Read: Ezekiel 33:7-11

As I live, declares the LORD God, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from their way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why should you die, O house of Israel?
Ezekiel 33:11 (EHV)

Call Others to Repent in Love

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

If you see someone in terrible danger what do you do? You try to warn them. You call out their name. You try to get their attention. You try to move them away from the danger. You tell them to run away. You call 911. You do everything you can to help them avoid that terrible danger.

Did you know there is a danger that threatens everyone: Grown-ups. Teens. Kids. Even babies? That danger lurks in the darkness, yet appears in broad daylight. It threatens from morning to night. It can be found in your home, your school, your neighborhood, even your church. What is that danger? Sin.

Sin is a danger that threatens every one of us from the moment life begins to the moment when life ends. Sin lurks inside our hearts and minds, but also threatens us in a variety of ways in the world around us. Sin takes on all kinds of forms and is such a danger that God himself warns us to turn away from sin. Why? Sin leads to death.

The Lord knows how dangerous sin can be. Sin ruined his creation long ago. Sin has threatened every person since. Yet rather than sit back and let harm come our way, Jesus did something about it. Jesus faced the danger of sin for us and suffered all the punishment that sin deserves. With divine power and jaw-dropping love, Jesus rescued us from the dangers of sins by taking all of our sins on himself on the cross to forgive us. By his death, we have life.

Yet sin still threatens. We still sin. People we know and love still sin. The danger is still real, so what does the Lord call us to do? “Turn back, turn back from your evil ways!” today’s Word of God warns. That’s another way of saying, “Repent!” The Lord does not want any of us to return to the dangers of our sins, but to live in his forgiveness and love. He also urges us to call out to our loved ones to turn back from the dangers of sin. Calling someone to repent is not being mean, but showing that we care about them. We want them to enjoy God’s forgiveness. We want them to join us in heaven someday. So in love, let’s do everything we can help them avoid sin’s danger.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, rescue me from the danger of sin. Lead me to repent when I fall into sin’s traps. Help me to call other people in my life to repent of their sin that they may live with 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

• What would you do if someone was in danger?
• How did Jesus rescue you from the danger of sin?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain what sin is and what it means to repent.
• Why is sin so dangerous?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The Lord sent the prophet Ezekiel to call God’s people to repent. Why would that be difficult for any believer to do?
• The Lord urges us to call others to repent in love. How would you do that if you knew that your best friend had broken the law—not just the local law, but God’s Law?

Hymn: CW 304:5,6 – Jesus Sinners Does Receive

I, a sinner, come to you with a penitent confession.
Savior, show me mercy, too; grant for all my sins remission.
Let these words my soul relieve—Jesus sinners does receive.

Oh, how blest is it to know, were as scarlet my transgression,
It shall be as white as snow by your blood and bitter passion,
For these words I do believe—Jesus sinners does receive.

 

Read: Romans 12:1-8

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:1-2

Living for the Lord

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

“Do five jumping jacks!” the leader shouted. Only two people of the entire group did them though. Everyone else stood still as could be. The group laughed. It was actually the two who did jumping jacks that had made the mistake. The leader never said, “Simon says do five jumping jacks!”

“Simon Says” is one of the easiest games to play. All you have to do is what the leader says when he speaks those magic words. And yet, it’s easy to get carried away, isn’t it? Once you play for a while, it can be easy to lose your focus. And just when you’re not paying attention, you get in trouble—you’re out because you do what others are doing and not what “Simon Says.”

Being a Christian is also one of the easiest things you could do. You simply believe in the true God and then do what he says. Pretty simple, right? Yet you and I know how difficult this can be!

Everything might be going fine, until we lose our focus and concentration. Suddenly we start to see what other people do—how they lie, cheat, steal, say bad words, tell bad jokes, or other sins—and we start following their lead instead of what God says. There is danger in following the world instead of Jesus. You won’t just be out of the game, you’ll be out of heaven! That’s bad! And that’s why we hear the warning today, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.” In other words, don’t follow the lead of sinful people and do what they do!

Thanks be to God for Jesus! He washed us clean of all the times we’ve followed the world instead of following him. His mercy and undeserved love bring us forgiveness. They guarantee that we can and will be with him in heaven.

Because of his great love then, let’s follow Jesus’ lead instead and show him how thankful we are. That’s also what the apostle Paul says to us today. He said, “In view of God’s mercy, offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” What he means is that when we think about God’s love and forgiveness, we can use our lives to serve and follow Jesus. We can thank Jesus by listening to him, loving him, and obeying him. “Simon Says” may be a fun game, but doing what Jesus says is even better. What a cool thing! We get to live for the one who lived and died for us!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to stay away from the sins of this world. Instead, lead me to follow you. Fill me with your love that I may live for 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

• What sins do you think are easy to fall into?
• How do you know that Jesus forgives those sins?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do some people say that the ways of this world are “fun,” but the ways of God are “boring?”
• What are ways that you can offer yourselves as a living sacrifice of thanks to God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain in your own words why peer pressure is such a difficult thing to deal with.
• When you are older and have your own family, what things in this world do you think will distract you from staying connected to Jesus?

