Read: 1 Peter 4:12-17;5:6-11

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you… And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:7,10,11

Why Worry When You Can Pray?

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

A familiar sight on weekends this time of year is baseball and softball fields full of kids. Imagine you have a game this Saturday morning. Things couldn’t have started any worse. First, you forgot your glove and had to borrow one that was too small. In the first inning you had two errors and struck out. Then everything changed. You ended up hitting four home runs, made five catches in center field, struck out all six batters in your two innings of pitching, and your team won the game 26-1. Would you say that was a bad game or a good game?

The apostle Peter tells us throughout our life on earth we will suffer because of our faith in Jesus and our desire to live for him. Peter saw and experienced the terrible suffering of Christians in the early church. They were persecuted by the Roman Empire.

That may make you pray, “Dear Jesus, don’t let bad things happen to me!” But the truth is, you will face challenges in your life. What might that look like for a 5-, 9-, or 13-year-old? Maybe it is being made fun of by others because you don’t watch certain shows or take part in behavior that God says is wrong. What if you missed a ballgame or overnight at a friend’s house because you went to church with your family? Are you afraid you might be looked at differently?

These challenges often cause us to worry or be anxious. Peter provides helpful advice to handle worry. He encourages us to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” It means this: Everything that makes you wrinkle up your forehead with worry lines… hurl it like a baseball in the Lord’s direction. God will catch it. Why? “Because [God] cares for you.” When another round of “Oh, no” leaves your lips… it’s so nice to know that those are the very moments God feels concern for each one of us. You are not just a “spot” in the universe. He knows and he cares!

A line in the hymn “Amazing Grace” says that when we’ve been in heaven for 10,000 years it will feel like we just arrived. We may suffer for a little while now, but it’s not going to last! May God give us strength to face challenges here on earth until that day when he calls us to our real home in heaven.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Risen Savior, help us to cast all our anxieties on you. We thank you for doing everything needed for us to be saved, and may we find comfort knowing one day we will live with you forever in our real home, 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

• What is something that makes you sad/scared?
• What did today’s devotion tell you to do with anything that makes you sad/scared?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Have you ever faced challenges because you are a Christian? What did it look like? How did it make you feel?
• If Jesus was able to take care of our biggest problem called sin, what does that mean for the problems where we ask for his help?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being “not well” and 5 being “very well”), assess how you handle problems that come your way. Based on today’s devotion, identify one thing you want to do to better handle them (i.e., prayer, etc.).
• How does knowing our time here on earth is so short compared to the eternity we will spend in heaven help you deal with challenges you face?

 

 

Read: Luke 24:44-53

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem… When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
Luke 24:45-47,50-53

Jesus and the Many Crowns

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

On September 8, Queen Elizabeth of England died. After her death, her son Charles became the king of England. However, his coronation as king didn’t happen until May 6—nine months later.

In a coronation ceremony, a crown is placed on the new king’s head. Even though Charles became king last September, May 6 was an important day. That day the world saw the crown placed on his head to show him as king.

Jesus was the King of heaven from eternity. When he became human that first Christmas, he took off his kingly crown and left it in heaven. You could say he “stored” or “set aside” the use of his powers as King so he could come do his job as our Savior.

Jesus wore two other crowns here on earth.

First, he wore the “crown” of God the Father’s approval. The Father said it at Jesus’ baptism and at his transfiguration. “This is my Son. In him I am well-pleased” (Luke 3:22, Matthew 17:5). Jesus wore the crown of pleasing God. What pleases God? Matthew 5:48 tells us. “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Jesus wore the crown of God’s approval because he lived perfectly. He wore that crown for you, because you didn’t earn that crown by living perfectly.

Jesus wore a second crown here on earth—the crown of God’s fair punishment. It included thorns on his head, and it was part of his suffering when he died on the cross. It was what we deserved because we didn’t earn God’s approval with our lives. He wore the crown and all the suffering until the all-important words: “It is finished.”

Fast forward 43 days. Jesus has risen from the dead and spent 40 days teaching and encouraging believers. He is at the top of a mountain. He is going back to heaven to take back his crown as King. It is, in some ways, his coronation day.

His disciples watch in joy. They are seeing the coronation of their King. We watch through God’s Word. Our King is crowned. He has accomplished our salvation by wearing the crowns of God’s approval and God’s fair punishment for sin. Now he reigns in heaven, where he waits with a crown for each of us.

