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Read: Matthew 18:21-35

The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. A man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. The servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. Matthew 18:21-35 (selected verses)

You Don’t Have to Pay

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

Andy wasn’t trying to break the window. Every day, he walked by the old warehouse. Beneath its tall windows were wide brick ledges. Andy and his friends often tossed stones toward the ledges to see if they could land them there.

One day, Andy threw a little too hard. The stone crashed through a window. A security guard ran out and grabbed Andy by the arm. “You are going to have to pay for that,” he said.

Andy arrived home in tears. He told his dad what had happened. The new window would cost $500, but Andy only had $10 in his piggy bank.

Andy and his father went to talk to the building owner. Andy quietly held out his ten-dollar bill. “I promise I will pay you the rest one day,” he said, looking at the ground. The owner looked at the sad little boy holding the money up to him. “Keep your money,” he said. “You don’t have to pay. Just please don’t throw any more rocks at my windows.” It would have taken Andy years to pay that debt. Can you imagine how relieved he must have felt when the owner canceled it?!

That’s how the servant in Jesus’ story must have felt—relieved, excited, thankful. He owed the king more than he could ever repay. Sadly, after the king canceled his enormous debt, the servant refused to forgive another servant’s much smaller debt.

The king in Jesus’ story helps us understand God. We are like the servant with the enormous debt—ten thousand bags of gold. We have sinned against God in more ways than we can count—in what we think, say, and do. Our debt of sin is something we could never pay.

But God did not simply pretend that our debt did not exist. Jesus paid it completely by suffering our punishment on the cross. Because Jesus paid everything, God tells us, “You don’t have to pay.” God forgives us like the king in the story and like the owner who didn’t make Andy pay for the window. But he did ask Andy to stop throwing rocks—it was the right thing for Andy to do.

God’s forgiveness changes how we treat people who sin against us. So be relieved. Be excited. Be thankful. Then share with others the mercy God has shown you.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for paying the debt I owe for all my sins. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven 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

• Could the servant ever pay back everything he owed?
• What did the king do with the servant’s debt?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How would you feel if someone canceled a debt you could never pay?
• What does Jesus say to us because he paid for all our sins?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why can God’s forgiveness begin to feel ordinary, even though our debt was enormous?
• How should remembering the debt Jesus paid change the way you respond when someone sins against you?

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Read: Genesis 50:15-21

Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21

Forgiveness Isn’t Fair

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

“But that’s not fair,” Billy said, fighting back tears. “He doesn’t deserve to be forgiven.” Billy’s face was scratched and his elbow was bleeding as he sat in the pastor’s office. He was right. Joey had started it. He pushed Billy down during a game at vacation Bible school. Joey said he was sorry, but that didn’t make what he did okay.

“He doesn’t deserve to be forgiven,” Billy repeated. Billy was right. Think about the bully who was mean to you, the teacher who was unfair to you, or your sister who lied about you to your parents. None of them deserve to be forgiven.

Joseph’s brothers didn’t deserve to be forgiven. They were cruel to him. They planned to kill him and then sold him into slavery. Because of his brothers, Joseph spent years as a slave in Egypt and then many more as a prisoner in a dark dungeon. Now Joseph held a powerful position in Egypt—and his brothers’ lives were in his hands. They begged him not to punish them. It wasn’t fair.

But do we really want what is fair? Fair means getting what we deserve. Because of our sins, we deserve God’s punishment forever in hell.

We don’t want fair; we want mercy.

And that’s exactly what God gives us. God did not ignore our sins. In his great mercy, Jesus suffered what wasn’t fair in our place so we could be forgiven. Forgiveness is never fair. Fair would mean that we would suffer the punishment Jesus suffered for us.

But God has treated us in the most wonderfully unfair way. He forgives us, even though we don’t deserve it. Forgiving someone does not mean pretending that the wrong was okay or that there should never be consequences. It is mercy we share because God first showed mercy to us. And when we see God’s undeserved, unfair, unending forgiveness for us, it helps us to do the hard work of forgiving others.

That’s how Joseph could forgive his brothers. That’s how Billy could learn to forgive Joey. That’s how you can forgive those who do you wrong, even though they don’t deserve it.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, please forgive me even though I don’t deserve it and help me to forgive those who don’t deserve my forgiveness. 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

• Were Joseph’s brothers kind or mean to him?
• What did Joseph do instead of hurting his brothers?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think it’s so hard for us to forgive other people?
• How does remembering Jesus’ forgiveness help you forgive someone who hurts you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree or disagree? Knowing what Jesus did to save us makes it easier to forgive others.
• A friend says, “My mom grounded me unfairly, and I’ll never forgive her.” What could you say without pretending that the situation was handled fairly?

