revealed!

Praise the Holy Spirit for showing us Jesus as our loving Savior. Through the Bible, we know his true identity. We are secure because he has taken back all his power as God. We know that he uses that power to care for us, forgive us, and bring us to heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for showing us Jesus as our Savior. Help us to trust in him always. Help us to share Jesus with our friends and family so they, too, can know his identity and be saved. 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’s your favorite superhero and for what does he/she use their superpower?
• How does Jesus use his power to take care of you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name a story from the Bible where Jesus used his power as God. What was his purpose in using his power?
• How does knowing who Jesus is cause different feelings in believers and unbelievers? (Hint: Believers feel safe and at peace, unbelievers don’t.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How do a person’s feelings about death and judgment day show you what they believe about Jesus?
• What can you say to someone to explain why they are afraid of judgment day and why they don’t have to be afraid?

 

 

Read: 1 Peter 2:19-25

But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:20b,21

Follow the Leader

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

There is an old kid’s game called “Follow the Leader.” Have you played it? Everyone gets in line behind the leader. They must follow the leader wherever he goes. If the leader skips, they skip. If the leader crawls, they crawl. If the leader hops on one foot while flapping his arms and hooting like an owl… well, things get a little complicated. The whole point of the game is to follow the leader’s example.

Can you think of someone you want to “follow” in your life? Maybe it’s an older brother or sister who you really want to copy. Or its someone you look up to like a sports hero or musician. We look at talented people and think, I want to be like them.

Peter gives us an awesome example to follow, Christ Jesus. Peter says, “When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.” Even though Jesus lived a perfect, sin-free life, people called him names, hit him, and eventually crucified him. Jesus patiently endured all these things to save us. He is the greatest example of suffering evil for doing good.

Some people look to Jesus as just that, an example. They say he was a great teacher and an inspirating speaker. He was loving to people around him and gave to the poor. He was a great leader, and we should try to be just like him. But if we only look to Jesus to show us how to live, we are going to run into a problem. It’s the answer to this question: Do you think you can follow Christ’s example? Can you be perfectly loving all the time? We have to quickly admit that we can’t. We might as well give up.

Peter has good news for us, he says, “[Jesus] himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.” Jesus carried all our sins. All those times we didn’t live up to his perfect example have been forgiven. He didn’t just show us how to live, he lived for us, perfectly!

So follow the leader! Christ suffered in our place and gave his perfection to us. Follow in his steps and live today in thanks to him. Follow as he leads the way to a home he made for us in heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you are so much more to us than an example. Thank you for all you have done for us! Now lead us as we follow 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

• Can you think of a leader you want to follow? Who is it?
• Following Jesus as your leader makes you thankful for what? Give your “top two” list!

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• List a way Jesus is a good example for someone your age.
• Name one thing that makes it hard to follow Jesus’ example.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Recount the last time you suffered for doing something good. Discuss why you would do it again if needed.
• It is important to have role models in your life. Who are the top role models for your faith? List as many as you can.

 

 

Read: Luke 24:13-35

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus came up and walked along with them.
Luke 24:13-15

Let’s Go on a Road Trip

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

In 2022, during the week before Christmas, a major airline canceled thousands of flights. People traveling for the holidays, or just trying to make it home, were stranded all over the country. What a catastrophe! With options for travel limited, some people rented cars to drive to their destinations. Sometimes, complete strangers traveled together, renting vans and traveling long distances together.

Can you imagine taking a road trip with complete strangers? What would you talk about? We can imagine they talked about their trip, where they were headed. They possibly shared information about their jobs and families. Many of them probably complained about the airlines and how sad they were that their flights were canceled.

The two disciples in our reading were on a road trip. We know a little about what they were talking about. They were discussing everything that had happened, Jesus’ work, his death and resurrection. We can assume they were feeling sadness over their Savior’s death. They were certainly confused about the news they had heard from the women, that Jesus’ tomb was empty and an angel had appeared. Then suddenly someone joined their road trip. “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” he asked.

The disciples shared their sadness, their worries, and their confusion with this stranger. The man listened to them intently. He then explained everything that had been said in the Scriptures about the Savior. Can you imagine how they felt? Things became clear in their minds. They understood that Jesus had to die and rise again. They didn’t want the road trip to end! They invited the man to stay with them. When he broke bread with them, they realized it was Jesus! And as suddenly as he joined them, he disappeared.