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you ascended to your rightful place as king of heaven. I can’t wait to someday join you there and have you place a crown of victory on my head. 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 did Jesus have to leave heaven and come to earth?
• Jesus left some of his power in heaven when he came to earth. When did he get all that power back?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What were the two earthly crowns Jesus wore on earth to save us?
• How was Jesus’ ascension like a coronation?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why was God the Father pleased with Jesus?
• How was God’s approval of Jesus transferred to you?

 

 

Read: Acts 17:22-31

Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.
Acts 17:29-31

Nature and Nurture

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

It can be fun to look at yourself and think about everything God uses to make you who you are. Sometimes it’s called “nature and nurture.” Nature is the way I am because of the parents I was born to, my biological parents. Nurture is the way I am because of the parents I live with. For some kids, their “nature parents” and their “nurture parents” are the same people. For kids who live with different parents than the ones they were born to, this discovery can be even more interesting.

Let’s try some together. Following is a list describing things about you. After you hear each one, determine if it is nature or nurture. Or, maybe both. Ready? Here we go:

• My eye color
• How tall I am
• I like to throw my empty soda can across the kitchen to the recycling bin
• Math feels easy for me
• I love to hike in the mountains

It is beautiful how God uses both your physical traits and what you experience to make you who you are.

The Bible calls people who believe in Jesus, “children of God.” What do God’s children look like, spiritually?

Our text says that God’s children repent. To repent means:

• Knowing when you have sinned and wishing you hadn’t done it
• Trusting that Jesus took your sin away and it isn’t a problem between you and your heavenly Father

Like people might know who your mom is because of how you look, God’s children look a certain way too. They don’t like to sin. And they know their sin is gone from God’s memory, so they aren’t afraid.

And like people might know who your dad is because you both are great helpers, people who spend time with God act a certain way. People who spend time with God in his Word know how much their Father loves them. That love pours out in lives that thank him. You look like your heavenly Father when his love inspires you to treat others kindly. You resemble him when you speak truthfully and act lovingly.

We are God’s creations, his amazing combinations of who we are and who we spend time with. Love who God made you to be.

Love even more who God made you in Jesus. You are God’s child, and it shows in your understanding of your sin and Jesus’ forgiveness. You live with God in his Word, and it shows in the life of love you offer to God and those around you.

Closing Prayer:

God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! (Christian Worship 679:1)
Thank you for making me your dear child. Help me to live as your child—being sorry for my sins, trusting that you forgive me, and living a thankful 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

• Name one thing you do the same as your mom or dad.
• Name one thing you try to do the same as Jesus.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Tell your parent(s) at least one way you want to be just like them.
• The Bible says: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” What are two ways you can let your light shine today?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is the difference between being God’s creation and God’s child?
• You are both! What is something you appreciate about being each?

 

 

Read: 1 Peter 2:7,8

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”
1 Peter 2:7,8

Would You Rather?

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

Let’s play a game called “Would You Rather.” Teachers use it at the beginning of a school year. Or families play it on road trips. There are two ways to play this game.

In one version, someone asks, “Would you rather vacation at the beach or in the mountains?” It’s a fun way to get to know each other. And there are no wrong answers.

The other version involves giving two options, both of which would be unpleasant. For example: “Would you rather find a rat in your kitchen or a roach in your bed?” You find yourself thinking, “Yuck! I wouldn’t want either of those. They both make me miserable.”

Here’s another “would you rather” situation all people find themselves in by nature: Would you rather be punished for the bad things you do that displease God or spend all your time trying to do enough good things to make up for all the bad things? Everyone has the natural idea that they should do something to please God and be punished for the bad things they do. This is called a conscience. By nature, people are afraid because they can’t ever do enough to deserve heaven.

And today’s text tells us another sad truth: It bothers people to think that Jesus earned heaven for them and just handed it to them for free. That seems foolish, and they trip on it like it’s a problem in the way.

Yes, by nature we are all playing a terrifying game of “would you rather.” It comes down to: Would you rather be afraid because you can’t keep God’s commands perfectly or admit that Jesus did it for you? Sinful, natural hearts don’t want either of those.

But along comes the Holy Spirit. He uses the Word of God and baptism to make us know, trust, and love the fact that Jesus lived perfectly and died for us. For us, the question has a clear answer.