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Read: Ezekiel 33:7-11

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” Ezekiel 33:7,11

God Puts Christians on the Case

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

You may be familiar with the cartoon TV series Paw Patrol. A group of dogs serve as emergency first responders. A human named Ryder leads them. If someone in Adventure Bay needs help, they call Ryder. Then Ryder sends the Paw Patrol from their lookout tower to rescue the person in danger.

If you have seen the show, it is impossible to imagine Ryder or the pups hearing about someone in danger and saying, “That’s not our problem.”

Imagine how shocking it would be if a firetruck drove away from a burning house, a police officer covered his eyes during a bank robbery, or an ambulance sat at the station instead of going to a bad car accident! First responders are responsible for noticing danger and helping people.

God gave Ezekiel a similar responsibility. Ezekiel was a spiritual watchman. God told him to warn the Israelites about the deadly danger of continuing in sin. God gives us opportunities to watch out for people, too. God does not want tattletales. He does not want us snooping around, hoping to catch someone in sin. But when someone we love is heading toward spiritual danger, we should not simply say, “That’s not my problem.” That would be like the Paw Patrol sitting on their paws or firefighters, police officers, or ambulance drivers not doing their job.

Sin is even more dangerous than a fire or accident. Unrepented sin separates people from God and leads to eternal death. Yet God does not enjoy punishing sinners. He says, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” God wants them to turn from sin and receive life from him.

So, God puts Christians in positions to help watch over one another and to help each other be turned away from sin. Parents watch over their children. Pastors watch over their congregations. Teachers watch over their students. Christian friends and family members lovingly watch out for one another.

How do we recognize spiritual danger? We listen to God’s Word—not merely our own opinions. Then we lovingly share what God says. God uses his Word to expose sin, lead people to repentance, and show them their Savior. Jesus carried every sin to the cross so that sinners could be forgiven and live.

God puts Christians on the case—but God’s powerful Word performs the rescue!

Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for putting people in my life who watch over me and lovingly warn me about sin. Help me to take their words to heart. Give me the courage to help rescue others from their sin. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What important job did God give Ezekiel?
• Does God want sinners to die, or does he want them to turn to him and live?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How can we tell whether something is sinful—by our opinions or by God’s Word?
• Who are some trusted adults who can help you when someone is doing something wrong or dangerous?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why might someone be tempted to say, “That’s not my problem,” when a friend is caught in sin?
• How does God use both his warning about sin and his promise of forgiveness in Jesus to rescue someone?

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Read: Romans 8:18-25

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:18,24-25

Carrying a Cross, Holding on to Hope

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

This week, we have heard that Jesus commands Christians to carry their “crosses”. To carry your cross means to bear whatever difficulties you face because of your faith in Jesus. This week we also heard from Jeremiah that because our crosses are so heavy, we are tempted to set them down and turn away from God. Both Jesus and the prophet Jeremiah recognize that being a Christian does not mean that life is easy.

Saint Paul says the same thing in our verses, and that can be very helpful. Sometimes, Christians feel like they are doing something wrong whenever they suffer. Sometimes, Christians feel like they do not have enough faith if they are frustrated by the way the broken world works around them. Neither of those things is necessarily true. Paul says that all creation “groans” because sin has damaged God’s once-perfect world. Christians groan too. We become sick. People hurt us. Things break. Loved ones die.

This means that we Christians do not have to pretend that life is all cake and ice cream. We Christians do not have to pretend that everything is a walk in the park. Instead, we can honestly admit when something hurts. Suffering does exist. We can cry, pray, and ask others for help.

But our suffering is not the end of the story. Paul writes, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Paul is talking about the day when our Lord Jesus returns and makes all creation new. He will raise our bodies and make them glorious, never to become sick, injured, or old again. How can we be sure? Jesus was raised from the dead on Easter. Because he lives, our sins are forgiven. Because he lives, we will also live with him in his perfect new creation.

So, even though we Christians are realistic about our suffering, we are still hopeful. We are completely confident that one day everything will not merely be better, it will be perfect!

That’s why Paul says that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with what’s coming. It is like comparing canned spinach with an ice-cream sundae or extra homework with an entire summer of fun. The difference is so enormous that there really is no comparison.

For now, we wait. But we do not wait like someone wondering whether something will happen. We wait with certain hope because Jesus has already risen. Trouble is real—but so is Jesus. And because Jesus lives, our hope is real too.

