Jesus Chose Disciples

(Mark 2-3; Luke 6) Dear families, In the early chapters of Mark and Luke’s Gospels, we discover Jesus’ inviting His first disciples to join Him in ministry. Jesus initiated relationships with each of these men, taking the first step to bring them into His inner circle. The type of people Jesus called as disciples may have seemed like odd choices to some; the Pharisees, after all, disapproved at the company Christ kept.Continue reading “Jesus Chose Disciples”

Jesus Forgives and Heals

Jesus Forgives and Heals (Matthew 9; Mark 2; Luke 5) Dear families, Jesus posed an intriguing question in today’s passage: “Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’?” We’re presented with quite a few crises in this story: a man suffering from paralysis was carried into Jesus’ presence by hisContinue reading “Jesus Forgives and Heals”

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4)

Dear families, (Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well reveals the omniscience of Christ and His kindness toward sinners. Just as Jesus pointed out the woman’s sin, so, too, does the Holy Spirit reveal our sin to us today. The same kindness Jesus showed to the Samaritan woman is extended to those who trustContinue reading “Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4)”

Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3)

Dear families, Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus reveals the Lord’s patience and kindness toward us as we earnestly seek Him. Though Nicodemus had heard Christ’s teachings, he had not yet placed faith in the true Ruler and King of the Jews. But here in this chapter, he would learn what it means to be born again.Continue reading “Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3)”

The Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed (2 Kings 17)

Unit 14, Session 4 Dear families, Hoshea was an evil king in the long line of the evil kings of Israel. In Hoshea’s ninth year as king, the king of Assyria captured Samaria, put Hoshea in prison, and moved all the Israelites to Assyria. The kingdom of Israel was officially destroyed. Why was Israel destroyed?Continue reading “The Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed (2 Kings 17)”

Jesus Saves Us to Follow Him (Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; John 12)

Easter Bonus Session 2 Dear families, Happy Easter! Today, we celebrate the most important event in history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the Friday before was filled with the sadness of the cross, Sunday brought the miraculous news that changed everything—the tomb is empty, and Jesus is alive! The resurrection reveals the astounding natureContinue reading “Jesus Saves Us to Follow Him (Matthew 27-28; Mark 15-16; Luke 23-24; John 12)”

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12)

Easter Bonus Session 1 Dear families, This week, we looked at the contrasting images of the Triumphal Entry: the joyful celebration of the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and the heartbreak Jesus felt as He wept over a city He desired to save. While the people were excited by the arrival of a miracle-performing prophet,Continue reading “Jesus’ Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12)”