Let’s try some:

• Would you rather eat _______ (your favorite food) whenever you want or have to eat ______ (your least favorite food) at every meal? Obvious, right?
• Would you rather know you are going to heaven because Jesus loves you so much that he saved you or be afraid of hell because you sin?

Thank God the Holy Spirit makes it crystal clear. Heaven is ours and we are sure of it!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, you were stronger than my unbelieving heart! You used your Word to show me Jesus as my Savior. Thank you! 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

• Why don’t we have to be afraid of hell?
• How did Jesus save us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does God use to give us faith in Jesus?
• Describe how you feel knowing you are going to heaven because Jesus loves and saved you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do some people “stumble” in believing the idea that Jesus did everything needed for our salvation?
• What could you say to someone who thinks the idea of salvation through faith in Jesus is foolishness?

 

 

Read: John 10:1-10

[The shepherd] calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:3b,4

The Sheep in the Ditch

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

Recently, there was a popular video clip online of a sheep stuck in a narrow ditch. A man struggled to pull the sheep out. He was practically laying on the ground, yanking and tugging at the sheep’s legs. He gave a final tug, and the sheep was free! The sheep bounded off, but seconds later, took a flying leap and… got stuck again. Ugh! What a challenge that shepherd had to take care of that sheep.

In God’s Word today, Jesus compares himself to a shepherd. Shepherds have difficult jobs. They have to keep the sheep safe on dangerous, rocky ground. A shepherd has to protect the sheep from wild animals looking for a free meal. He has to find them enough food and water in areas that may be very dry and bare. But that’s the job of a shepherd: to lead and feed sheep so they follow him.

If Jesus is the shepherd, what does that make us? We are the sheep, maybe like that one stuck in the ditch. We are powerless. We cannot save ourselves. We need someone to rescue us, keep us safe, and provide for us. The shepherd needs to lead us to safe pastures. He sometimes even has to protect us from ourselves!

Jesus truly is our Good Shepherd; he calls us by name. Luther’s Catechism says “He has called us by the Gospel.” The Gospel, in Word and sacrament is how God reaches out to us, creating faith in our hearts. Trusting his Word, we hear his voice and follow him. We are closely connected to our shepherd.

Can you think of times that Jesus has kept you safe in a dangerous situation? You might think of a close call on a busy interstate, a bumpy plane ride, a time you were really, really sick and it scared you. Can you even imagine all the ways that Jesus kept you safe when you didn’t know it?

Every day, Jesus our Good Shepherd provides for us—our favorite foods, a cozy bed, our favorite stuffed animal. They all remind us of the tender love and care of the Good Shepherd.

Don’t be ashamed to think of yourself as a sheep in the ditch. It means you have a shepherd who is always ready and willing to pull you out!

Closing Prayer:

The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness fails me never;
I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever. Amen.
(Christian Worship 552:1)

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 today’s devotion, who is the Good Shepherd? Who is the sheep?
• Share one of your favorite things that the Good Shepherd has given you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If you are like a sheep, what gets you into trouble the most?
• Remember a time when Jesus was like a shepherd to you. How did he rescue you? Provide for you? Lead you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Can you think of any hymns that compare Jesus to a shepherd? Or us to sheep?
• Before you jump in and get stuck, identify a “ditch” that is dangerous in your life. Then, identify a way you can stay ten steps away from it with your Shepherd’s help.

 

 

Read: Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42

What does devotion look like?

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

Do you know anyone who is a really devoted sports fan? They are so enthusiastic about their favorite team, it affects everything they do. Maybe they own multiple shirts with their team’s logo. They watch every game. They know every player’s name, along with team trivia. One avid fan even bought a casket in his team’s colors and kept it in his living room until he needed it. His devotion carried on even after he died. Now that’s devotion!

In today’s devotion, believers in the early Christian church were devoted too, but not to a sports team. They were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. It means they were enthusiastic to hear everything the personal disciples of Jesus said about him. What had they learned from the apostles? Everything Jesus did and taught. They listened closely to the details about his life, death, and resurrection. They learned about repentance and forgiveness. They found out that Jesus lived a perfect life to fulfill all the Old Testament prophecies and that he died on the cross to forgive the sins of everyone. How exciting to hear that Jesus rose and then ascended into heaven, where he rules all things for our good. They couldn’t get enough of this awesome news. It completely changed their lives!

