Bad News, Good News – Family Devotion – April 14, 2021

Read: Acts 3:12-20

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.
Acts 3:19,20

Bad News, Good News

 

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

Have you ever had to tell someone bad news? It isn’t very fun. For example, you wouldn’t be overly excited to let your parents know you got in big trouble at school or to tell your best friend you are moving out of town. On the flip side, it is great to share good news. We love telling people about the A we got on our big project or that we made the team or were selected for the lead in the play. In our reading for today, Peter shares some bad news and good news.

Peter was talking to people who had recently shouted for Jesus to be crucified. He spoke the law to these people to show them their sin. By following their leaders, they were guilty of putting Jesus, the Savior of the world, to death. This bad news must have been hard for them to hear.

God’s law is difficult for us to hear as well. It shows us that it was also because of our sins, those times that we have sinful thoughts, speak unkindly to our parents, or hurt others, that Jesus had to die a terrible death. Our sins have ruined our relationship with Jesus.

Peter’s command to those in the crowd is the same for us. Repent! To repent means to feel sorry for our sins, admit them, turn from them, and trust that Jesus has forgiven them. That forgiveness of sins was won for us through Jesus when he died on the cross and rose from the dead.

That was the good news Peter shared with the crowd he was speaking to. It was the message of the gospel which showed the people their Savior. Even though they were guilty of killing Jesus, God used their evil actions to carry out his plan. This plan to was to save them and all people from their sins. We know this plan was successful because on Easter morning Jesus’ tomb was empty. He was alive!

That first Easter was over 2,000 years ago. Yet the message of Easter still remains the best news ever for all people of all time. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we can be certain that all of our sins are forgiven. Through the gift of faith, we can be sure that even though we don’t deserve it, we will live forever with Jesus in heaven.

May God give us the confidence of Peter to be honest with ourselves and others about the bad news of sin and the importance of repenting, and then give us the opportunity to point others to the solution to sin, our risen Savior, Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we have done nothing to deserve the love you showed us by dying on the cross and rising from the dead to save us. Guide us to share this good news with others. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What is it called when we disobey God’s commands?
• What event do we celebrate on Easter?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean to repent of your sins?
• Why is Easter the most important day in the history of the world?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name two barriers that get in the way of you and your family sharing Jesus with others?
• Why is it so important that both the law and the gospel are taught?

Hymn: CW 149:1 – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today

“Christ the Lord is ris’n today!”
Saints on earth and angels say;
Raise your joys and triumphs high;
Sing, O heav’ns, and earth reply.