Now it was time for another road trip, but this one was different. The two disciples were excited to share the good news with the rest of the disciples! They hurried back to Jerusalem.

What can we learn from them and their road trips? Sometimes, we will feel sad or confused, and it’s okay to share that with Jesus. Ask a parent or your pastor to explain confusing parts of Scripture to you. We need to talk about Jesus and all he has done for us, every chance we get. It’s important to study God’s Word, where we learn about Jesus forgiving our sins and making a home for us in heaven. A road trip is a great time to talk about Jesus or talk to him!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we sometimes feel confused and lost, just like those disciples on the road to Emmaus. Please use your Word and other believers to encourage and teach us more about you and all you’ve done 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

• The disciples were sad at the news of Jesus’ death. What face do you think the disciples made when they realized Jesus was with them and alive?
• If Jesus suddenly was walking alongside you, what question would you like to ask him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Imagine you are on a road trip with Jesus. What would you want to talk to him about?
• Who are three people you can ask if you have questions about the Bible?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The two disciples were confused by the events leading to Jesus dying on the cross. What cleared up the confusion for them?
• How does today’s devotion make clear what you can do when your life gets confusing?

 

 

Read: Acts 2:14a,32-41

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:36,37

What Should We Do?

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

It’s a day off from school, a day off from work, what should we do? Should we head to the park? Go to the movie theater for popcorn and a show? What a fun decision. But imagine that a doctor has just given you some bad news. “Uh-oh, what should we do?” you ask him. The question becomes much more serious.

Peter was talking to a large crowd of people. He explained Jesus’ death and resurrection to them. Peter had seen these things with his own eyes! He gave the crowd proof that Jesus was the perfect match for all the Old Testament prophecies. He is the Savior! This good news is for everyone. Jesus’ work gives hope to the whole world.

But here’s the “uh-oh”: Peter was talking to the same crowd who rejected Jesus earlier. They felt terrible. The Bible says they were cut to the heart. “What should we do?” the people wondered. This was a serious question. They knew they had sinned against God. They wanted to know if it was too late for them. They wanted to know if there was any hope.

We might feel the same way when we think about our sins. The guilt makes us feel terrible! Sometimes, we try to make up for our sins. Maybe I can fix this on my own! We know sin is serious and we want to do something to get rid of that guilt. Can we be forgiven? Is there hope for us?

Peter’s words gave those them hope. “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins.” God connects his Word with the water of Baptism to give us new life in him. Our sins are forgiven. We are baptized into this same hope. Our sins are forgiven, and we have a new life.

So, what should we do? Take this good news to heart. “God made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Though our sins are serious, God has forgiven them. Study the Bible to learn more about Jesus, your Savior. Rejoice that through Baptism, God has forgiven your sins and made you his dear child. And share this good news with others.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, please help me take to heart the good news that my sins are forgiven. Encourage me to focus on the certain hope of heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Peter told the crowd some good news. What good news do you have to share?
• Ask you parents to tell you about your baptism. Why is it so important?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean to repent?
• What day was your baptism? How could you celebrate it as your “second birthday”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What can you take with you from today’s devotion the next time guilt weighs on your heart?
• Think of one way that will help you remember your baptism every day for the rest of this week.

 

 

Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.
1 Peter 1:3,4

I’m Going Home

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

Imagine you are on a camping trip. There are some fun things about camping. Hiking and cooking outside can be a great adventure. Even sleeping on the ground in a tent can be fun… for a while. After some time, the mosquitoes in your tent and the ants on your food are not fun. You start to feel the stones underneath your sleeping bag, and it is hard to sleep. You long for the clean sheets on your comfortable bed at home. But you cannot sleep in it yet. You must wait until the camping trip is over and you are home.

Just like your bed belongs to you even while you are away on a camping trip, heaven is yours right now, even while you live here on earth. Jesus won heaven for you when he lived and died perfectly. When Jesus rose from the dead, our hope for heaven was secured. Let there be no doubt. We will rise from the dead, just like Jesus, and we will live in our forever home, heaven.

But we are not there yet. For a time, we will live here on earth. There are things on earth we enjoy—love, family, vacation, pets, toys… the list goes on. These things are blessings from God. Yet, even with these blessings, sin has made this world a difficult one. Sin causes us to hurt each other with our words and actions. Without faith in Jesus, sin would keep us from going to our home in heaven. Sickness, sadness, and death are a result of sin and will be a part of our life as long as we are on earth.