Prayer:

Almighty God, sin has brought pain and brokenness into your creation. When we hurt, help us to speak honestly to you and trust that you will make all things new and perfect when Jesus returns. Give us certain hope as we wait for him to return, raise our bodies, and make all things new. Help us encourage others with this hope. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• We are waiting for heaven. What is something you know comes each year but that you have to wait for?
• What wonderful thing will Jesus do when he returns?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Paul says that sin causes things in creation to decay—to wear out, break down, or die. What examples have you seen?
• What can you say, do, or remember when you are suffering and waiting for Jesus to make everything new?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How could you use these verses to comfort Christians suffering after an earthquake or another disaster?
• Paul says that Christians “groan inwardly” while waiting for Jesus to make everything new. How can prayer help us during that waiting?

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Read: Matthew 16:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

The Weight Is Worth It

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

What is the heaviest thing you have ever carried? Was it a gallon of milk because you insisted on pouring it yourself into your cereal? Was it your backpack as you got older and started getting more homework? Was it dumbbells as you started training for a sport?

Let me ask one more question: Was it worth it? No matter what the object was, was there a good reason to carry something so heavy?

Jesus tells us that following him sometimes means carrying something heavy—and that following him is always worth it. He calls that heavy burden a “cross.”

When we think of Jesus and a cross, we probably think of how he died on a cross on Good Friday. And we should! In fact, Jesus wanted his disciples to think about that, too. He predicted his death when he said in our reading that he needed to go to Jerusalem to “suffer many things” and to “be killed.” One of the things Jesus suffered on Good Friday was carrying his own cross to Mount Calvary.

But Jesus knew that all of his suffering would be worth it. He knew that “on the third day” he would “be raised to life.” On Easter Sunday, he rose from the dead, and he still lives! Because Jesus suffered and died in your place, your sins are forgiven. Because he rose, you will live forever with him. Even when you face death, your heart can be at peace. Jesus willingly carried his cross because he loves you and wanted to save you.

And now Jesus tells us to take up our crosses and follow him. You can’t weigh these crosses like a gallon of milk, a backpack, or dumbbells. But they can still feel heavy. That’s because a Christian’s cross is something painful or difficult that comes from following Jesus. Sometimes it’s the struggle to say no to sin. Sometimes it’s being made fun of because of our faith. Sometimes it’s feeling like you’re missing out because other people are doing something that God says is wrong.

Carrying a cross does not earn us a place in heaven. Jesus already did everything necessary to save us. But because Jesus saved us, we follow him—even when following him is hard. And we never carry our crosses alone. The same Jesus who carried his cross for us walks beside us, strengthens us, and promises to bring us safely home.

Some burdens feel heavy. But Jesus is worth following. He carried the weight that saved us, and he will help us carry every cross along the way. The weight is worth it because Jesus is worth it.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, because you carried your cross for us and in our place, give our souls courage and strength to pick up our crosses each day and follow you. Give us confidence that you will lead us to eternal life. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What are some things that are heavy to carry?
• Jesus carried his cross because he loves you. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus loves you that much?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is a “cross” that someone your age might carry because he or she follows Jesus?
• What can you remember about Jesus when following him feels difficult?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why didn’t Peter want Jesus to suffer and die? Why was Jesus’ cross necessary for our salvation?
• Jesus asked, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” What might someone your age be tempted to gain by turning away from Jesus—and why would it never be worth the cost?

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Read: Romans 10:5-13

Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.” But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim. Romans 10:5-8

Heaven: Earned or Given?

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

In some religions, the goal isn’t to live forever with God in heaven; the goal is to reach something called “enlightenment.” People may spend years following special teachings, meditating, and giving up comforts as they search for peace and freedom from suffering. Achieving enlightenment can require a lifetime of effort.

According to Buddhist tradition, the man who became known as the Buddha searched for enlightenment for years. At one point, he ate almost nothing and practiced extreme self-denial for six years. He spent long nights meditating and resisting temptations. Finally, Buddhists believe that he reached enlightenment. In Buddhism, reaching the goal depends on following a long, hard path of discipline and understanding.

The Bible tells us that we don’t need to find enlightenment; our greatest need is to be righteous before God. “Righteous” means being completely right and perfect in the eyes of the true God, the perfect maker of heaven and earth. If it were up to us, that would be impossible work! Paul writes, “The person who does these things,” that is, the person who follows all of God’s righteous commands, “will live by them” (Romans 10:5). To earn life by obeying God’s righteous commands, you would have to love God and every person perfectly—every second of your life. But we haven’t. We disobey, complain, speak selfishly, and think sinful thoughts. No one on earth can make themselves righteous, no matter how hard they try. God’s law makes no mistakes and allows no do-overs.

That’s why God revealed another way. Not an enlightenment or righteousness that comes through your hard work, but a righteousness that comes by God’s work. You don’t have to go up to heaven to get it. You don’t have to dig down into the earth to find it. You don’t need to go without food for six years and hope you realize it. This righteousness comes to you!

