(Matthew 12; Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Dear families,

Jesus rules over all creation and cares deeply for His people’s needs. From satisfying their hunger to healing their ailments, Jesus intervened in the lives of His followers. He defended His place as the Lord of the Sabbath and the one who fulfills God’s laws.

While the Pharisees viewed their obedience to God’s rules as a means of self-righteousness, Jesus demonstrated that His Father’s commands are to help us and to point to our need for a Savior.

Jesus quoted the words of Scripture back to these experts of the law. In doing so, Jesus made weighty claims about Himself that would not please many in His audience. He once again claimed to be God, to be greater than the temple—God’s dwelling place—and to be Lord over the Sabbath.

The Pharisees set their hearts on condemning Jesus and ridding themselves of the problems and competition they felt Jesus was continually creating for them. They stood ready to accuse Him of any perceived wrongdoing. They even tried to use Jesus’ selfless acts of healing to discredit Him!

Considering this, Jesus proposed a theological question about legalism and ethics to His dissenters: “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4). Sadly, the men viewed Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath as a greater offense to the Lord than the murderous schemes they would soon devise against the Son of God.

The hardness of the men’s hearts grieved Jesus. Yet, He restored the man’s shriveled hand and met a tangible need through healing. In this simple Bible story, we witness Christ’s power and willingness to redeem and restore, even amid others’ doubts and criticism.

Pray that your children who hear this story would be moved by Christ’s heart for our needs—which includes salvation for those who have not yet responded to Jesus in faith. Pray that your kids see themselves like the hungry and hurting ones in this story who recognize their need for the Savior.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: Jesus rules over all.
• Kids: Jesus rules over all.

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died to show God’s love and came back to life to rescue sinners.
• Younger Preschool: Jesus taught people that God’s rules are good. Jesus is in charge of everything. One day, Jesus would die and come back to life to save us.
• Older Preschool: We sin, but Jesus obeyed all of God’s rules perfectly. Because of this, Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection will save us from sin if we repent and believe in Him.
• Kids: Jesus showed that God gives us commands to help us, not to hurt us. Jesus rules over all. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to show God’s love and do good by rescuing sinners.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
• Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
• Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
• Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
• Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
• Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

** Next week: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7; Luke 6)

(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.

Jesus’ disciples included two pairs of brothers who worked as fishermen, some who joined forces with the Romans, others who abhorred the Romans, a tax collector whose profession was known for dishonest gain, and one who would eventually betray Him in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. It was a ragtag bunch.

Jesus’ critics likely thought He should have picked disciples they deemed more qualified with cleaner reputations. But Jesus has a heart for the lost, sick, and searching, saying, “I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

One detail we often overlook is that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting these men to join His inner circle. He invited them into a close relationship with Himself, knowing the optics of the situation, just as He still brings sinners into His fold. Even today, it’s a wonder why He would call any of us to follow Him. That’s the beauty of His grace.

Jesus was a friend of sinners, while the scribes and Pharisees believed themselves too holy for the likes of such company. When Jesus sensed this disapproval in the hearts of the religious elite, He addressed aloud their cynical concerns by sharing that only the sick need a doctor (Luke 5:31). In other words, only those who recognize their sin and need for the Savior will be able to receive new life in Him.

Just as He spent a night in prayer before calling the disciples to follow Him, Jesus still intercedes for His followers today (Romans 8:34). Pray that your children who are hearing Christ’s gospel invitation will see themselves through the lens of the disciples. Ask the Lord to reveal His love for the lost, along with His desire to restore their relationship with their Father in heaven.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him. 
• Kids: Jesus invited twelve men to follow Him as disciples.

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus calls people to love Him, turn from sin, and trust and follow Him.  
• Younger Preschool: Jesus still calls people to follow Him. He wants us to stop doing wrong things and trust in Him.
• Older Preschool: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him. Jesus wants us to turn from our sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior.
• Kids: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him today. He invites all people to turn from their sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
• Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
• Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
• Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
• Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
• Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

** Next week: The Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12; Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

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 his friends, the house was too crowded to allow new guests, and the Jewish leaders watched it all unfold with cynical hearts. It appeared to be a lose-lose situation from every angle.

As Jesus kept teaching, the men devised a plan to get their friend to the Healer while the scribes and Pharisees continued to cry blasphemy in their hearts.

Yet Jesus was demonstrating this truth to every person involved: He alone has the power to forgive sin. In this scriptural account, we see Jesus’ authority—His power, ability, and willingness to intervene in the lives of God’s people through their faith. Though the religious leaders in the crowd were unable to see the state of the paralyzed man’s heart, they could witness Christ’s power to physically heal.

When Jesus saw the friends’ desperate, inventive, and faith-fueled means of bringing their friend to Him, He extended forgiveness to the man. However, Jesus’ forgiveness was viewed as an overstepping of authority. After all, the Jews knew that only God has the right to forgive sins. The scribes and Pharisees believed it would be more difficult for Jesus to forgive the man than to heal him. To prove His power to accomplish both, Jesus extended forgiveness and physical healing to the man in need.