When we feel sadness over these things, take heart! God has not left us alone on earth to endure the hardships caused by sin. He has promised to always be with us, and he will work these difficult things out for our good. He uses hardships to make us stronger and bring us closer to him. Through faith in Jesus, our sins are forgiven, and we journey with Jesus safely home to heaven.

Yes, camping can be fun, and it can be difficult. Life on this earth brings joy because of Jesus and sorrow because of sin. Whether today is a joyous day or a day heavy with sadness and difficulty, because of Jesus, there is a better day coming. Because of Jesus, we are going Home.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we can never thank you enough. You washed our sins away so we can live with you forever in heaven. Help us remember you are always with us on earth and you will bring us safely home when our life here is done. 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 things you really enjoy in your life.
• How is living in heaven better than living on earth?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• One of the things we know about heaven is we will be with Jesus. What would you like to say to him?
• How could you say this to Jesus right now?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• We do not know everything about heaven. But we do know some things. Think of at least two things we know.
• How does knowing you have a place in heaven help you on a difficult day here on earth?

 

 

Read: Matthew 28:1-10

Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.
Matthew 28:5,6

The Word that Changed the World

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

The little girl stood in darkness next to her mother’s bed. She was afraid. The surgeon had cut out the cancer that was making her mom sick, and now her mother lay asleep, her neck hidden by bandages. The foundation of the girl’s world was shaking, and to steady herself, the girl reached out, gently touched the bandages and whispered, “Mommy, is your neck going to be okay?” The mom squeezed her hand in reassurance as tears fell down both of their cheeks.

On the very first Easter, two women named Mary were also frightened and searching. They had placed all their hope in their friend and teacher, Jesus. Then on one awful Friday, their world turned dark as Jesus was tortured, crucified, and buried in a tomb. The women came to the garden tomb early Sunday morning to honor Jesus, but they could not find him. Suddenly, there was an angel who sat on the stone rolled away from Jesus’ tomb. He had a message that changed everything. It changed everything for the two women named Mary, for the little girl and her mother, and for you.

This message has the power to calm our fears and steady the shaky ground of this broken world. It even takes away the sting of death with the promise of heaven. The message of the angel was this: “You are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” What?! Could this really be? The women looked into the tomb—it was empty. Then Jesus met them, and they saw the truth. Jesus lives! And because he lives, we also will live.

The mom and little girl from the story above clung to the hope in the angel’s message. For years they faced doctor scans and appointments with bold confidence. They still do. The angel’s message continues to steady the ground beneath them. Whatever you are searching for, whatever is frightening you today, the angel’s message can steady your feet. When this world seems a dark and scary place, remember, the resurrection of Jesus means we will also rise from the dead. Right now, Jesus prepares a place for us in heaven. Whatever happens here, for now and for eternity, heaven is ours.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for conquering sin and death so that we can walk on solid ground. We know that because you live, we also will live. Praise be! 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’s the one thing that frightens you most?
• What’s one thing you can do when you are afraid?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name a way the message of Easter makes you less afraid.
• Why is it important for someone your age to think about death but then remember Easter?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Play out the result of this scenario: The women went to the tomb early Easter morning and found Jesus’ body there.
• If the angel’s message is important because it changed the world, explain how you would share it in a world today that is uninterested.

 

 

Read: Jonah 2:2-9

In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
Jonah 2:2

Easter Rescue

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

Drowning. It is a powerful word with no happy ending. Children may feel like they are drowning in homework or chores. Parents may not see the end of laundry, job responsibilities, or bills to pay. When things start to pile up, it’s too easy to feel overwhelmed. “Help! I’m drowning!” we cry out.

Jonah, an Old Testament prophet, felt like he was drowning because he was. It all started when God called him to go somewhere and do something he didn’t want to do. He had a hard choice to make: He could follow God’s will or not. He chose poorly. We have been there, yes? Suffering because we made poor choices. But most of us have not paid so dearly. Jonah’s poor choices led to the actual belly of a big fish, where he spent three dark and dreadful days. He describes it like this, “The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.” Terrifying. But worse than being in the belly of the big fish, Jonah was drowning in his own bad decisions.