Paul writes, “‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim” (Romans 10:8). The righteousness that God gives us isn’t something you earn through hard work; it’s something God announces in his Word and gives us through faith. The message is this: Christ did all the hard work to earn for you all the happiness, peace, and perfection you could ever need. It was hard work—Jesus died on the cross to earn this for us.

You do not need to climb high enough to reach Jesus. You do not need to dig deeply enough to find him. You do not need to work hard enough to earn his love. Jesus came all the way to you. Through parents, pastors, teachers, and other Christians, God has brought his saving message across the world and into your ears and heart.

The Word is near you. The work is done. Believe it!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you have brought the message of salvation to the ends of the Earth, and to me. Strengthen my trust in you and all you have done for me. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Can we earn heaven by trying to be extra good?
• Paul says, “The word is near you” (Romans 10:8). That’s so true! Find the nearest Bible in your home.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does “righteous” mean? Why can’t we make ourselves righteous?
• How would you answer someone who said, “I have to be good enough before God will love me”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Martin Luther wrote, “The law says, ‘Do this,’ and it is never done. Grace says, ‘Believe in this,’ and everything is already done.” What does that statement mean?
• Paul says that we do not need to bring Christ down from heaven or up from the dead. What has God already done for us?

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Read: Matthew 15:21-28

The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:25-28

Crumbs Are More Than Enough!

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

Have you ever dropped a cookie and watched your dog race to grab the crumbs? A dog doesn’t complain, “Hey! That’s only a crumb!” To a dog, even a crumb is wonderful, especially when it comes from its master’s table.

A mother once came to Jesus because her daughter desperately needed help. But this woman was a Canaanite—a foreigner. She had not grown up as one of God’s Old Testament people. Still, she had heard about Jesus. She believed he was the promised Savior, so she cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

At first, Jesus didn’t answer her. Then he reminded her that his work was first to the people of Israel. He compared their place to children sitting at the family table. The woman could have become angry and walked away. Instead, she knelt before Jesus and prayed three powerful words: “Lord, help me!”

When Jesus mentioned giving the children’s bread to the dogs, the woman gave a surprising answer: “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table” (Matthew 15:27).

She wasn’t saying, “I deserve a place at your table.” She was saying, “Jesus, even the smallest bit of your mercy is more than enough. I trust you!”

Jesus wasn’t trying to chase her away. He was drawing out her faith so everyone could see it. Then Jesus praised her great faith and healed her daughter.

Sometimes Jesus may seem slow to answer your prayers. That doesn’t mean he has stopped listening or loving you. Keep praying, “Lord, help me!” Trust his wisdom, his timing, and his mercy.

After all, Jesus gives you much more than crumbs. He gave his entire life to save you—and he has given you a place in God’s family.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, when I am worried or waiting for an answer, help me keep praying and trusting you. Thank you for giving your life for me and making me a part of God’s family. Your mercy is always more than enough. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What three words did the mother pray to Jesus?
• What can you ask Jesus to help you with today?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why didn’t the woman become angry and walk away when Jesus tested her?
• What should you remember when Jesus seems slow to answer your prayer?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What did the woman’s answer about the crumbs reveal about both her humility and her faith?
• How would you respond to someone who says, “God didn’t answer right away, so praying must not work”?

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Read: Isaiah 56:1,6-8

And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The Sovereign LORD declares—he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.” Isaiah 56:6-8

Better Than Stinky Fish!

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

What is the strangest food you’ve ever smelled—or actually tasted?

Different countries have different foods that are local favorites. But just because people in one place love a certain food doesn’t mean everyone will love it! Some Scandinavian countries have the tradition of eating fish prepared in a special way. People who grew up eating it may think it is delicious. But people who aren’t used to it may hold their noses and call it “stinky fish.” No thanks!

The Old Testament Israelites had some traditions that may have seemed equally strange to people who hadn’t grown up with them. One of God’s Old Testament rules for them was called the Sabbath Day. Every week they had one whole day when they stopped their regular work to rest, worship, and remember what God had done for them. Can you imagine how strange that seemed to people from other countries? They might have said, “You stop working for an entire day? No thanks! I’ve got things to do!”

That’s why these words from Isaiah are so surprising. Isaiah talks about “foreigners”—people from other nations—joining the Israelites on their Sabbaths. Even though these foreigners hadn’t grown up following Israel’s customs, they wanted to worship and to be like the Israelites. That’s as strange as people from other countries wanting to eat “stinky fish”!

Why did they want to join the Israelites? They wanted to join them because they had come to know that the true God wasn’t only for the Israelites. He was for them too! And he wasn’t just a God that gave people rest one day of the week. He promised eternal rest through the Savior who was coming. That Savior was Jesus.