Hymn: CW 465:1,4 – Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken

Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow you.
Destitute, despised, forsaken, You on earth once suffered, too.
Perish ev’ry fond ambition, All I’ve ever hoped or known;
Yet how rich is my condition! God and heav’n are still my own.

Haste, my soul, from grace to glory, Armed by faith and winged by prayer.
All but heav’n is transitory; God’s own hand shall guide you there.
Soon shall end this earthly story; Swift shall pass the pilgrim days,
Hope soon change to heav’nly glory, Faith to sight and prayer to praise.

 

Read: Matthew 16:21-26

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Matthew 16:24-26

Take Up Your Cross

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

“Candace! How could you? What did I tell you?” Candace had a very sad and sorry look on her face. She clearly had disappointed her mother. They were just about to eat dinner, but Candace wasn’t hungry at all. She had crumbs all over her shirt, chocolate all over her face, and a belly all full of…chocolate chip cookies.

They looked so delicious, so warm and fresh and ooey-gooey, sitting there on the countertop. But her mom had told Candace three separate times, “Candace, no cookies before supper. No treats yet. You have to control yourself.”

But she didn’t, and because Candace couldn’t control herself, she had now missed out on the important part of the meal before the treat at the end. Now Candace had a sick feeling in her stomach for two reasons—too much sugar, and even worse, she had disobeyed her mother.

It’s really easy for us to think about life the way Candace did about dinner. Wouldn’t it be nice to do whatever you want? Wouldn’t be nice to have all the fun you want, no matter the consequences? And wouldn’t it be nice if we could just skip all the problems of this life and have the glory of heaven right now, kind of like skipping dinner and only eating cookies?

Peter thought that way in the Bible once, too. Jesus told him how he was going to suffer and die for all people, but Peter tried to stop him. He only wanted the good times with Jesus. He only wanted the glory of Jesus. He didn’t want to think about suffering. Peter was kind of like Candace, who only wanted to think about chocolate chip cookies.

That’s when Jesus spoke the words we heard for today’s devotion: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” What Jesus means is that his followers need to learn to spiritually control themselves. We need to learn to put Jesus first, before our sinful desires, before our friends, and before anything else. That’s so hard to do! Good thing Jesus came to this world and put us first when he died for us on the cross to bring us forgiveness! Now with a new life in Jesus, his love for us and his strength can help us learn to control ourselves and make good and God-pleasing choices. Be patient, friends! After a short time of taking up our cross in this life, the sweetest dessert is yet to come—better than cookies—eternal life in heaven!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, sometimes it is very hard to control ourselves and keep away from sin. Give us strength to deny our own desires and put you first. 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 sin is hard for you to stop doing?
• Why did Jesus have to go and suffer and die?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain what Jesus means when he says we should “deny ourselves.” Can you give an example?
• What are ways that we can work on becoming stronger to resist temptations and sins?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Which do you think is more difficult about following Jesus—facing persecution and enemies, or denying yourself and facing personal temptations and sins? Why?
• Explain what Jesus meant when he said this: What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Hymn: CW 465:1 – Jesus, I My Cross Have Taken

Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow you.
Destitute, despised, forsaken, You on earth once suffered, too.
Perish ev’ry fond ambition, All I’ve ever hoped or known;
Yet how rich is my condition! God and heav’n are still my own.

 

Read: Exodus 6:2-8

“Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord.”
Exodus 6:6

God Never Changes

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

“McDonald’s again? Really? Well . . . thanks . . . I guess.” Ty had a very disappointed look on his face, and his mom could tell. “What’s the matter, Ty? I thought you loved McDonald’s,” she said. “I used to, but not anymore. Now I love Chick-Fil-A. I don’t like burgers either. I like chicken,” Ty told her. “When did this happen?” she asked. “Yesterday,” he said. “The Chick-Fil-A commercial was really funny, so I like that more McDonald’s!” His mom couldn’t believe it. In a single day, Ty changed his favorite food because of one commercial!

Have you ever noticed how often we do this? One day we like one food, then the next day we change our mind. One day a kid loves to play with Legos or Barbies and the next day they are hidden under the bed because they “aren’t cool” anymore. One day we cheer for our favorite athlete, but then he gets traded to a different team. We change our minds and our feelings a lot in our lives!

Can you imagine if God did the same thing? What if God changed his mind about you? What if God said one day, “I love you so much,” but on the next day said, “Well, you just sinned really badly so I don’t love you so much anymore.” What if God made a promise to you in the Bible, but then changed his mind as fast as Ty did about McDonald’s? That would be awful! How would you ever know how God felt about you? How could you ever be certain of what he would do for you?

Thankfully, that will never ever happen with our God! In today’s devotion we hear God’s promise to the Israelites to bring them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Three times in these verses God said, “I am the Lord.” Those very special words are a very special name. When God uses the name, “I am . . .,” he is telling us who he is. He will never change, and he will always be the same. When God uses that name, LORD, he is telling us that his love and promises will never change either. And sure enough, God kept his promise to lead his people out of Egypt.