In his deep distress, Jonah had another choice to make. Where would he turn for help? Jonah 2:2 tells us, “I called to the LORD, and the LORD answered me.” He turned to the only One who could save him from sin and death. God heard and answered Jonah’s cry for help.

Have you ever had a moment you felt like you were drowning? Does hearing all the bad news of this broken world overwhelm you? Have bad choices led you to a place where it is hard to breathe, hard to see daylight? Where will you turn for help?

Child of God, turn to the One who has the power and love to save you. Like Jonah, our Savior, Jesus, spent three dark and dreadful days, not in the belly of the big fish, but in the darkness of a grave. He conquered that grave and lives today to rescue you.

What comfort to know we cannot flee from God’s presence! Wherever we go, no matter how dark it seems, Jesus lives to bring his light to you! (Psalm 139:7-11)

Jonah’s God is our God, the true, living, and powerful God. Cry to him in your distress, and he will answer you.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive me for the times I do not follow you. This world and my sin are dark, and they scare me. Thank you for bringing your light to these dark places and rescuing 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

• Remember the last time you needed help. What was it for?
• Who can you ask for help?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What situation in your life especially make you feel like you are “drowning”?
• What can you do when you feel like there is no way out?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Describe the scariest thing that could happen to you.
• How does Jesus make even the scariest things okay?

 

 

Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:23-25

Body and Blood for Supper?

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

How would you react if tonight your mom or dad said, “We’re eating our neighbor for supper”? Wouldn’t that sound awful? You might say, “Eww, what? We’re eating our neighbor?!” Imagine if your parents were serious. “Yes, we’re eating our neighbor for supper tonight.” That’s disgusting! Eating another human being is just plain wrong!

But consider this: Have you ever noticed how we talk just that way at church? During the worship service, there is a time when teenagers and adults walk to the front of church and receive Jesus’ body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. Body and blood? Why on earth would people want that?

Because it’s exactly what we need. The Lord’s Supper isn’t a meal to fill our stomachs. It’s absolutely true that we would never eat another person for supper. Instead, the Lord’s Supper is a special meal for our souls. We need more than just food and milk and water. We need God’s forgiveness for our sins. We need God’s salvation.

That’s what Jesus offers to us in the Lord’s Supper. On the night before he died, he took bread, gave it to his disciples, and said, “This is my body, which is for you.” Then he took a cup of wine, gave thanks, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” It’s Jesus’ body that died to save us on the cross. It’s Jesus’ blood that washes all our sins away. In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus is thinking of us. He gives us exactly what our souls need—his body and blood.

The next time you see people receiving the Lord’s Supper at church, think to yourself: What a special thing! Your parents aren’t perfect. No one is. Every single one of us needs God’s forgiveness over and over again. In the Lord’s Supper, Jesus puts a little plate in front of us and says, “This is for you. Eat it. Drink it. Not to have energy for another day, but to have the forgiveness you need to live forever.” Body and blood for supper? On the dining room table, that would be gross! But body and blood for supper? In the Lord’s Supper, it’s exactly what we need.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving your own body and blood to wash away our sins. May all who receive the Lord’s Supper receive the forgiveness and salvation their souls need. 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 Jesus took bread and gave it to his disciples, what did he say about the bread?
• When Jesus took a cup of wine and gave it to his disciples, what did he say about the wine?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why would someone want to receive Jesus’ body and blood?
• If people receive God’s forgiveness through the Lord’s Supper, how often do you think people will want to receive the Lord’s Supper?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Look up 1 John 1:7. What’s one thing that Jesus’ blood does for us?
• Look up 1 Peter 3:18. What did Jesus use his body to do?

 

 

Read: John 11:17-27,38-45

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25,26

The Resurrection and the Life

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

There’s a popular Disney movie called Coco. Have you heard of it? In the movie, a boy learns a lot about death. According to the movie, people who die continue to live on in another world as long as people on earth remember them. The moment people on earth forget about them, those people who have died disappear forever. The point of the movie is clear: You live on as long as someone remembers you. Does that sound good?

Not at all! Actually, that sounds awful! That idea puts a lot of pressure on the people who are still alive to remember everyone who has ever died. Remember this: You don’t have to believe everything you see in movies. In fact, there are many ideas in movies that go against what the Bible says.