The devotion of the early church members affected everything they did. They wanted to spend as much time as they could with each other, so they worshiped and studied together. They celebrated the Lord’s Supper together. Love and devotion to Jesus made them devoted to one another as well. They shared what they had with each other, eating meals together. Everyone saw their genuine love and devotion. Many other people saw it. When they heard about Jesus, they believed too.

In the same way, our devotion to Jesus affects what we do. We may have a shirt that proclaims our faith, or we may wear a cross necklace or bracelet. We also enjoy fellowship and the breaking of bread with other believers. You may gather after church for donuts and coffee or sit down to a meal together before an evening service. During worship, we watch as our church family enjoys the Lord’s Supper in church with each other. We make Sunday worship a priority for our family, even if it sometimes means missing something else. Why? Because we’re devoted! We look forward to our home in heaven where we will join all enthusiastic believers in eternal devotion to our Savior.

Now that’s devotion!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, help our devotion to you be evident in our family. Guide us to show your love to everyone around us. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What is one way you want to show you are devoted to Jesus?
• What is your favorite thing to do together with friends at church?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Think of at least one way to help grow your devotion to the “apostles’ teachings.”
• Now, think of at least one thing that you do this week because you are devoted to Jesus.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• You may be in confirmation or already confirmed. Why is the Lord’s Supper so special?
• Discuss how your congregation shows love to each other. Evaluate if it looks anything like the example of the early church.

 

 

Read: 1 Peter 1:17-21

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:17-19

Where Do You Belong?

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

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? Maybe you were the new kid in class and didn’t know anyone. Or you were trying a new sport and everyone else seemed to know what they were doing when you didn’t. Maybe you got your first job, and working at the cash register was harder than you thought. It can be confusing and uncomfortable to feel like you don’t fit in.

The people Peter was talking to were Christians who were suffering more than a little confusion and discomfort. They were being mistreated for their faith. They felt like outcasts in the world, like they didn’t fit in. They felt as if they didn’t belong.

Peter reassured them that they were strangers here in this world—and that’s okay! God called them to live differently. They were to focus on him, living their lives with respect to him. The passage says they were supposed to live in “reverent fear.” That doesn’t mean they needed to be afraid. It’s a way of encouraging them to live in awe and wonder at all God had done for them. They weren’t supposed to worry about what others thought. All that mattered was what God wanted. As a result, their lives would look very different from those around them. They might even look different than the lives of their parents. But if Christians don’t belong here on earth, where do they belong?

Peter assured them that they were saved from the empty way of life that the world lives. Not gold or silver, but Jesus’ perfect life and innocent death paid the debt owed by sinners. We have been redeemed or bought back. After Jesus paid for our sins, he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. He promises that he has prepared a place for us. We have a home in heaven. There is a place where we belong! We have a forever home waiting for us.

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? You’re in good company! We will often feel like strangers in this world. We are uncomfortable, and we don’t fit in. That’s okay! Peter’s words can help us when we feel like we don’t belong. Live your life with respect to God, don’t worry about what others think. God loved you so much he sent his son to save you and prepare a place for you in heaven. We can be confident that we have a forever home where we perfectly belong.

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for this message of hope in a difficult world. We know that we have a certain home in heaven with you. Help us live our lives as strangers in this sinful 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

• What did Jesus use to pay for your sins? Gold or silver? Or what else?
• Where did Jesus make a home for you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In the moments you don’t feel like you fit in, where do you belong?
• What does it mean to live in “reverent fear”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Today’s devotion encouraged, “Live your lives as strangers in reverent fear.” How can you live as a stranger here?
• How does today’s devotion comfort you when you don’t feel like you “belong”?

 

 

Read: John 20:19-31

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:29

I’m Blessed to Believe!

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

Some news is so wonderful we have a hard time believing it is true. You won the prize—I can’t believe it! You are going to Disney World—no way! If someone told you this news, you may need some proof to believe it. However, when the prize is placed into your hand or you are standing in front of Cinderella’s castle at Disney, then you believe and rejoice.

