The Story of Miss Katie – June 19, 2024

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
Colossians 1:3-6

The Story of Miss Katie

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Do you know what a “goal” is? It’s not the one with a crossbar and a net attached to it that you kick a ball into. A goal is something maybe you want in your future. For example:

1. If your goal in life was to make a lot of money, what job would you have?
2. If your goal in life was to be powerful, who would you want to be?
3. If your goal in life was to be on vacation, where would you go?

Was the answer to any of these questions: “I would be a Kindergarten teacher”? Ahhh, I don’t think so!

Well, maybe you should meet Miss Katie. The story of Miss Katie is not about how much money she had, how tall or small she was, or even if she liked to go on vacations.

The true story is about a daddy who was dying. His five-year-old son squeezed his hand and, through his tears, said, “You can go to heaven, Daddy. It doesn’t matter that you did not go to church. My teacher, Miss Katie, says Jesus died for your sins, and you only have to believe in him. And you can go to heaven.”

It might be neat to be a rich and powerful person who takes lots of vacations. But they are not the most important goals in life. Jesus is. That’s why the story of Miss Katie is so important. She knew what was most important. So she shared it with the students of her kindergarten class—including the little boy whose dad was dying.

That little boy was one of over 500 students to sit in Miss Katie’s classroom. How many others shared the gospel because Miss Katie shared it with them? That’s a good question to think about. Someday, we’ll find out in heaven.

In today’s Bible reading, Paul thanks God for the faith of people like Miss Katie—a kindergarten teacher who shares the gospel with her students. Because of her—they knew Jesus as their Savior.

Maybe you are a student, a sister, or a friend. May your goal be this: Who might be in heaven someday because YOU shared Jesus with them? Let’s find out someday in heaven!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us spread the good news of your gospel. 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

• God gives grown-ups to take care of us. How do your grown-ups take care of you?
• One of the most important ways grown-ups take care of us is by telling us about Jesus. Name three grown-ups who share the good news of Jesus with you. Then, thank God for them!

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The gospel is the good news that Jesus saved us. Name as many places as you can where you hear the gospel.
• Like Miss Katie, with whom can you share the good news of Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• God says in Matthew 16:15, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” He is talking to us. How can we spread the gospel while we are still children?
• Make a plan on how to share the gospel with someone this week.