You are proof that God’s promise is still coming true today. Your family and your congregation are probably not made up of people from Israel. This means you are also a group of “foreigners” who have joined to do the same thing they did for so long. When your family stops what you are doing to listen to God’s Word, you are enjoying the rest Jesus gives. All around the world, “foreigners” from all sorts of backgrounds and countries are still joining God’s people to do the same thing. They do this because Jesus is not like “stinky fish”—something only certain people might enjoy. Jesus is for everyone. His love is for everyone. His promise of heaven is for everyone. And that includes you!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are the Savior of all people. Thank you for gathering me into your family of believers through your Word. Gather even more people around the world into your family. In your name we pray. 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 the strangest food you have ever smelled or tasted? Did you like it?
• A “foreigner” is someone from another country or nation. Who were the foreigners in today’s devotion coming to worship with?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some family traditions you have that might seem unusual to other people?
• Why might celebrating the Sabbath have seemed strange to someone who wasn’t an Israelite?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What did the foreigners learn about Israel’s God that made them want to worship him too?
• Jesus has already done all the work needed to save us. How does knowing that give us “rest”?

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Read: Romans 8:28-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

It Still Holds

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

There’s an episode of the show Bluey called “Cubby”, where Bluey and Bingo make a pillow fort for the ages. Have you ever built a pillow fort before? A really good one needs something to hold it together. You can use couch cushions or chairs. You can use clothespins, binder clips, or even some tape to try to hold the blankets up. But then someone crawls inside and the whole thing moves, shifts, and then . . . falls apart. Not everything holds.

You’ll notice that in today’s Bible reading, Paul talks about some very tough things: trouble, danger, hunger, pain, and even death. Things that are waaaaay too heavy for the pillow forts of our lives. And when those things happen, people might wonder, “Does God still love me? Did his promises fall apart, too?”

But the answer in Romans is clear: it still holds.

God’s love still holds when life is scary. God’s love still holds when our prayers aren’t answered the way we wanted them to be. God’s love still holds when people are mean to us, when we get sick, or when we feel worried.

How can Paul be so sure? Because of Jesus! “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also . . . graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). God already gave his only Son for you. God showed his love for us like this: while we were still stuck in sin, Jesus died for us. He carried your sins to the cross and rose again so you could know for sure that God’s love still holds.

So, when you wonder, “Is God still for me?” just look at Jesus. In him, God’s answer is yes. That doesn’t mean everything will be easy; Paul never says that. You will still have very hard days.

But the point is that those hard days cannot pull you away from Jesus. Sad days can’t take Jesus away from you. Scary days cannot remove you from his love. Because that love is not like tape on a pillow fort. It won’t slip, snap, or give up. In Jesus, God’s promise still holds.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for holding us in your love when life is hard or scary. Help us trust that nothing can separate us from 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

• Build a tiny “fort” with your hands. What would happen if it fell?
• Say this together: “Jesus’ love still holds!” Now write it down and put it somewhere the whole family can see it.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name one thing that does not always hold together very well.
• What hard things does Paul say cannot separate us from God’s love?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it important that Paul does not pretend Christians will avoid trouble?
• When someone wonders, “Is God still for me?” how does Jesus answer that question?

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Read: Matthew 14:13-21

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:20-21

When Your Lunch Is Too Little

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

Five loaves of bread and two fish.

That might be enough for one small lunch. Maybe. But it was definitely not enough for a crowd of thousands of people. Not even close!

The disciples knew that. They looked around at the hillsides packed with people who had followed Jesus. Some of them had been sick—and Jesus had miraculously healed them. Now the people were tired and hungry. The sun was starting to set. So, the disciples did the math: one tiny, packed lunch divided by thousands of people equals . . . uh-oh. Big trouble!

You can understand why the disciples told Jesus to “send the crowds away.” It made sense. Let the people go buy their own food. But Jesus had a different plan. He said, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

Just imagine the disciples looking at each other! “We should feed them? With what?” They had only five loaves and two fish, and that would never feed a crowd like this. It probably wouldn’t even feed your whole classroom at school.

But watch closely what Jesus does next. He says, “Bring them here to me.” Five loaves and two fish looked far too small—but they were being placed into the hands of Jesus. That is the best place for small things, weak things, hard things, and impossible things. Bring them to Jesus.

Jesus took the bread and fish. He gave thanks. Then he gave the food to the disciples, and the disciples gave it to the people. And everyone ate. Not just a little taste; not just one tiny bite. They all ate and were satisfied. They began with one small meal and ended with twelve baskets of leftovers! Perhaps each disciple carried away a basket—a powerful reminder of what Jesus can do.