God reminds us today, “I am the Lord.” He is not going to change. He will always be our loving and forgiving God. His promises aren’t going to change either. He will always be with you. He will always forgive you. And best of all, he will never break his promise to take you to the Promised Land of heaven. God will never change his mind about that. You are loved today, tomorrow, and always!

Closing Prayer:

God, I know that when you say you love me and forgive me, you will never change your mind. I also know that you will keep your promise to bring me to heaven, too. Thank 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

• What does it mean that God made a promise to us?
• When God makes a promise, what do you know he will always do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What makes it so hard for us to keep our promises? Explain your answer.
• Give examples from the Bible of promises that God made and kept for his people.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• A Bible verse with a similar thought to today’s devotion is this one: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Explain in your own words what that verse means to you.
• Explain this statement: Because God never changes, I don’t need to be afraid of changes in my life.

Hymn: CW 538:1,3 – The Church’s One Foundation

The Church’s one foundation Is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is his new creation By water and the Word.
From heav’n he came and sought her To be his holy bride;
With his own blood he bought her, And for her life he died.

The Church shall never perish. Her dear Lord, to defend,
To guide, sustain, and cherish, Is with her to the end.
Though there be those that hate her And strive to see her fail,
Against both foe and traitor She ever shall prevail.

 

Read: Romans 11:13-15, 28-32

For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Romans 11:32

God’s Mercy is for All People

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

“That’s not fair!” Gabby shouted. “Papi, why am I getting punished when Manny started it? He was the one who broke the rules! That’s not fair!” Gabby thought she was so right. Why should she get in trouble when Manny was the one who started throwing the ball in the house?

What Gabby seemed to forget was that she also threw the ball in the house. In fact, they were playing catch for 15 minutes together before the ball hit the lamp and shattered the light. They both were guilty. They both broke the rules. They both sinned.

Thankfully, Gabby and Manny’s papi was a patient and loving father. While there was a consequence for breaking the rules, he still loved them both and forgave them both. Did they deserve to be forgiven? Not really. They broke the rules. But their father was an example of the word grace, which is undeserved love. He showed them grace by forgiving both children with the same undeserved love.

This is the way that our heavenly Father deals with us. Satan wants us to point our fingers at other people and say things like, “That’s not fair! That person sins more than I do! That other person is really bad! They should get punished!” We don’t want to be like Gabby though. We can’t forget that we are just as guilty as everyone else. We all sin and break God’s rules. We all deserve to be punished equally.

But here’s the good news, our heavenly Father is even more patient and loving than Gabby and Manny’s father. The apostle Paul reminds us in the verse for today that even though everyone has disobeyed God the same, our heavenly Father also has mercy on everyone the same. He sent Jesus to be the Savior of every last sinner in the world, including you. Do we deserve to be forgiven? Not at all! But that is the true definition of grace—God’s undeserved love seen at the cross in Jesus who died for the whole world.

This is an important truth to remember, because this reminds us that we are not “better” than other people in the world, in our neighborhood, or even in our school classrooms. The devil wants us to act like we are better than other people. But the love of Jesus teaches us to know that we are all equal—we are equally sinners and equally forgiven. So look for ways you can show Jesus’ love equally to others, especially those who may look, talk, or act differently than you do. What a joy it would be for them to join you and all believers in our heavenly Father’s house forever!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, remind me that I am a sinner, just like other people. Then comfort me that your grace and forgiveness are for me and all other people. Help me to share that good news with the world. 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

• Have you ever said, “That’s not fair”? Why? What happened?
• Explain what the word grace means. How did God show us grace?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain why Jesus dying for us was actually not “fair.”
• Why would Jesus die for sinners if we don’t deserve it?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is your sin a reason for you to be humble around other people?
• Why is God’s grace a reason for you to be humble around other people?

Hymn: CW 391:1,5-6 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

God loved the world so that he gave His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe Should everlasting life receive.

When you are sick, when death draws near, This truth your troubled heart can cheer:
Christ Jesus saves my soul from death—This is the anchor of my faith!

Glory to God the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To you, O blessed Trinity, Be praise now and eternally!

 

Read: Matthew 15:21-28

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Matthew 15:28

The Faith of a Foreign Woman

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

A few years ago, I had the most wonderful experience. It was in a hut. That’s right, a hut. It was a small building with tree branches for walls with grass and leaves for a roof. This hut was so small I could barely stand up inside of it, and only about 10 people could fit inside. It was located in the middle of nowhere in Zambia, a country in Africa. What was I doing in a hut in Africa? I was going to church!

As I visited this small village, I found out that their normal church building had burned down. So for the time, this small hut served as their church. We sat on little benches and logs as we worshiped. I didn’t understand a lot though—the service was in a different language. However, that day I saw clearly with my own eyes something very wonderful—Jesus is the Savior of all people of all nations and all languages.

Today we hear Jesus talk about the faith of a woman. But she was not an ordinary Israelite woman. She was a Canaanite, a foreigner from a different place. She came to see Jesus and asked him to help her daughter who was suffering. At first, Jesus tested her. He said that he came just for his own people, the Israelites. But the woman responded in true faith. She said that even the leftovers, even a little bit of grace, would be more than enough for her.