Jesus teaches us something better in today’s Word of God. While he was on earth, Jesus had three close friends: Mary, Martha, and Lazarus—two sisters and their brother. Lazarus got sick and died. Jesus went to comfort Mary and Martha. He didn’t tell them: “Just keep on remembering Lazarus, because he lives on as long as you remember him.” That wouldn’t have given them much comfort.

Instead, he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (John 11:25,26). People who die don’t live on in another world as long as people on earth remember them. Instead, Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Everyone who believes in Jesus lives forever in heaven.

Do you know how we can be sure of that? Look at what Jesus did. He went on to raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus has power over death. Jesus has power to do exactly what he promises! Then, when Jesus himself died, he raised himself from the dead. Who does that? Only God himself! Don’t let movies confuse you about what happens when someone dies. Instead, trust in Jesus and his promise: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live.”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you defeated death for us when you died and rose again. Help us to always believe in you as our Savior, until you take us home to live with you forever 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

• Is everything we see in movies true?
• Instead of believing what we see in movies, what should we believe?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Jesus comfort Mary and Martha when their brother died?
• In what two ways did Jesus prove that he is the resurrection and the life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think people come up with their own ideas about death instead of believing what the Bible says?
• Give an example of a situation in which you could use Jesus’ words—“I am the resurrection and the life”—to comfort someone.

 

 

Read: 2 Kings 4:17-37

When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the LORD.
2 Kings 4:32,33

Life from Death

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

Do you know what your parents are most afraid of? Could you try to guess? For most parents, their greatest fear is this: You dying. The greatest fear for parents is to have one of their children die. They don’t like to think about that. You don’t like to think about that!

But that’s exactly what happened to a mother in the Bible. There was a lady who lived in the town of Shunem in Israel. At first, she and her husband weren’t able to have any children. But, because of her kindness to the prophet Elisha, God allowed her to give birth to a son. She was so happy! Can you imagine how much she loved her one little son?

One day, that boy got a headache, and it didn’t get better. He came in from outside and sat on his mother’s lap. That very day, he died right there in her arms. That mother’s worst fear had happened. Her son was dead. Can you imagine how sad she must have been?

But that mother knew just what to do. She went to God. Actually, she went back to the prophet Elisha. She trusted something amazing: God gives us all we need, even when it comes to death. In fact, God has power to bring life from death.

Elisha went to the mother’s house, and God gave Elisha the power to raise her son back from the dead. Can you imagine how happy that mother must have been? Life from death!

That’s God’s promise to you and your parents and everyone who believes in Jesus. Because of our sins, every single one of us is going to die. But because Jesus rose from the dead for us, God promises that everyone who has faith in Jesus also receives life from death. Maybe God won’t raise us back to life here on earth, but he will absolutely raise us to eternal life in heaven.

Even if our worst fears happen, even if you or someone you love dies, remember this: God brings life from death!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, death can make us so afraid. We don’t want the people we love to die. Yet, you proved again and again in the Bible that you have power over death. Help us to always trust your promise that you bring life from death. 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 your parents most afraid of?
• What happened to the woman’s son in our Bible story?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When the woman’s son died, she took her troubles to God. Name two times in your life when you have taken your troubles to God.
• Why do people die?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think death makes us so afraid?
• What is it from today’s devotion that you want to remember to help overcome your fear of death?

 

 

Read: Ephesians 5:8-14

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Ephesians 5:8-14

Light Changes Everything

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

It was 1 a.m. and the house was pitch black. A sound woke the man who was sleeping, and now he was checking the doors to make sure the family was safe. When he walked by the front door, there was an odd ticking sound, as if something was tapping on the floor. The flip of the light switch revealed dozens of bugs falling to the floor. Eww! Disgusting!

So, what did the man do? Did he turn off the light and go back to bed? NO! He noticed that the light drove the bugs back outside.

Why do bugs like to come out when it is dark? They can hide. Why do crimes and bad things often happen at night? People feel that the darkness can hide their sins.

People and bugs might be able to hide in the darkness, but no one has ever been able to hide their sin from God. God doesn’t only see the sinful things we do, but he sees the darkness that lives in every heart, including yours. Your heart and mind were so darkened with sin that you couldn’t see Jesus as your Savior.

