Holy Week Devotional

Lent Craft

A fun game for toddlers ...

http://www.andnextcomesl.com/2013/03/wobbly-easter-egg-ramp-races.html?m=1

Story #25 & 26

LESSON 25: Jesus, The Son Of God

Timeless Truth: Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Bible Basis:   Mark 8:27-30, 34-38, 9:30-32; John 7:11-15, 25-31, 8:12-14, 31; Mark 10:13-16; John 11:55-57; Mark 11:2-10; Matthew 21:10-11; John 12:27-33, 37, 42-50; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:3-6

Key Verse:     “They all shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ ” (Matthew 21:9).

Get the Point:

Preschool: Jesus, the Son of God, deserves our worship. I can give him my best praise.

Elementary: Jesus, the Son of God, deserves our worship. I can give him my best praise.

Middle/High School: Jesus is the Son of God and deserves our everything.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• Jesus loves children. In this chapter of The Story, the disciples try to keep little children from coming to Jesus. Jesus got mad and said, “let the little children come to me.” How does that make you feel?

• Do you think Jesus understands what it’s like to be a child? Why?

• Jesus said, “Anyone who will not receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.” What do you think that means?

• What part do you like best about Jesus?

• What’s your favorite story about Jesus so far?

Middle/High School

• Jesus used startling statements to grab people’s attention. In this chapter of The Story, he says “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me . . . will save it” (Mark 8:35) and “many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:31). What do you think that means? Do you think it’s true? Why?

• Why do some of Jesus’ teachings seem so opposite of what society says?

• Which of Jesus’ teachings are the hardest for you to understand?

• Is it possible to follow the Bible’s commands without fully understanding them?

• Talk about how faith impacts your walk with the Lord.

Living Faith

In this chapter of The Story, Jesus makes it very clear that he is God’s Son and the Messiah who’s come to save people from their sins. Some people didn’t like his teachings and walked away from him. The same thing happens today as people wrestle with what Jesus said. History records the fact that Jesus walked the earth and taught many people. But Jesus said he was God, and that causes a dilemma for people—or as C.S. Lewis might say a “trilemma” as they decide if they think Jesus was a liar, lunatic or Lord. Figuring out what you think about Jesus is the most important decision you’ll ever make.

            C.S. Lewis is best known for writing The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and all of The Chronicles of Narnia, but he also wrote some great books about theology, including Mere Christianity.  In that book he writes: "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."

            After reading the above excerpt from Mere Christianity, discuss it as a family.

            • What do you like best about Lewis’ thinking?

            • Why is this argument so effective?

            • What do you think people who aren’t Jesus followers would think about these statement?

Extra Mile

Churches love to re-enact Palm Sunday as Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey. Palm branches and jackets paved the way for the coming King. Jesus didn’t run from his destiny of dying on a cross. He rode straight into it. Watch this humorous video on YouTube called “Skit Guys – Palm Sunday” (3.55).

            Did you learn anything new from this video? Pray as a family and thank God for sending his Son to die for your sins.

LESSON 26: The Hour Of Darkness

Timeless Truth: God gives eternal life to those who know Jesus Christ.

Bible Basis:   John 13:21-30; Matthew 26:26-28; John 14:1-15; Matthew 26:33-35;

                        John 18:4-10; Luke 22:51-62, 23:32-45; Matthew 27:46-49; John 19:30

Key Verse:     “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God. Trust in me also” (John 14:1).

Get the Point:

Preschool: Jesus died for our sins so we can be with him forever. I can accept his love.

Elementary: Jesus died for our sins so we can be with him forever. I can accept his love.

Middle/High School: Jesus died for our sins to allow us to live fully now and have eternal life.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• If you didn’t know how it was going to turn out, this would be the saddest chapter of The Story. A lot of terrible things happened to Jesus. He was arrested, his friends let him down, and he was beaten and killed. When Jesus asked his disciples to pray for him, they fell asleep instead. Talk about a time that your friends let you down?