Jesus was so pleased. The woman understood that he came to be the Savior not just for the Israelites, but for the whole world. She understood that Jesus was her Savior. To prove this to her, Jesus showed his mighty power and healed her daughter right away.

Sometimes we get so busy in our lives that we forget there are other people out there in the world—people outside of our neighborhood, people who don’t look like us or talk like us, people outside of our country in very different places around the world. This story today is a wonderful reminder that Jesus is Savior of all. Jesus came for his people in Israel, for people in America, in Africa, in Asia, and all over.

Won’t it be so wonderful? Someday soon we will be in heaven, and we will meet this Canaanite woman and the disciples and believers from all over the world. There we will be gathered together with our one Savior, Jesus Christ. Oh what a worship service that will be!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for coming to be the Savior of the whole world. Help me find ways to share you with others so that they can join all believers in heaven one 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 lesson did Jesus teach to the foreign woman and the others watching in the story today?
• Of all the people in the Bible, whom will you be most excited to meet in heaven? Why?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did Jesus test the woman before helping her? Wasn’t that mean of him to do?
• The disciples were there when Jesus spoke with this woman. What lesson did they learn that day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think Satan tempts people to think that Jesus is only for people “just like me” instead of for all people?
• Identify ways that you can share Jesus with other people around the world, even if you aren’t a missionary.

Hymn: CW 391:1,2 – God Loved the World So that He Gave

God loved the world so that he gave His only Son the lost to save
That all who would in him believe Should everlasting life receive.

Christ is the solid rock of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death.
All who confide in him alone Are built on this chief cornerstone.

 

Read: 1 Kings 19:9-18

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

1 Kings 19:11-13

Jesus Encourages Us with His Word

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

“Come here, you little butterball!” Aunt Sharon reached out her hands and took pudgy little baby Tyler from his father. Tyler wasn’t about to have it, though. He didn’t recognize Aunt Sharon’s face, and he didn’t like it one bit. He couldn’t say any words, but he knew what to do when he was scared. He paused, took a deep breath, and with a red face burst into tears and a loud cry.

Tyler’s dad took his son back and did what he always does. He gently held him and whispered in his ear, “Shh! Tyler, it’ll be OK. Shh!” Instantly the tears stopped. Baby Tyler recognized his father’s voice and felt calm and safe. Everything was going to be alright.

It’s interesting how quickly children learn to recognize the voices and presence of their parents. Anytime they are lost or scared or in trouble, they learn to call out, “Dad? . . . Mom?” And as soon as they hear their parent’s voice and run into their arms, they feel better and safe.

The prophet Elijah was very afraid. A wicked queen was threatening to hurt him. It made him feel as if he was the only believer left in Israel. He was in danger, lonely, and afraid. So Elijah went to hide in a cave. That’s when God came to him. Now Elijah might have expected God to show his powerful presence in a mighty wind, an earthquake, or a fire. But surprisingly, God came to Elijah with a gentle whisper. The soothing and comforting words of God reminded Elijah that the Lord was with him and would help him.

Sometimes life makes us very afraid. We might be in danger or feel lonely or very afraid, just like Elijah. We might wonder, “Where is God’s presence? Why won’t God help me? Why won’t he show me his power?” But don’t be confused or look for him in the wrong places! Instead, listen for the gentle whisper of God’s voice. No, it’s not coming from your cell phone or speaking to you in a dream. God’s gentle voice can be heard loud and clear through his Word. In the Bible, God makes his power so clear to us. He created us! He cares for us! He saved us! In the Bible, God also makes his comforting promises clear to us. He always forgives us! He’s always with us! He will take us to be with him in heaven!

Listen to the gentle whisper of your heavenly Father. The Bible is where you will find comfort and safety in his encouraging words.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to listen to your voice as you comfort and encourage me in 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

• Whose voice do you hear in the Bible?
• How does God want us to feel when we hear his voice?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Even though God always shows himself to be trustworthy, why do we become afraid so often?
• What Bible story or Bible verse is most comforting and encouraging to you? Why?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why doesn’t God show his power in amazing miracles today like he did in Bible times?
• How is a believer reading the Bible similar to a child being soothed by a parent’s voice? How is it different?

Hymn: CW 379:1,3 – Amazing Grace

Amazing grace—how sweet the sound—That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

 

Read: Romans 8:35-39

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:37-39

Nothing Can Separate Us from God’s Providing Love

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

This has been a very difficult year! Many sad and challenging things have happened in the world this year, but maybe the most difficult of them all has been the Coronavirus. This worldwide sickness has prevented people from going to school or church. Many have had to work from home. Some of have lost their jobs. And of course, many people have gotten sick, and some have even died.

Almost every part of regular life has been affected or changed by the Coronavirus. Well, except one thing. The one thing that has not changed over the last few months has been this—God still loves you. That has not changed and that will never change.

The apostle Paul is someone who also experienced a lot of challenges in his life. Sometimes he went without food or shelter. Sometimes people hurt him or put him in prison because he preached about Jesus. Yet no matter what happened to him, God still provided for him in love.

Today the apostle Paul reminds us with some very comforting words that nothing will stop God from loving us either. No trouble, no disease or virus, no angel or demon, not even death or life—no, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God. Nothing. Ever. What a comfort!