Jesus meets the needs of the humble and lowly. He recognized the faith of the men who took such a great risk to deliver their friend at His feet. They believed they could boldly approach the one with the power to heal.

This week, lead your children to see that the Jesus in this story is the same Lord who desires to forgive their sins today! Ask the Lord to go before you as you bring your children to Him by teaching them His Word. May they trust in Him by faith, believing in His authority and desire to heal and save them also.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: Jesus showed His power by forgiving sin. 
• Kids: Jesus showed His power by forgiving sin.

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus can forgive sins and heal people because Jesus is God. 
• Younger Preschool: Jesus helped a man who could not walk. Jesus also forgave the man’s sins. Jesus can do this because Jesus is God.
• Older Preschool: Jesus showed His power by forgiving sin and healing the man who could not walk. Jesus can forgive sins and heal people because Jesus is God.
• Kids: By forgiving the man’s sins, Jesus revealed that He is God. Jesus has power to heal and forgive. Only through faith in Jesus can people be saved from their sins.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
• Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
• Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
• Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
• Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
• Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

** Next week: John Chose Disciples (Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Dear families,

We see the humility of John the Baptist in John chapter 3 as he led more people to follow Jesus. We also learn that Jesus’ gift of eternal life is ours for the taking when received by faith.

In this passage, we read that both John and Jesus were ministering and baptizing people in the same area of Judea. Suddenly, an argument arose among some of John’s disciples and others. They took their dispute to John, saying, “Rabbi, the one you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is going to him.”

John, however, wasn’t jealous, nor was he worried about those who listened to him one day and went to follow Jesus the next. John knew who Jesus really is and how worthy He is to be followed. John reminded the people of the words he had already spoken: “I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of him.”

John viewed himself like a friend of the groom at a wedding. It was his duty to stand by, listen for Him, and rejoice greatly at His words. John’s joy was made complete by the ministry of Jesus as Messiah. John spoke with humility: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

The beauty of the gospel is that God cast His wrath upon His own Son and granted His righteousness to believers, so that all who trust in Him will receive salvation. Jesus took our sin upon Himself so that we may live forever in right relation to God. John understood Jesus was the promised Messiah, and he lived to declare Christ’s truths. 

As you talk about this session with your kids, pray that God would soften their hearts to see that Christ is the only One worth following, the only One with the power to forgive and save. Ask the Lord to show them His offer of everlasting life and His worthiness as the object of our faith.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: John told people to follow Jesus.
• Kids: John pointed people to follow Jesus as the Messiah. 

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus told people about God. Jesus is the Messiah God promised
• Younger Preschool: Now that Jesus was here, John’s job was done. John was happy to step aside so Jesus could tell people about God and His kingdom.
• Older Preschool: John the Baptist told people to follow Jesus. When people follow and believe in Jesus, they receive eternal life and can point others to believe in Jesus too!
• Kids: John pointed people to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. When people believe in Jesus as the Messiah, they receive eternal life and can point others to believe in Jesus too!

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Older Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Kids: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came to take away sin; there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Younger Preschool: He was revealed to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Older Preschool: He was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Kids: You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5

** Next week: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman (John 4)

Dear families,

Jesus’ cleaning of the temple reveals His holiness as the Messiah and His willingness to take on our sin so that we, too, may be cleansed. In this passage, Jesus demonstrated His desire to honor His Father and do His will—a foretaste of the lengths He would go to cleanse us of our sin when we trust Him by faith.

Jesus confronted the immorality taking place in His Father’s house; however, He was not reacting rashly. Scripture tells us He took time to fashion a whip out of cords. Imagine Jesus weaving each cord while He pondered the holiness of His Father in heaven. Christ displayed His authority as the Son of God as He fulfilled the Passover tradition of cleansing one’s home of leaven.

God’s temple was to be a place of worship and prayer, not a marketplace for people to turn a profit. As the disciples witnessed the scene unfolding before them, they recalled the words of Psalm 69:9, that zeal for the house of God would consume the Messiah. They watched Him cast off the sinful social norms of their day as He fulfilled the will of the everlasting Father.

When the Jews questioned Jesus’ authority in the temple, He responded with these prophetic words: “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.” They failed, however, to realize that He wasn’t speaking about the structure in which they stood; rather, He declared that though His body would soon be destroyed on the cross, He would rise again after three days’ time.

Pray that the children you teach will recognize the holiness of God and the willingness of His Son to take on the punishment we deserve for our sins. Lead them to see that Christ has already borne our shame on the cross and completed the work needed to secure our salvation. May they turn to Him to be cleansed of their sin.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: Jesus cleaned out the temple. 
• Kids: Jesus knew people’s sin and cleaned out the temple.

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came to save sinners. When we trust in Him, God forgives our sins.
• Younger Preschool: Jesus came to save sinners. He did it by dying on the cross and coming back to life on the third day. When we trust in Him, God forgives our sins.
• Older Preschool: Jesus cleansed the temple. He also came to cleanse people from sin by dying on the cross and rising again on the third day. When people trust in Jesus, God cleanses them of their sins, and they will worship Him forever.
• Kids: Jesus showed His desire to honor God by cleansing the temple of sinful practices. All sin offends God’s glory and will be punished. Jesus took the punishment our sin deserves so that anyone who trusts in Him will be cleansed of sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Older Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Kids: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came to take away sin; there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Younger Preschool: He was revealed to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Older Preschool: He was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Kids: You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5

** Next week: Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3)

Dear families,

Jesus first miracle at the wedding in Cana reveals His power as the Messiah and His glory as the one and only Son of God. Jesus continued to draw people to Himself as He stepped into His public ministry, though He continued to move only in accordance with the will of His Father in heaven.