Thomas, Jesus’ disciple, knew how that felt. He saw Jesus tortured and hung on the cross. The soldiers pierced the side of Jesus, proving he was dead. Friends buried Jesus and closed the tomb. Jesus’ disciples were sad and scared and locked in a room. Suddenly, Jesus showed up—alive! But Thomas was not there to see this glorious event. When his friends shared the amazing news that Jesus was alive, Thomas just couldn’t believe—it was too good to be true. Thomas said he would need to see and feel Jesus to believe this wonderful news. Jesus loved Thomas and wanted him to believe, so Jesus gave Thomas exactly what he needed. One week later, the risen Jesus appeared to Thomas. When Thomas saw Jesus, he believed and rejoiced.

We have not seen Jesus with our own eyes. So why should we believe in him? Here’s why: The Bible was written so we can believe what we have not seen. Sometimes our faith is weak, and we wonder if everything in the Bible can be true. Like Thomas, we doubt. The same God who loved Thomas and gave him exactly what he needed loves us, and he gives us everything we need to believe and go to heaven. The Holy Spirit comes to us in baptism and creates faith. Every time we hear God’s Word, the Holy Spirit is right there and assures us, “Yep, it’s all true! Jesus rose from the dead; he conquered death for you!”

In our Bible reading, Jesus said we are blessed because we believe in him even though we do not see him. He promises that one day when we die, we will see him with our own eyes. Then we will know with our eyes what we now know with our hearts. Jesus is our risen Lord and Savior. Believe and rejoice!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, how grateful we are that you always give us what we need! When we doubt your love for us, come to us in your Word and make us strong again. 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

• Share one thing that happened today that was really good news.
• What was the best news you heard in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Have you ever heard news you thought was too good to be true? What was it?
• How can you believe Jesus is real if you’ve never seen him with your eyes?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• We sometimes doubt like Thomas. What are some things that make you doubt that God really loves you?
• What can you do in those moments of doubt to remind yourself of God’s love for you?

 

 

Read: Acts 2:14a,22-32

I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Acts 2:25

I Am Never Alone

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

Have you ever had a job to do that seemed so big you did not even want to start? Maybe your room was a mess, and your mom said, “Time to clean up!” and you didn’t think you could get it done all by yourself. Or, there’s so much homework, you don’t know where to start much less what to do. Help!

Can you imagine how the disciples felt after the first Easter? Just a few days before, Jesus introduced the first Lord’s Supper with them. In the hours that followed, Jesus was hung on the cross by his enemies, and he died. Three days later, their eyes saw the unbelievable—Jesus was alive! He conquered death and rose from the dead. What news this was to share! So God sent the disciples to tell everyone all about Jesus. They were even supposed to tell the enemies that hung Jesus on a cross. That must have been scary. Help is what the disciples needed.

God gave the disciples the help they needed. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he promised to always be with his disciples. They would never be alone in their work. On a special day called Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples the gifts they needed to spread the Gospel. They had what they needed to do the work. Now they did not have to be afraid—they knew God was with them and would help them with their important work of telling people about Jesus.

Jesus’s perfect life and death paid for our sins. His empty grave means our grave will also be empty. This is the best news. If we know and believe this good news, God has work for us to do. Like the disciples, God wants us to boldly share the good news of Jesus, our Savior. He does not want us to be overwhelmed or frightened. But should you ever be, cry out “Help!” The Holy Spirit gives us faith and all we need to do this work. Jesus wants us to see that he is with us. With God by our side and his word in our heart, we have all the help we need.

Let’s go and tell!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, forgive us for the times we have been afraid to talk about you. May we always remember you are with us and you have given us everything we need. Help us share your wonderful, saving love 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 something you are afraid to do by yourself?
• Who can help you to do this hard thing?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Recall the last time you dragged your feet because you didn’t want to do something. How did you get this job done?
• Listen to Acts 2:25 again. How does this verse remind you that God has given all the help you need to share Jesus with others?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Give at least one reason why sharing Jesus is so important.
• With someone specifically in mind, what can you do to prepare yourself to share the love of Jesus with him (or her)?

 

 

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
1 Corinthians 15:2

Hold on!

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

There once was a generous uncle who found joy spending time with his nieces and nephews. These children spent happy days on his farm where he taught them the value of hard work and joyful play.

One breezy day, he bought them each a kite and took them out to a field. After showing them how, he handed each of them a kite, smiled and said, “Now, hold on tight.” But one girl was distracted by all the beautiful kites around her. She let go. Her kite quickly caught a breeze and blew high and disappeared across the highway. As she watched her cousins happily playing with their kites, she was sorry she had not held on to hers. Her uncle was sad for her, but he did not replace her kite. He taught her another valuable lesson—we can lose things when we do not hold on.