You see, God loves you so much that your sins couldn’t even separate you from his love. He sent Jesus to take away your sin so that you could experience his forgiveness and love every day as his dear child. God guaranteed you that love personally when you were baptized.

Since God loved you so much that he would provide for your spiritual needs, he will also love you enough to provide for your physical needs. In other words, if God loves you enough to provide you with life in heaven, he will also love you enough to provide you with the things you need for life here on earth.

Whether it’s the Coronavirus, cancer, or another sickness, whether it’s problems with friends or in your home, or whether there is danger or disaster, you can still rejoice that one thing will never change—God will be with you with his love!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that nothing will keep you from caring and providing 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

• What are some ways that your life has changed because of the Coronavirus?
• What are some ways God has shown your family love during these last few months?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain how God might work through bad things in life to show us love.
• Why is Jesus’ death on the cross the greatest proof of God’s love for us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are the hardest times or situations to trust that God still loves you? Why?
• If God’s love is given and revealed to us in Jesus, how can we stay more connected to him and his love?

Hymn: CW 349:1,5 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, Truest friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide thee, Naught I ask beside thee.

Hence, all fear and sadness! For the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father, Though the storms may gather, Still have peace within.
Yea, whate’er I here must bear, Thou art still my purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!

 

Read: Matthew 14:13-21

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 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 14:19-21

God Provides in Amazing Ways

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

“You’ve done it again, honey!” Dave said to his wife. “You’ve made enough food to feed an army!” It wasn’t a normal family get-together unless Dave spoke those words at some point. Aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents—the whole family would gather for fun weekends to enjoy family, fun, and lots of food! Usually it was about halfway through the meal that Dave, patting his full belly, would announce his famous line, “This is enough food to feed an army!”

That’s a funny phrase people use. Families often have big meals with way too much food, especially at Thanksgiving or Christmas. But could their food really feed an entire army of hungry people? No way! Who could actually provide that much food? Today we are reminded of one simple, yet amazing answer—Jesus. Jesus is so powerful that he can provide for all people.

Can you picture the hungry crowd we heard about today? Thousands and thousands of people were gathered to see and hear Jesus. However, it was well past snack time and now close to dinner time, so the disciples wanted to send the people away to eat. After all, hungry, grumpy people are no fun to be around! Besides, they had hardly any food—only five loaves of bread and two fish. That wasn’t enough to feed an army, this big crowd, or even the 12 disciples.

But Jesus was about to teach them something amazing on that day. After he gave thanks for the food they had, Jesus told the disciples to start handing it out to the people. Incredibly, not only did everyone eat, and not only were they all full and satisfied, but there were even 12 basketfuls left over! Incredible!

Who else could do something so amazing besides God himself? And that’s the point! Jesus shows us with this miracle that he is true God. As God, Jesus is able to provide for every need we have. Whether your family is very large or very small, God will provide. Whether your family has a lot of money or a little money, God will provide. Whether your fridge is full or almost empty, God will provide.

And here’s the best part, the loving Savior who can feed thousands of people is also the same Savior who is so powerful that he can provide what you really need—forgiveness of sins and life in heaven. Thanks be to God for all his physical and spiritual blessings!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for using your mighty power to provide for the needs of our bodies and our souls. 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 favorite foods that God provides for you?
• How does God use your family to provide for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does God bless people who work on farms or in fields so that they can provide food for us?
• What do we mean when we ask in the Lord’s Prayer for God to give us “daily bread”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: God shows he is loving by providing even for the unbelievers.
• Jesus provides us bread to eat, but what does he mean when he calls himself the Bread of Life?

Hymn: CW 349:1 – Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Jesus, priceless treasure, Fount of purest pleasure, Truest friend to me.
Ah, how long in anguish Shall my spirit languish, Yearning, Lord, for thee?
Thou art mine, O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide thee, Naught I ask beside thee.

 

Read: 1 Kings 3:5-12

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
1 Kings 3:10-12

Choose Spiritual over Worldly Wealth

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

If you could have anything in the world, absolutely anything you asked for, what would you want?

There might be all kinds of things running through your mind right now! The newest iPhone! All the video games ever! A new bike, no wait, three new bikes! A mansion on the beach! A pony! A rainbow-sparkled unicorn! A rocket ship to take me to the moon!

Meanwhile parents may be thinking, “I’d like all my bills paid, a bigger house, and a car with no dents in it, please!”

The question is hard for us even to imagine. We know it would never happen to us. No one ever gets everything they ask for.

Except, it did happen one time. It happened to King Solomon. God came to Solomon as he became king in place of his father David and told Solomon he could have anything he wanted.

Here’s the amazing thing though—Solomon didn’t ask to be famous, for money, or for anything even close to that. Solomon asked for wisdom. Solomon asked God to give him a heart and mind that would help him make good choices as king and in his life. Simply put, Solomon was asking for a heart that was guided by God’s Word. That’s true wisdom.

Now before you kids (or adults!) say, “Boring!” think again. The Lord was very pleased with Solomon. He could have asked for anything in the world, but all those things like money and possessions eventually go away. That’s why Solomon asked for something that was more valuable. And incredibly, God blessed Solomon with worldly riches too.

