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

Unit 14, Session 3

Dear families,

Although God had been faithful to the people of Israel, they were not faithful to God. The Israelites continued to disobey God, following worthless idols and acting wickedly. Israel even turned to other nations during times of trouble, trusting in the power of man over God. God warned Israel of their unfaithfulness and showed His faithful love through the prophet Hosea.

Though Israel was far from Him, God wanted to show a picture of His great love and relentless pursuit of His people through Hosea’s life. God instructed Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer, explaining that she would not be faithful to him. Yet, God told Hosea to remain committed to her.

Hosea obeyed God and married Gomer. As God said, she was unfaithful to Hosea and left their family. In the same way, the Israelites were unfaithful to God, worshiping idols, acting corruptly, and loving violence. However, God’s love did not relent, and He promised a day when He would forgive and restore them (Hosea 14:4-9).

To show the Israelites the depth of His love, God told Hosea to show love to Gomer, even though she had chosen a life of adultery (Hosea 3:1). Again, Hosea obeyed God. He paid the debts Gomer owed and brought her back home to their family.

On the cross, Jesus paid our debt of sin, restoring our relationship with God so we might be with Him forever. When we repent and turn to Jesus, He brings us into His family. Even when believers act unfaithfully, Jesus continues to be faithful and show unending love.

Encourage the children in your care to ask Jesus for forgiveness and praise Him for His unfailing love. God promised to be faithful to Israel, and He continues to be faithful to us. Point children to God’s promises to Israel and the way these words of hope echo into Jesus’ promises to followers of Christ to heal them, love them, and not be angry with them (Hosea 14:4).

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: God showed His love to us by sending Jesus to save us.
• Younger Preschool: Even when we do not love God as we should, He still loves us. God showed His love by sending Jesus to save us.
• Older Preschool: Even though we do not love God with all our hearts, He still loves us. God showed us His love by sending Jesus to be our Savior.
• Kids: Israel was not faithful to God, but God was faithful to Israel, just as Hosea loved his wife even when she didn’t love him. God is faithful to save all sinners who repent and trust in Jesus.

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: The Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed (2 Kings 17)

Unit 14, Session 2

Dear families,

Jonah was a prophet sent by God to confront the people of Nineveh regarding their sinful ways. Jonah, however, did not immediately obey God’s command. In fact, Jonah traveled in the opposite direction and boarded a boat to Tarshish. Have you ever been given clear directions from God, but ignored them out of fear or selfishness?

Because of Jonah’s disobedience, the Lord sent a powerful storm on the sea, and the men on the boat feared for their lives. Knowing the storm was due to his disobedience, Jonah asked his shipmates to throw him overboard. As they threw him into the sea, the storm ceased.

In His mercy, the Lord sent a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and for three days and nights, Jonah lay entombed in the belly of the fish. Then, upon the Lord’s command, the fish spit Jonah onto dry land. God again said to Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” This time, Jonah obeyed.

Jonah walked about the great city proclaiming, “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!” The people of Nineveh believed God’s message. In sackcloth and with fasting, the people repented and earnestly called out to God. Because of their repentance, God did not destroy Nineveh.

As we read further, we learn how Jonah grew angry over God’s mercy displayed toward Nineveh. The same storm-tossed man who had received mercy from the Lord would rather experience death than see his enemies live. Ironically, disobedient Jonah prayed for God’s grace in his own life, but desired for others to perish in their sin.

While Jonah did not care for the people of Nineveh, God did. The people believed Jonah’s message from God and were saved. Like the Ninevites, we cannot save ourselves. But God can. When we are confronted with our sin, we have a choice to ignore it or do as the Ninevites did and repent. God sent Jesus so we could repent of sin, trust in Him, and be saved.

This week, point the children in your care to the gift of Jesus. Thank God for Jesus’ death and resurrection and share how we too can believe, turn from our sin, and be saved. While we all are born far from God, Jesus bridges the gap. Just like God the Father, Jesus is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (Jonah 4:2).

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: God wants everyone to turn from their sin and trust in Him. God loves us, and He sent Jesus to save us.
• Younger Preschool: God wants everyone to turn away from their sin and trust in Him. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to save us.
• Older Preschool: Jonah told the people of Nineveh to turn from their sins. God wants everyone to turn from their sins and trust in Him. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.
• Kids: Jonah spent three days in a fish so that the people of Nineveh could hear God’s message, turn from sin, and be saved. Jesus was in the tomb for three days so that we could hear and trust the gospel, turn from sin, and be saved.

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: Hosea, Prophet to Israel (Hosea)

Unit 14, Session 1  

Dear families, 

As Elijah’s time on earth was coming to an end, God appointed Elisha as a new prophet to His people. Elisha asked Elijah if he could inherit a double portion of his spirit. To this Elijah replied, “If you see me being taken from you, you will have it.” Elisha looked on as Elijah was taken up to heaven, and by God’s grace, Elisha received his request.

How did Elisha’s ministry point others to the one true God? Through miracles, God displayed His power through Elisha, confirming that he was a prophet. God also revealed his wisdom and truth by speaking through Elisha.

Through the many miracles Elisha performed, we not only see the power of God over His creation, but also His care and provision for people. From making bad water drinkable to healing Naaman––a commander from an enemy army––Elisha’s miracles pointed people to recognize the one true God. Only the Lord could raise a dead boy to life and miraculously meet the needs of the widow who was in debt. God’s spirit was on Elisha, empowering him to be a light to the people of Israel.

Elijah and Elisha were both special prophets, performing miracles and being messengers of God’s truth. But there is One greater than Elisha and Elijah. Jesus not only performed miracles and taught with authority; He is also the true Light of the world who saves people from sin. Help the children in your care understand that when we follow Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be more like Jesus and shine like lights in the world, proclaiming to all that He is the one true God.

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: Jesus died and came back to life so we can have life with God forever.
• Younger Preschool: Elisha was a man of God who did miracles. Jesus came and performed miracles. Jesus died and came back to life to save sinners so we can have God’s Spirit and life with God forever.
• Older Preschool: Elisha was a man of God who performed miracles. His story makes us think of Jesus—the Son of God—who performed miracles and rescues people from sins so we can have forgiveness and receive God’s Spirit.
• Kids: Elisha spoke the truth of God and performed miracles. Jesus taught with the authority of God and performed miracles as well. Elisha was a prophet, but Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior.

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: Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh (Jonah)