Jesus gave more than enough. That’s what Jesus did for the hungry crowd. He saw hungry people and gave them bread. He saw sick people and healed them. Most importantly, he saw sinful people and came to save them.

Jesus sees what you need, too. Sometimes you need food, help, courage, patience, or rest. But most of all, you need him. So, Jesus gave himself for you. He gives forgiveness that does not run out. He gives love that does not end. He gives life that lasts forever.

Five loaves and two fish looked hopelessly small—until placed in Jesus’ hands. When what you have looks too small, bring it to Jesus. In his hands, there is always more than enough.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for seeing what we need and caring for us with compassion. Help us bring our worries and needs to you, trusting that your love is always more than enough. 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

• Hold up five fingers for the loaves. Now hold up two fingers for the fish. Was that a lot of food for thousands of people?
• Show with your face how the disciples might have looked when they saw twelve baskets of leftovers.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What do the twelve baskets of leftovers teach us about Jesus’ power?
• Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.” What is one worry or need your family can bring to Jesus in prayer?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The disciples’ first idea was to send the hungry people away. Why do people sometimes try to solve problems without bringing them to Jesus first?
• Jesus gave the crowd more than enough food. How does that miracle help you trust him when your own strength, patience, faith, or resources feel too small?

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Read: 1 Kings 17:1-6

You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 1 Kings 17:4-6

God’s Delivery Service

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

Birds are pretty good at finding food. They peck in the grass. They look for crumbs. They raid your beach picnic (we’re looking at you, seagulls!). They search in trees and bushes. But in today’s Bible reading, you probably noticed that the birds weren’t finding food for themselves. They were working for God’s delivery service! God used ravens to deliver food to Elijah.

Sounds pretty strange, right?

Elijah was a prophet who spoke God’s Word during the reign of a wicked king named Ahab. Ahab didn’t love the one true God and led many people away from the Lord. So, God sent Elijah with a message to show Ahab how serious his sin was: there would be no rain for a long time.

No rain meant dry ground; dry ground meant no crops; no crops meant people wouldn’t have enough food. Many people and animals could starve to death! But God didn’t forget about Elijah. He told his prophet to go to a special place near a brook, where clean, cool water would flow for Elijah to drink. God would even send ravens to bring food for Elijah! So, Elijah went, and God kept his promise. Every morning and evening, ravens came with bread and meat. Day after day, Elijah had what he needed.

God’s care looked strange . . . it came through birds! But it was still God’s care.

God still provides for us today. And he provides for us in ways you have come to expect: grocery stores, parents, friends, a teacher, a neighbor . . . so many different ways. But, at other times, God provides for us in ways we never saw coming.

This is what makes God’s people different, though, just like Elijah was different from Ahab. Christians don’t always know how God will provide or when he will provide. But we do know this: God will provide! God cared for Elijah near the brook. God cares for you, too. And if you ever need proof of that, remember that God provided his own Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice needed to pay for our sins. Through Jesus, God gives you what you need. Through Jesus, God gives forgiveness, life, and a home with him forever.

The God who sent birds with bread has not forgotten what his children need. And he knows why you need it. And he promises that he will always provide.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for giving us what we need each day. Help us trust your care, even when we do not yet see how you will provide. 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 kind of birds brought Elijah food?
• Pretend you are a raven delivering Elijah’s meal. What food are you carrying?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What did God show Elijah by giving him food each morning and evening?
• List as many people, places and things God uses to give you what you need as you can in 30 seconds. Ready. Set. Go!

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why can it be hard to trust God when he provides only one day at a time?
• What’s the difference between trusting God to provide what we need and expecting him to give us everything we want?

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Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all. 1 Timothy 6:17-21

The Richest Kid in the World

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

David Lee Edwards won a $27 million lottery, but only five years later, all that money was gone, and he was living in a storage shed with his wife. Imagine having millions of dollars—enough to buy enormous houses, fancy cars, and almost anything you wanted—and then losing it all! Other lottery winners have had the same thing happen to them.

I guess money doesn’t last forever.

Then why do so many people chase after money as if it is the magic wand that will solve every problem, make them happy forever, and never run out? Because every one of us has a sinful nature. Our sinful selves are attracted to things we can see, hold, buy, and enjoy right now. God’s treasures may not be things we can hold in our hands, but they are much more valuable—and they last forever.

This is not a new problem. More than 2,000 years ago the apostle Paul wrote, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth” (1 Timothy 6:17). Paul did not say that having money is sinful. Money is one of God’s gifts, and it can be used in wonderful ways. The danger comes when we trust money more than we trust God.