Learn from Solomon today. All of us may dream of various toys or tools or technology that we would love to have. But know what treasure is the most valuable! There is no treasure more valuable than knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior from sin. When you focus on your relationship with him and on his Word, that is true wisdom. And just like Solomon, God will bless it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, help me to love and treasure your holy Word. When I read, study, and learn from your Word, I know you will bless me and give me true wisdom. 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 special things that you want to have some day?
• Why is God’s Word so valuable and important?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain why having lots of money could lead you away from God.
• How can families show that they treasure God’s Word?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain how wisdom is different from intelligence. Then explain why wisdom is often more important than intelligence.
• If someone has godly wisdom, identify the kinds of choices they will make in life.

Hymn: CW 757:1,2 – Where Your Treasure Is

Refrain
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held within God’s care?
Refrain

Look at the ravens high above you.
They do not work their whole life through,
And yet God feeds them and protects them.
So how much more will God protect and care for you?
Refrain

 

Read: Romans 8:26-27

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27

The Holy Spirit Gives Strength to Live Differently

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

“Now I lay me down to sleep, I . . . pray . . . the . . . Lo– . . .” Gabriel was so exhausted that he fell asleep before he could even finish the prayer. His dad gave him a kiss on the forehead and went back to work. He had been working on a big project all week.

A few hours later, Gabriel’s dad crashed into his own bed. His pillow felt softer than ever before! “Dear Lord,” he prayed, “Thank you so much for my wife and for Gabriel and for our many blessings. Please . . . help . . . me . . . to . . .” Suddenly Gabriel’s dad went from mid-prayer to mid-snore. He was out like a light!

Has this happened to you before? Sometimes we get so tired! However, sometimes we have other prayer problems. Besides being so tired, we often can be very forgetful. We are so busy with everything that we forget to pray before meals, before bed, or before any other event of the day. However, maybe the hardest thing for us is even knowing what to pray. Adults especially can feel so overwhelmed and frustrated at times that they hardly even know what words to say in their prayers.

Good news though! You have a prayer teammate! Listen to this wonderful encouragement again today: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Did you know this is one of the jobs of the Holy Spirit? Sometimes we call him our Comforter or our Guide. How does he help to comfort and guide us? Well, when we feel weak or scared or frustrated, or when we are so tired that we fall asleep before we pray, the Holy Spirit will actually intercede for us. That’s a fancy word that means he will speak on our behalf. The Holy Spirit will go to our Heavenly Father with all the things we didn’t say or forgot to say. After all, the Holy Spirit is also true God and he knows everything on our hearts and minds.

So, don’t worry about your prayer life! Every person can continue to improve in prayer. Keep working on it! Keep reminding yourself to pray and bring everything you can remember to God. Then be confident. Trust that God knows what you want and need, and God the Holy Spirit will guide you every step of the way. Be bold and pray on!

Closing Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank you for knowing what’s on my heart and mind. Thank you for helping me with my prayers. Continue to guide me in all I think, say, and do. 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 your favorite prayer?
• When are times that we should be praying?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What things should we include in our prayers?
• Agree or Disagree: We should not bring little things to God in prayer. Explain your answer.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree or Disagree: There are bad things to pray about. Explain your answer.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray continually.” What do you think that verse looks like in real life? How does someone realistically do that?

Hymn: CW 221:1,4 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Blessed Jesus, at your Word We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love you solely.

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Praise to you and adoration!
Grant that we your Word may trust, Confident of our salvation,
While we here below must wander, Till we sing your praises yonder.

 

Read: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

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 the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Matthew 13:30,43

Christians Live Differently than Unbelievers

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

“Now is it ready? Now is it ready?” Four-year-old Sydney was bouncing with excitement. “Sydney,” her mom said. “You just planted the seeds yesterday. Not yet.” Sydney couldn’t wait to see when the favorite vegetable she planted would sprout up. She didn’t understand that when she planted seeds, she wouldn’t be eating vegetables the next day!

Sydney kept asking and asking week after week until finally she saw something poke out of the ground. “Yes! Almost ready!” she exclaimed. But then one morning Sydney peeked out the window again and cried out, “Oh no! Mom! Look!” Sydney’s mom came to the window and saw that suddenly the garden of beans was also filled with weeds. This meant big problems for their growing plants.

This week Jesus tells another parable about seeds. Last week, God’s Word was the seed. This time, Christians are the seeds that grow into wheat. But there’s a big problem in this story—weeds. The weeds are all the many unbelievers who want to cause problems for believers. They want to tempt us to sin. They want us to turn away from God. They want our faith to wither out and die.

Jesus says something interesting in this story though. Sydney and her mom were about to go pull out all the weeds in their garden. But in this story, Jesus said that the wheat and the weeds were going to grow together until the very end. What does he mean?

Jesus is telling us that we believers are going to live together with unbelievers in this world until the very Last Day. We will live in communities together, go to school together, and work together. That will mean big problems for us at times. We have to be careful to stay connected to Jesus and his Word so that we as wheat can grow strong in our faith. That way the “weeds” won’t affect us.