In our Bible reading today, Paul writes to the Corinthians. He tells them to hold on tight. They are not to hold tight to a kite—he tells them to hold tight to the precious message he gives them. Paul preached the good news of Jesus Christ who died for our sins, rose from the dead, and then appeared to many people, proving he conquered death. Paul knew they could be easily distracted by others who seemed wise but were teaching things which were false. Would they listen to false teachers or hold tight to the truth?

God knows how easily distracted we can be. He had Paul write down these words for us so we would remember to hold tight to the gospel message. Like pretty kites swirling around us, worldly things tempt us to let go. We get so busy, and in our desire to not miss out on things—sports, school, friends—we let go of our time with God in his Word.

You see, if we let go of the gospel, we lose more than a kite. It’s possible to lose the life in heaven Jesus won for us. On our own, we will not hold on tight. So God promises to help us hold on tight. He sends his Holy Spirit who encourages us, “Hold on!” In his Word, in our baptism, and in the Lord’s Supper, we are strengthened to do it.

Dear one, listen to him and hold on!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, you come to us in God’s Word and give us the strength to hold on to Jesus. Forgive us for being easily distracted and not holding tightly. May we always turn to God’s Word for forgiveness and new life in 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 you lost something important to you?
• How would you feel if you found it?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name two things your family does to hold tight to the good news of Jesus?
• Why should you consider helping someone else hold tight to the good news of Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name something in your that tempts you to loosen your grip on God’s Word.
• What can you do to make sure to not let go of Jesus?

 

 

Read: John 19:17-30

Carrying his own cross, [Jesus] went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19:17,18,28,30

It Is Finished

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

Long ago, there was a famous religious leader named Buddha. Lots of people follow his teachings. Their religion is called Buddhism. When Buddha was about to die, he spoke some famous last words. On his deathbed, he told his followers: “Strive without ceasing.” In other words, he told them, “Keep on trying hard. Keep working. You might make it!”

That’s what we often tell ourselves: “If I just try my hardest, God will be happy with me. If I just do my best, I’m sure God will let me into heaven. I’m going to strive without ceasing!” Have you ever thought things like that? There’s a big problem: We can’t. Do you always try your hardest? Nope. Do you always do your best? Do you always do the right thing? No way. Every one of us is sinful. If we need to strive without ceasing to make it to heaven, no one is going to make it!

Thankfully, Jesus said something completely different before he died. On Good Friday, as he hung on the cross, Jesus said these words: “It is finished.” Instead of saying, “You need to keep working really hard to earn your salvation,” Jesus said, “It is done. I have earned your salvation. I have lived for you. I have died for you. So that you are forgiven and loved and saved. All the work is finished. That means it’s not up to you, it’s up to me. It is finished!” Isn’t that great?

During Holy Week, some churches put up banners that say, “Paid in full!” Have you ever seen or heard that phrase before? It’s absolutely true: “Paid in full!” Jesus paid in full for all of our sins. Jesus paid in full to win eternal life for us. Jesus paid in full the punishment we deserved.

That’s why we can call the day that Jesus died “Good Friday.” It’s certainly sad that Jesus died. It’s sad that it’s our sins that led Jesus to suffer so much. But that was a good day. Actually, it was a great day, because on Good Friday, Jesus saved us. We want to do our best. We want to live for Jesus. As you do, remember this: You can’t earn any of God’s blessings. They are all gifts to you through faith in Jesus. That’s why Jesus cried, “It is finished!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for us. Because you did everything, we can know that we are saved and forgiven by faith in him. How good it is to know that it is finished! 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

• Do we always do the right thing?
• What did Jesus do on Good Friday to save us from our sins?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Compare Jesus’ last words with Buddha’s last words. What’s the difference?
• Explain why Jesus’ last words give us a lot more peace than Buddha’s last words ever could.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• By nature, every one of us thinks like Buddha thought. Why is it that we always think we can earn our way to heaven?
• Read Luke 23:39-43. How does that story show that Jesus truly saved everyone who believes in him?

 

 

Read: Matthew 21:1-11

The disciples brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Matthew 21:7-9

Welcome the King!

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

What does your family do to welcome someone to your house? You probably clean the house. You put your toys away. You vacuum and sweep and dust and mop. You think of fun activities to do with them. You plan special foods to cook and eat with them. Why do you do all of that? Because you love them, and you are happy they are coming to visit you.