God wants you to be rich—just not only in things that can break, disappear, or be taken away. Be rich in something that lasts. Paul said it like this, “Command [them] . . . to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment . . . to be rich in good deeds . . . In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“Everything” means that our money, food, clothing, homes, toys, and everything are gifts from God. We can enjoy them and thank him for them. But those blessings are only for our life here on earth.

Now look even farther—past this life and the way into eternity. There you can see God’s greatest treasures. We are sinners who could never earn a place in heaven or save ourselves. So God gave us something no amount of money could ever buy: Jesus, our Savior. Because of him, God freely gives us forgiveness and eternal life.

So be rich in things that last! Adults invest in “forever” when they use that money to support Christian education. Parents invest when they bring their family to worship and Sunday school. Friends are “rich in good deeds” when they use their time and talents to help others. You become spiritually rich whenever you spend time with God in his Word.

So, who is the richest kid in the world? You may not have the most money or the coolest stuff. But if Jesus is your Savior, that makes every child of God—including you—one of the richest kids in the world.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us put our hope in you instead of money or possessions. Make us rich in faith, rich in good deeds, and rich in the treasures that last forever. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Does money last forever?
• What do we have that WILL last forever?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name some earthly treasures—things we can own or buy. Who gives us those blessings?
• Name some spiritual treasures—gifts from God that money can’t buy. Who blesses us with those?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If someone watched how you use your time, spend your money, and serve with your talents, what would they conclude is most valuable to you?
• Make a list of at least ten spiritual treasures Jesus gives us for free that are more precious than anything money can buy. (Possible examples include forgiveness, faith, peace with God, prayer, God’s Word, Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Christian friends, purpose, and eternal life.)

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Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’” Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Difficult Farming

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

Farming is difficult business. You need to find good seeds and good soil. The sun and rain are beyond your control. Neither planting nor harvesting are easy. And in between you’ve got to keep the weeds from choking out the wheat. But what if the weeds looked almost exactly like the wheat? How would you know which ones to pull?

Jesus says the farmer should leave them alone for now. That’s Jesus’ surprising answer. Of course, he wasn’t talking about literal farming. He was talking about harvesting souls.

When Jesus explained his parable of “The Weeds and the Wheat,” he uncovered some uncomfortable truths. We are happy that the Holy Spirit has called us to be God’s people through Jesus—that’s not uncomfortable. What is uncomfortable, however, is that the devil also has his followers in the world. Like the similar-looking weeds and wheat, believers and unbelievers often look the same on the outside. Someone may smile, be kind, and seem like a good person, but only God knows what is truly in a person’s heart. Only God, who sees hearts, can immediately tell the difference.

That leads to a second uncomfortable truth: God allows both believers and unbelievers to live together on earth. Jesus explains that it is out of concern for believers that God allows this, “while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them” (Matthew 13:29). God knows what he is doing, even when we do not understand all his reasons.

It is difficult to live as wheat among weeds. Sometimes it feels like there are more people who ignore God than follow him. Christians can feel outnumbered. We wonder why God does not put an end to wickedness right now. Yet Jesus calls us to live patiently, faithfully, and with hope. God knows those who belong to him. We cannot always tell who truly belongs to Jesus. A friend who doesn’t believe today might hear about Jesus tomorrow. A neighbor who never goes to church today may someday trust in Jesus because someone shared God’s Word with them. He wants more people to hear the good news and be brought into his kingdom. That’s one reason God waits. He wants more people to be saved.

A harvest is coming. On the Last Day, God’s angels will separate the wheat from the weeds without making a single mistake. Then every believer will finally “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43). What a wonderful day that will be! Until then, we live confidently as God’s people, trusting the Farmer who knows exactly what he is doing.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us live patiently and faithfully for you among the weeds of this world. Keep us trusting in you until the day we shine in your heavenly kingdom. 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

• In Jesus’ story, what grew in the field besides wheat? Are weeds good or bad?
• Who is the only one who can see what is really in a person’s heart?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• True or False: You can always tell if someone believes in Jesus just by looking at them. Why or why not?
• Can you think of a time when it was hard to follow Jesus because people around you made different choices?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it dangerous to decide whether someone is wheat or a weed just by what we can see?
• How does the promise of the final harvest help you live patiently and hopefully in a world where evil still exists?

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Read: Isaiah 44:6-11

“This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.” All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Isaiah 44:6,8-9

God Isn’t Monopoly Money!

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

Every Monopoly game comes with $20,580. That’s a lot of money! But imagine walking into a toy store with a handful of Monopoly money and trying to buy your favorite LEGO set or stuffed animal. It won’t work. It’s fake money.