Did you hear the wonderful promise at the end though? God in his grace will keep us strong in our faith until the Last Day, judgment day, when Jesus comes back. That’s when he will gather all the wheat (us believers) into his barn (heaven). Jesus says then we will shine like the sun in his kingdom. So dear Christians, keep growing strong as wheat and watch out for the weeds!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, there are many unbelievers who want us to turn away from you, just like Satan does. Help us to grow strong in faith and stay connected to you until you bring us safely 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

• Why are weeds dangerous to plants?
• Why is Satan dangerous to believers?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What sorts of things do unbelievers tempt believers to do?
• When good can come from God allowing us to be tempted in our faith?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Evaluate this statement: In order to protect their faith, Christians should not be friends with any unbelievers.
• Agree or Disagree: TV, movies, and music can be greater dangers to our faith than living by or working with unbelievers. Explain your answer.

Hymn: CW 221:1,2 – Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Blessed Jesus, at your Word We are gathered all to hear you.
Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear you,
By your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love you solely.

All our knowledge, sense, and sight Lie in deepest darkness shrouded
Till your Spirit breaks our night With the beams of truth unclouded.
You alone to God can win us; You must work all good within us.

 

Read: Isaiah 55:10-11

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11

God’s Word is Always Powerful in Our Lives

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

“What church do you go to?” Noah asked. “Huh?” Tyler was confused. Why was Noah asking him this, and why in the dugout during the 3rd inning? “I don’t really go to church,” Tyler said. Nine-year-old Noah was equally confused—and concerned. “Well you should go to church to learn about Jesus and heaven. It’s really important. My family goes all the time. Your family should come some time.” And that was that. Noah was about to bat, so the conversation was over.

It was four months later that Noah was getting a drink of water before church one Sunday when out of nowhere he saw Tyler’s family walk into church. He ran over to give Tyler a fist bump. Noah’s parents said they were so glad to see Tyler’s parents in church instead of at a baseball field. That’s when Tyler’s parents explained. Tyler’s dad had just lost his job. The family was afraid and looking for some answers. They remembered that a couple months ago Noah had invited Tyler to church, so they thought they would try it out.

As it turned out, the good news of the Savior Jesus was so comforting to Tyler’s family that they came back to church again . . . and again . . . and again, until they finally joined the church a few months later. Just think! A family joined a church and became believers in Jesus all because one year before that nine-year-old Noah said a few things about Jesus during a baseball game!

Wow! God’s Word is so powerful! The amazing thing is that we can count on God’s Word being powerful and working every single time!

God tells us today through the prophet Isaiah that just like the rain falls from the sky and always makes the ground wet and always causes things to grow, so we can always count on God’s Word to do what God wants it to.

Sometimes the Word may give a little wake up call, like an alarm clock in the morning, as it tells people to stop sinning and turn back to God. That’s called the law. Other times the Word is so comforting and soothing, like aloe on a sunburn, as it tells people that Jesus has washed away their sins. That’s called the gospel. But every single time, God’s Word will be powerful as it goes to work.

So, tell a teammate about Jesus! Invite a friend from school to church! You never know how God’s Word will work, but it will work! You might just see that friend sitting next to you in church one day. Even better, you might just see that person with you in heaven!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for your powerful Word. Help me find ways to share it with other people. I know you will bless it when I do. 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 does God use to “water” your faith and make it grow?
• Do you know anyone that needs to know about Jesus? Do your parents?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Jesus used regular, everyday people like fishermen to be his disciples and to preach. What does that mean about you?
• Is there someone you can invite to church? How will you invite them? When will you invite them?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Evaluate this statement: There are times that people are simply too stubborn for God’s Word to work in their hearts.
• Evaluate this statement: We know God’s Word is powerful because we can see it working in people.

Hymn: CW 293 – God’s Word is Our Great Heritage

God’s Word is our great heritage
And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age
Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way;
In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant, while worlds endure,
We keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations.

 

Read: Romans 7:15-25

For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:19, 24-25

God Gives Us Rest by Giving Us Victory Over Sin

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

“Why would you do that?” the frustrated parents asked Isaiah. “I don’t know,” he said. “Well what were you thinking?” they asked with a firm tone of voice. “I guess I wasn’t thinking,” he replied. “Haven’t we talked to you about this before?” With a shaky voice and tears in his eyes, Isaiah said, “I don’t know, OK? I didn’t mean to. I didn’t want to. But I just did. I don’t know why I did it, but I did. I guess I can’t help myself.”

How frustrating! Sometimes we try so hard to do what is right. We try to do what God wants. We try to show love to him and love to others. But then we fail again . . . and again . . . and again. And many times, we commit the same sins over and over and over! Why is that?

Even though we are God’s children who are forgiven and dearly loved, deep down inside we still have something rotten and bad called our “sinful nature.” This is the natural part of us that wants to fight against our faith. Our faith says, “Obey God!” but our sinful nature says, “Don’t do it!” And many times, we lose the fight and do what’s wrong. That’s called sin.