What did God do? Did he ignore the problem of sin and go back to bed? NO! The Father turned on the light by sending his one and only Son, who is the light of the world. Through your baptism, the Holy Spirit shined Jesus’ forgiveness into your heart which promises that you are no longer in darkness, but you are children of light. Jesus doesn’t look at you and say, “Eww!” Jesus looks at you and says, “You are mine! You are the one that I have saved! You are my light in this dark world!”

So, now what will you do? Will you go back to bed and ignore God’s powerful light in your life? No! Keep God’s light on in your life by listening to him so that you will always see Jesus’ love for you. Listen to God’s Word so that you can learn what pleases God and understand what God says is a sin.

Shine for Jesus by letting your inward faith be seen through your outward actions. Turn the light on for others by telling them how Jesus has forgiven you. Shine brightly as a child of light.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for the gift of faith that holds onto the promise that the darkness of sin has been forgiven. Give all your people the desire to live in the light of your Word. 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 did God turn on the light and say, “You are my child?”
• What are two things you can do to show the light of Christ in you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do bugs like to come out when it’s dark? How do sinners try to hide their dark deeds?
• How are you able to know what God thinks is good or bad?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Respond. “It is easy to live for God. Just let your conscience be your guide.”
• Recall a friend who is going through a dark time. How can you be a light for them?

 

 

Read: John 4:5-26

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?”

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:7,9-11,13-14

Jesus is a Spiritual Thirst Quencher

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

What is your favorite drink? Your answer might change depending on what you are doing or what time of day it is. If it is supper time, milk it is. If you just got done building a snowman, hot chocolate would warm your bones. When you wake up in the morning, water is always good for a thirsty body. If you just ran a long race, maybe you would choose your favorite sports drink.

Jesus met a woman at a well where she was drawing water. She seemed to be a lonely woman who was doing work in the heat of the day all by herself. Most likely no one wanted to be her friend because she was known to be a sinful person. Yet, Jesus took time for her. The holy Son of God sat down by a well and talked to a woman who was lost in sin and dying of thirst. No amount of sports drink or water could quench the thirst she had. Her thirst wasn’t found in her mouth or throat, but in her heart.

Thirst causes us to want a drink so that our bodies feel refreshed and the discomfort goes away. But what do you choose to drink right after you get in trouble for doing something naughty? How much water do you have to drink to take away the pain of guilt because you know you are a sinner?

The “living water” you need isn’t found in a carton, bottle, can, or even a well. The only thing that quenches the thirst of your soul is found in the person of Jesus. The woman at the well was waiting for the Christ to come so that she would understand the truth about life and salvation. She didn’t have to wait any longer. Her Savior was there to forgive her, love her, and take away the thirst that guilt caused her.

Jesus is your spiritual thirst quencher too! When you listen to and read his Word, you are drinking in his promise that he forgives you, loves you, and likes you. And don’t forget the waters of your baptism! They promise that your sin and guilt are washed away. Your Jesus loves you so much that he wants to spend forever with you. Daily drink up his love and rejoice that Jesus came for sinners. He came to save you.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus sinners does receive; oh, may all this saying ponder who in sin’s delusion live and from God and heaven wander. Here is hope for all who grieve: Jesus sinners does receive.

We deserve but grief and shame, yet his words, rich grace revealing, pardon, peace, and life proclaim; here their ills have perfect healing who with humble hearts believe: Jesus sinners does receive.
(Christian Worship 654:1-2)

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 a sin?
• How did Jesus take your sins away?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Baptism is really important. What does Jesus promise you in your baptism?
• How can you remind yourself of your baptism every day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree or disagree. It is important to stay away from others who are sinners. Explain your answer.
• Name two promises of God you can share with a friend who may be feeling guilty and ashamed because of their sin.

 

 

Read: Exodus 17:1-7

The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”

But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?”

The LORD answered Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.”
Exodus 17:1-3,5,6

The Lord Hears Your Grumbles

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

There were an estimated two million people who lived in the desert with Moses. Two million! That is more than twice the amount of those who live in the state of Montana. There are about 2.6 million living in Chicago, 2.3 million in Houston, and 1.7 million in Phoenix. All these places have running water and grocery stores. The desert in which God’s people lived didn’t have Walmart and not even a single McDonalds! Two million people were thirsty. So, what did they do? They complained. They grumbled. They got angry, so angry that Moses thought the crowd was going to kill him.