The wedding in Cana served as the backdrop to Jesus’ first miraculous act as Messiah. At this celebration, He met a need that was far greater than providing mere beverages to thirsty guests; rather, He selectively revealed His glory to those who were aware a miracle had taken place. When Jesus asked His mother, “What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?”, He revealed that, even though Jesus is worthy of all praise, it was not the right time for Him to be publicly fully glorified and worshiped. Jesus was submissive to His Father’s timing in all things.

Jesus transformed pure, basic water into the most spectacular wine of the night. This was even greater feat than Moses sweetening the Israelites’ bitter water in Exodus 15. Christ demonstrated to onlookers that He is greater than even the mightiest prophets of the Old Testament. Jesus revealed His glory as the one and only Son of God, the One worthy of faith.

Even greater than the miracle of turning water into wine, Jesus has the power to turn sinners into saints (believers), just as He led the disciples to believe in Him by faith (verse 11). This week, help the kids in your care to see that Jesus has the power to bring us into a right relationship with the Father and mold us into His image as we continue to trust and obey.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

• Preschool: Jesus showed His glory.
• Kids: Jesus changed water into wine and showed His glory.

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus did miracles to show that He is God the Son.
• Younger Preschool: Jesus did miracles to show that He is God the Son. Jesus’ followers who saw His first miracle believe in Him. Jesus wants us to believe in Him too.
• Older Preschool: By turning water into special grape juice, Jesus showed His glory. Jesus is God’s Son who came to do God’s plan. Jesus’ disciples saw the miracle and believed in Him. Jesus calls us to believe in Him too.
• Kids: Jesus changed water into wine, revealing His glory and showing that He is God. Like the disciples, we can believe in Jesus. Those who trust in Jesus are saved from their sin and changed to become more like Jesus.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Older Preschool: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.
• Kids: Did Jesus ever sin? No, Jesus never sinned.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came to take away sin; there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Younger Preschool: He was revealed to take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Older Preschool: He was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5
• Kids: You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5

** Next week: Jesus at Passover (John 2)

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? Although God had been patient, the Israelites witnessed their kingdom crumble because of their unrelenting sin. God had freed Israel from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh and brought them out of the land of Egypt. The Lord loved the people of Israel, performed many miracles, and commanded them to worship Him alone. The people of Israel were meant to be set apart as the Lord’s people, but they worshiped false gods and lived like the nations around them.

Through the prophets, God repeatedly warned the Israelites to repent and turn back to the one true God, but the people did not listen. The Lord warned the people, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep my commands and statutes according to the whole law I commanded your ancestors” (2 Kings 17:13). The Israelites, however, did not listen. Instead, they rejected God and His covenant and followed worthless idols.

As the people ignored God’s warnings, He became angry. God judged Israel’s sin and allowed Assyria to destroy the Northern Kingdom. He rejected them and cast them out of His presence. The king of Assyria moved the people of Israel out of their land and brought foreigners to live in Israel’s land and cities.

The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of the Israelites’ sin. God’s gracious patience lasted for years, but the people failed to repent and seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Like Israel, we sin, and all sin deserves death. Those who fail to repent and trust in Christ will be separated from God forever. Yet, the unfailing love of the Lord has provided the way for people to be forgiven and live with God forever. Those who trust in Christ will escape God’s punishment of sin. They will not only find forgiveness but also receive the Holy Spirit who empowers them to live for God.

Pray for the children in your care to see their need for Jesus. Pray also that you would be able to clearly communicate the gift of the Savior, thanking God for sending Jesus to restore what we have broken through our sin and disobedience. Rejoice together in the fact that Jesus died and rose again so that we might be saved from certain destruction!

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: When we do not listen to God, we can pray and ask God to forgive us. Jesus took our punishment so we can be with God forever.
• Younger Preschool: When the people in Israel did not listen to God, God let them be taken away. We sometimes do not listen to God too, but Jesus took our punishment so we can be with God forever.
• Older Preschool: When the people of Israel did not do what God said, God punished them. We disobey God too, but Jesus died to take our punishment for us. People who trust in Jesus will be with God forever.
• Kids: The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of their sin. We all sin against God and deserve death, but God sent Jesus to die in our place. Because of Jesus, those who trust in Him will never be removed from God’s presence.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Younger Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Because we still have hearts that want to sin.
• Older Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have hearts that want to sin.
• Kids: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have a sin nature, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies & Toddlers: Follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
• Younger Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
• Older Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. You must keep his commands and listen to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
• Kids: You must follow the LORD your God and fear him. You must keep his commands and listen to him; you must worship him and remain faithful to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

** Next week: Easter