The apostle Paul understood this battle. Even though he was a great apostle who preached God’s Word to many people, he was still a sinner. Many times Paul felt like a worn out wrestler who was losing the wrestling match with his sinful nature. He wanted to do good things, but often he didn’t. And when he didn’t want to sin, he would sin anyways. This made Paul feel sometimes like he was the chief—the worst—of all sinners. So finally Paul cried out, “Who will rescue me from this?”

Thankfully Paul knew the answer and he shares it with us today. Who will rescue us from the sins we keep falling into? Jesus! Paul wrote, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

You see, Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted. He was tempted to do all the things that we are tempted to do. But Jesus never sinned. Not once! Yet not only did he defeat the devil with his perfect life, Jesus also crushed him at the cross when he washed all our sins away. Jesus even came out of the tomb alive on Easter to prove that he won the victory over death and the devil. Jesus won the fight once and for all!

Do you know what that means for you? You are still going to wrestle with sin. You are still going to be tempted. And yes, you will still fall into sin. But you can always rest in the victory of Jesus! Jesus is the mighty Savior who will give you the strength to fight against temptation, and Jesus is the loving Savior who will always forgive you when you fall into sin. His victory is your victory now and always. Thanks be to God!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help me to fight against sin. I know I fall into the same sins often, but you forgive me because of your victory at the cross. Thank you for your love and your strength as I live my life for 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

• What are things that your parents or teachers remind you to do over and over again?
• Whom do we make happy when we listen to and obey other adults?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What temptations do you think are the most difficult for kids to fight against?
• How do we know that Jesus has more power than sin and Satan?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree or Disagree: Since I can’t help myself from falling into sin, I shouldn’t even bother to try.
• Recall the brief opening story of the devotion about Isaiah. What kinds of thoughts and feelings go through the minds of people who fall into the same sins over and over? How does Jesus give us comfort and rest when we have those kinds of thoughts or feelings?

Hymn: CW 385:4,5 – Chief of Sinners Though I Be

Chief of sinners though I be, Christ is all in all to me.
All my wants to him are known; All my sorrows are his own.
Safe with him in earthly strife, I await the heav’nly life.

Strengthen me, O gracious Lord, By your Spirit and your word.
When my wayward heart would stray, Keep me in the narrow way;
Grace in time of need supply While I live and when I die.

 

Read: Matthew 11:25-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus Alone Gives Us Rest

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

“I don’t wanna! No! I’m not going to go to bed!” Little Gwendolyn insisted on staying awake as tears streamed down her face. “No bedtime! I’m a big girl!” she shouted to the front from her car seat in back.

What Gwendolyn didn’t realize was that she was exhausted. She had been at preschool all day. She had a quick mac ‘n’ cheese cup in the van, and she just completed a long gymnastics practice. It actually was already 30 minutes past her normal bedtime.

Sure enough, by the time mom pulled into the driveway, she looked in the mirror and saw Gwendolyn’s head drooped over fast asleep in her car seat and drooling on her lap. Nothing was going to feel as good as mom putting her into her cozy bed with her fuzzy pillows and stuffed animals!

Have you felt tired lately? If you are a student, you may be glad that it is summer break. School is tiring! But sometimes summer is, too. There can be lots of activities, practices, games, or busy family vacations. If you are an adult, maybe the frantic schedules of everyday life are wearing you down as well. After all, you are the one that has to drive to all those activities, practices, and games, and you are the one to plan those busy family vacations! On top of that, we are still trying to figure our way out of the many problems that have come to us all from the coronavirus. Maybe all of you have felt totally exhausted recently, so tired that you could just crash on your pillow and sleep like a cozy bear in happy hibernation!

Then again, sometimes it’s not just our bodies that are tired. Sometimes you may feel burdened by all the sins that you have committed. “Ah! I’ve done that again! I can’t believe I sinned again! When am I ever going to do things right?!”

Christian friends, do not worry! We all get tired physically and spiritually. But we have the perfect place to rest—in Jesus! No, Jesus will not offer you a soft pillow or a fuzzy blanket. Even better than that—Jesus allows you to rest in his loving arms. He invites you to come to him and find forgiveness for all your sin. He offers you the cozy peace of knowing God loves you dearly as his own child. And best of all, the comfort and rest of life in heaven is waiting for you as well. No matter how tired you may be, Jesus will always provide the rest that we need so much. So go to church, go to the Word, go to Jesus, and rest up!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I am often very tired from the things that I do in this life as well as tired from the sins that I have done. Help me always to go to you to find true rest. 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 things make you tired in life?
• Why would we call heaven a place of rest?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does Jesus mean when he says we can find rest in him?
• Sabbath is a word that means rest. How does remembering the Sabbath Day (the Third Commandment) connect to finding rest in Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify some of the other things that people look to for rest in this world. Explain why they will never offer us rest as good as the rest that Jesus offers.
• Jesus says today, “Come to me.” Identify all the ways that we can go to Jesus (or that he comes to us). Then discuss how we can work on having this kind of rest more often.

Hymn: CW 385:1,2 – Chief of Sinners Though I Be

Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed his blood for me,
Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine, I am his and he is mine!

Oh, the height of Jesus’ love, Higher than the heav’ns above,
Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity,
Love that found me—wondrous thought!—Found me when I sought him not.