On one special day—Palm Sunday—the people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus to their city. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people put palm branches and their coats on the road in front of him. It was like rolling out the red carpet for him! They shouted out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9).

Why did they do all that? Because they recognized who Jesus is. He wasn’t just a nice relative visiting for the weekend. Jesus is the Messiah. The Savior. Those special words they shouted—“Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”—those special words showed that the people understood what Jesus was coming to do: Save them!

We have a lot of needs in life. We need food. We need clothes. We need a house or apartment. We need a family and neighbors and friends and teachers. But the Bible teaches us that we need something even more than all of those things. We need someone to save us. We need someone to take our sins away. That’s exactly what Jesus came to do. To save us!

Today is the beginning of a very special week. Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week. While we certainly talk and think about Jesus all year round, Holy Week is a time to especially focus on how Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us. Just like the people of Jerusalem, we want to welcome our King! Here’s a start: How about you memorize the words the people shouted on Palm Sunday and say them when you say your prayers this week? “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Let’s welcome our King!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to save us. As the people of Jerusalem welcomed you on Palm Sunday, help us to always welcome you as our Savior. 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 did the people put on the road in front of Jesus?
• What did the people say to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey?
• Look up what the word “Hosanna” means. Why is it a good word for people to say to Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Compare what the crowds in Jerusalem shouted to Jesus on Palm Sunday with what the crowds in Jerusalem shouted to Pontius Pilate on Good Friday (John 19:15). Why was there such a difference?
• Sometimes people say that Jesus came to be our good example. Why is it better to say that Jesus came to be our Savior?

 

 

Read: Romans 8:11-18

Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

So Much Better!

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

What’s going wrong in your life today? You can probably come up with quite a list. The sin and brokenness in our world make life hard. Maybe you or someone you love is sick. Maybe other kids have been mean to you lately, and you wonder when you’ll find a real friend. Maybe the weather has made it hard to go outside and do what you love doing. Maybe you feel sad today, and you can’t even describe why. There are a lot of troubles in life. You have them too.

So listen to this promise from the Bible: “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Do you understand what that verse is saying? On earth, we are going to have troubles. Everybody has troubles! But God says that our troubles are nothing compared with how great heaven is going to be.

As hard as being sick is, heaven is going to be so much better! As disappointing as life can be, heaven is going to be so much better! As sad as you might feel today, heaven is going to be so much better! The harder life is, the more God teaches us to look forward to all his blessings in heaven. Every sadness and trouble in life reminds us: “Heaven is so much better!”

That’s even true of death. Even when we think of death—that worst trouble of all—we can think of heaven. Through faith in Jesus, you and I are heirs of God. That means that God promises to give us everything he has. What does God have? Everything, including heaven!

So don’t get discouraged when things go wrong in your life this week. Those troubles remind us how much we need Jesus and his forgiveness every day. And those troubles also teach us to think about heaven. No matter what happens today, there is a something waiting for you that is so much better!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, life can be really hard. Please bless our family today as we face ______________. Use every trouble of life to teach us that heaven is so much better! 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

• Should we expect our lives on earth to be easy or hard?
• What is the cause of all the bad things in our world?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Is it better to have an easy life on earth and go to hell or to have a difficult life on earth and go to heaven? Explain your answer.
• Why might we not care about Jesus if everything in our lives was always going great?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Share a story from the Bible of someone who had a really hard life but then got to live forever in heaven.
• Look up Revelation 21:4. What are four things that are not going to be in heaven?

 

 

Read: John 9:1-7,13-17,34-39

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
John 9:1-3

Jesus Uses Bad for Good

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

As a baby, he never looked up at a colorful toy hanging over his crib. As a boy, he never kept his eye on the ball so he could hit it with a bat. He might have felt the warmth of the sun on his face, but he never saw the paintbrush of God fill the sky with reds and purples at the end of the day. The man was blind.

Why? Was he blind because he was being punished for something bad he or his parents did? It seems to make sense that if someone does bad things, bad things will happen to him or her, right? Today, many still believe that accidents happen because God is getting them back for the wrong they had done. “Why?” is often asked after bad experiences. Why did the pet sea turtle have to die? Why do bones break so casts have to be worn, especially during the summer? “It doesn’t seem fair! It isn’t right! What did I do to deserve this?” might be screamed.