Sometimes people make a similar mistake with something much more important. They put their hopes for happiness and even heaven in created things instead of the Creator. In Isaiah’s time—and, in some places still today—those created things were statues—idols—made of wood or stone. But idols don’t have to be made of wood or stone. An idol can be anything or anyone that we fear, love, or trust more than the true God. Today idols may look like sports, video games, being the best at something, friends, money, or being popular. Wood and stone are real. Toys, money, friends, and popularity are real too. But none of these are God. They are false gods that cannot bring us real joy, peace, forgiveness, or eternal life.

Isaiah says, “All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless” (Isaiah 44:9).

What are the idols that tempt you? Money? Are you more in love with the stuff of this world than with the One who created it? Popularity? Is your life focused on being the most popular person in the room with the most “likes” and “followers”?

This is what makes believers in Jesus different. Christians may or may not be famous or wealthy, and they may or may not have lots of nice things, but they have Christ. They believe God’s words, “Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one” (Isaiah 44:8). By grace, the one and only God found them and called them into his family of faith. They also know that Jesus has forgiven all their sins, even the sin of so often wanting their own selfish desires above what God wants.

Living as God’s people in this world is not always easy. Advertisements whisper that happiness is found in what we own. Social media suggests our value depends on how many people notice us. Yet none of those can save us. Christians are different because they listen to the voice of their Savior, who alone forgives sinners.

To have the true God is to have everything. God forgives sins, promises the resurrection from death, and reserves for us a room in his heavenly mansion. Those are gifts that never wear out, never break, and can never be taken away. When we have him, we possess treasures that never fade and a future that never ends.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us when we love other things more than you. Help us trust you above all else and find our joy in your forgiveness and promises. 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 wouldn’t Monopoly money work at a real store?
• How many true Gods are there?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name three idols that people today might be tempted to love more than God.
• What are some things that the true God gives that idols cannot give?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Luther says that a “god” is whatever we trust most or run to first for help. When kids are scared, sad, or worried, what are some things they might be tempted to trust instead of God?
• How can a Christian enjoy God’s gifts—such as family, success, possessions, or popularity—without turning them into idols?

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Read: 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

The First Button

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

Have you ever gotten dressed in the dark? Maybe you started buttoning your shirt and everything seemed fine at first. But when you got to the last button, something looked funny. One side was higher than the other! You turn on a light and discover the problem. The very first button was in the wrong hole. Because the first button was wrong, every other button ended up wrong too. One little mistake at the beginning changed everything at the end.

Paul was dealing with a problem at the church in Corinth. Some people were arguing about which teacher was most important. Was it Paul, who started the church? Was it Apollos, who helped teach the people afterward? Paul reminded them that they were all working together for God. One person planted the seed. Another person watered it. But God was the one making it grow.

Then Paul shared something even more important. Every Christian is building on the exact same foundation: Jesus Christ. A foundation is the part of a building that everything else sits on. If the foundation cracks, the whole building is in trouble. But if the foundation is strong, the building can stand firm. Jesus is the strong foundation for the church.

Jesus is also the strong foundation for our family. Sometimes it’s easy to build our lives on other things. We might think, “I’ll be happy if I make the team.” Or “Everything will be okay if I get a good grade.” Or “I need everyone to like me.” Those things aren’t bad. Sports, school, and friendships are gifts from God. But they make terrible foundations. What happens if you don’t make the team? What happens if you get a bad grade? What happens if a friend says something hurtful? If those things are your foundation, your whole life can start to feel shaky like it’s going to crash down!

Our foundation is already laid for us in Jesus. That means your value doesn’t depend on how well you play, how smart you are, or what other people think about you. Your value comes from Jesus. When Jesus died and rose again, he forgave every sin. He made you part of God’s family. He promised to love you forever.

When our family prays together, reads God’s Word together, and reminds each other about God’s forgiveness, we are building on a rock-solid foundation. It’s a “first-button” issue: When Jesus is our foundation, we know how the rest of our story lines up. No matter what difficult days come, Jesus will hold us up now until he invites us to our forever home in heaven.

Now THAT’S a really good ending!

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our strong foundation. When we are tempted to build our lives on sports, grades, popularity, or other things, remind us that you are what matters most. Help our family stay close to you through your Word and prayer. Thank you for loving us, forgiving us, and holding us up every day. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What happened when the first button was put in the wrong hole?
• Who does Paul say is the foundation of the church?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some things kids your age sometimes think are the most important things in life?
• Why can sports, grades, friends, or hobbies make us happy but still be poor foundations?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Imagine two families. One builds everything around success and achievements. The other builds everything around Jesus. What differences might you notice when both families go through a difficult time?
• Look at the practical examples mentioned at the end: praying together, reading God’s Word, and reminding each other of forgiveness. Which of these do you think our family is doing well, and which one could we work on to make our foundation stronger?

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