How many live in your house? It isn’t two million! But you don’t need two million thirsty people to hear complaining and grumbling. You just need one boy who doesn’t like supper. You just need one girl who doesn’t want to make her bed. You just need one person who doesn’t like to lose at a game.

Moses had to listen to the unhappy people complain. Does Mom or Dad ever have to listen to grumbling? Does your teacher or friend ever listen to you complain? The people grumbled to Moses, but God was listening.

Grumbling doesn’t just tell others that you are unhappy. Not only does grumbling tell God that you are unhappy because you don’t have what you want, but complaining often shows that you are unhappy with God. The Israelites were upset because they didn’t trust that God was with them anymore.

Instead of grumbling about what you don’t have, what could you do? You can pray to your God who loves to provide for his people what they need. Instead of complaining about what you don’t like, what could you do? First, you can show love to others by using your manners and politely say, “No thank you.” You can also be thankful for what you do have.

The Lord didn’t angrily shout back at the Israelites. He didn’t even ignore them. In love he flexed his almighty muscles and caused water to flow from a rock! In love he gives you all that you need to live life here on earth. In love he gave you Jesus to forgive all your grumbling, which is what is needed so that you can have life now on earth and forever in heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Dearest Jesus, thank you for all that we have. Forgive us for grumbling and complaining instead of praying to you for what we need. Above all, thank you for your forgiveness that sets us free to thank and praise you, not for a time, but for an eternity. 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 three things you do every day to take care of your body.
• Who gives you what you need to take of your body?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Give two ways that the Lord provides for you and your family.
• Evaluate: Are you a complainer or a thankful child? How can you grow in thanks to God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• “I wish God would provide water for us from a rock!” Discuss why or why not that is still true today.
• Agree or disagree. Christians should be the most thankful people in the world.

 

 

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

Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
Romans 4:3

Faith is Hard

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

The story is told of a man who was hiking on a narrow mountain pass. To his right was a steep cliff which dropped one hundred feet to the ground.

As the man slowly and carefully made his way up the path, he suddenly slipped and fell over the edge of the cliff. On his way down, he grabbed onto a branch sticking out the side of the cliff.

Hanging on for dear life, he cried out, “Help! Somebody save me!”

That’s when he heard the voice from above, “I’m here.”

“Oh, thank goodness! Who are you?”

“It’s me, God.”

“Oh, God, please help me! I’m going to fall!”

“I’ll help you, but first, let go of the branch.”

“What?!?!”

“I said, ‘Let go of the branch.’”

There’s a long pause.

Finally, the man asks, “Is there anybody else up there?”

Trusting God is sometimes hard, isn’t it? We hear God’s voice in the distance telling us to let go. He will catch us. But that’s hard. It’s hard to trust completely when we can’t see or understand why.

Faith is hard when kids are picking on you at school. Faith is hard when you feel everyone is against you. Faith is hard when everything that happens during the day seems to fall apart.

But look at Abraham. He trusted God. He let go and moved to a far-off land he had never seen. He trusted that he and his wife Sarah would have a child in their old age. He just trusted that God would take care of him. He just believed that God would keep his promise and send his Son to be Abraham’s Savior.

Faith is hard, but it’s worth it. Faith lets God be God. Where we can’t find a way, God makes a way. Abraham received God’s promise by faith and not by sight. He trusted in what God would do and not in what he had done. Through faith in God’s promises we receive the forgiveness and heaven Jesus won for us on the cross.

If you find yourself struggling with faith, turn to God’s promises. Read the stories of people like Abraham, Noah, and Ruth from the Bible. See how God always keeps his promises. Through their stories and through his promises, the Holy Spirit will help you to trust, even when it’s hard.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, sometimes I struggle to let go and just trust you. Help me to trust in all your promises, especially your promise to forgive me and give me heaven because of 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

• Why do you think the man in the story didn’t want to let go of the branch?
• What does God promise to give to you when you believe his promises even when it’s hard to?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What did Abraham have to “let go” and just trust God would take care of for him?
• Name one thing you would like to “let go” and just trust God will take care of for you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Your friend feels like she messed up so badly that nobody, including God, could ever forgive her. What could you share with her from today’s devotion that might help her trust that God has and will forgive her?
• Is faith something you have to do to earn forgiveness and heaven? Explain your answer.