In today’s devotion, Jesus said that the blindness wasn’t because of any sin the man or his parents had done. The man was born blind so that God could flex his almighty muscles in his life. Jesus taught his disciples that through challenges and bad experiences God does some of his most amazing work.

Why does God allow bad things to happen? He isn’t punishing you but is wanting to do his amazing work in your life, and especially in your heart.

After the blind man washed off the mud Jesus had put on his eyes, he saw for the first time smiling faces, green trees, and the brightness of the sun. But the man was still blind. Sure, his eyeballs worked but the eyes of faith were still closed. He couldn’t identify or see who his Savior was. The man was lost! That is, until Jesus found him.

Jesus took away the blindness from his eyes so that God could take away the blindness from his heart. When the man saw Jesus and believed him to be God, he didn’t complain or ask why he had to be blind for many years, instead he worshiped Jesus as Lord. The man saw Jesus with his eyes in this life for a little while, but he will see glory forever because he saw Jesus as Lord with his eyes of faith.

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for the physical health that we do have. Heal us according to your will and plan. When we are challenged in this life, help us to trust that your plan is to bless us by giving us the opportunity to trust in you. Thank you for giving us the eyes of faith that see you, Jesus, as our Savior. 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

• “I spy with my little eye … what?!” (Play 1 round!) What are you thankful for that your eyes saw today? (Think of the most beautiful thing!)
• How do you know God loves you even when bad things happen?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does the cross teach us that we don’t need to fear being punished by God for sin?
• What can you pray when bad and scary things happen and you can’t figure out why?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How can worshiping God during really difficult times bring us comfort and strength?
• Discuss. Jesus doesn’t always give us an answer to our needs, but he always wants to be the answer.

 

 

Read: Isaiah 42:14-21

For a long time I have kept silent,
I have been quiet and held myself back.
But now, like a woman in childbirth,
I cry out, I gasp and pant.
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:14,16

God Can’t Wait for You to See

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

Are there times when you just can’t wait to get out of the car because you are so excited? You can’t wait to hug Grandma and Grandpa! You can’t wait to slide down the waterslide and float in the lazy river! You can’t wait to get some popcorn and see the movie that you have been waiting to see for what seems like forever! No matter how excited we are, we often must wait.

The Bible says that God waited like a woman who was going to have a baby. How strange! But remember, after nine months of waiting, a mom can’t wait for her baby to be born so she can hold, love, and care for her baby.

What couldn’t God wait for? What was God excited about? He wanted to safely guide the blind and cause them to see! The prophet Isaiah wasn’t talking about people who had blind eyes, but blind minds and hearts. If a blindfold is over your eyes, you can’t see where you are going. If someone told you to run through your home while you were blindfolded, most likely something would get broken, and you would get hurt.

Have you ever experienced a moment of “blindness” that caused hurt? Talking back to parents doesn’t show love, but instead it hurts Mom or Dad. Being bossy to friends doesn’t let them see a kind person but a selfish one, which means feelings will get hurt and friends could be lost. Sin has blinded every heart and mind so that people cannot see who the true God is or know how to live for God. People who refuse to see that God is their Lord and Savior are not on the path to heaven, but on the road to hell.

But God couldn’t wait to take off the blindfold of sin so that you could see that there is only one true God. Jesus’ Word is a light that lets you see him as the Savior who died to forgive you all your talking back and selfishness so that you can see God as the Father who loves you. The Holy Spirit is excited to teach you that you are his child and guide you in a life that honors him as Lord.

It makes God happy that you have his Word so that your faith can see how much Jesus loves you now, and so that your eyes will see him in heaven forever.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for opening my eyes of faith through the power of your Word. Every day of my life, cause me to see Jesus as my Savior from sin and to see myself as the child whom God the Father loves. Guide me in the truth so that my life is a reflection of praise and thanks for saving 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

• Recall the last time you couldn’t wait to get out the door of the car. What was the cause of your excitement?
• Can you recall what God was excited to do for you in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Identify a recent moment of “blindness” in your life that caused hurt. What helped you to see the “light” and do what was right?
• Which person of the Trinity is there to teach and guide you in a life that honors God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• List as many things you as a believer can “see” by faith that the unbelieving world can’t.
• If God is happy when you have his Word, talk about ways that you can keep God’s Word in front of you and on your mind.