• Why is it so hard to stay awake sometimes when you’re praying at night?

• How do you think the disciples could’ve encouraged each other to stay awake—would’ve pinching each other worked?

• After all the miracles they’d seen, why did the disciples abandon Jesus? Don’t you think they would’ve had more faith?

• Will Jesus ever let you down? Why?

Note: Young readers will gain understanding of Jesus’ last days by reading the three stories on pages 286-309 in the Jesus Storybook Bible.

Middle/High School

• Jesus talks a lot about being God in this chapter (John 14:9, etc.). Why is it so important that Jesus is God?

• During his arrest, Jesus is asked if he’s Jesus of Nazareth. He responds, “I am he” and everybody falls down. Why did those words have so much power? Why didn’t Jesus run away when everybody fell?

• Peter got a little bold when Jesus was arrested and cut of the high priest’s servant’s ear. Jesus told Peter to back off, picked up the ear, and healed the servant. If you were one of the soldiers, what would you have thought about this Jesus who knocks over people with his words and has the power to heal?

• Because Jesus hadn’t done anything wrong, the Jewish leaders had to make up false testimony against him. Why was Jesus ultimately sentenced to death? (Blasphemy—saying he was God.)

• What sets Jesus apart from other people who have claimed to be God?

Living Faith

In a poignant act of servanthood, Jesus washes the disciples feet at the Last Supper. He was the ultimate leader and the ultimate servant. As parents, display that same kind of servant leadership by washing your children’s feet. You’ll need a basin of warm water and a towel. The idea isn’t to scrub and clean the person’s feet. You just need to gently bathe the feet with water and dry them with a towel.  As you wash their feet, tell your kids the way you want to serve them (i.e. by providing food and place to live, by showing them how to serve Jesus, by encouraging them to be their best.)

            After you’ve washed your children’s feet, give them the opportunity to wash yours. If they want to, your kids can let you know how they want to serve you.

            When you’ve cleaned up from the foot washing, put on a video or some music and have family members give each other foot rubs. A good-smelling lotion can make this even more enjoyable. Be wary of family members with ticklish feet—they tend to kick when they’re rubbed.

            You can add to this experience by reading John 13:1-16 and by asking these questions:

            • What most surprises you about Jesus washing his disciples feet?

            • Do you think it was hard for Jesus to wash Judas’ feet, knowing that Judas would soon betray him?

            • Do you think it’s important for leaders to show they love and care for the people they’re leading?

            • What are some other ways that Jesus showed the disciples that he loved them?

Extra Mile

Chris Tomlin’s song “Jesus Messiah” has a beautiful message that goes along with this chapter of The Story. Watch him perform it in a 6:05 video on YouTube called “Chris Tomlin - Jesus Messiah - LIVE @ SPIRIT 105.3 FM.”

            After you’ve watched the video, talk about the parts that you liked the best. What lyrics from the song impacted you?

Lent Devotion

The Cross of Christ

Romans 3:20-26

As Christians, we know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. But why did He have to endure such an awful death? Couldn't He have redeemed humanity in some easier way?

To answer this question, we must first consider the righteousness of God. Because He is holy, no one has ever seen Him and lived. Our sinful nature cannot exist in the presence of pure holiness. The Bible tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23), and we know that "the wages of sin is death" (6:23). This reality leaves us in a lost condition, eternally separated from God.

When sin entered the world, Adam and Eve fell into a state of mortality. Their transgressions created a barrier between them and the Lord, with the result that mankind became depraved, rebellious, and a natural enemy of God. Our sinful nature couldn't redeem itself; rather, it had to be redeemed by something greater and purer. A sacrifice was required--one that was spotless and without blemish.

Because our heavenly Father created us for Himself--to bring Him glory and to spend eternity with Him (1 Tim. 2:4)--He provided the only offering powerful enough to reverse the effects of sin and restore us to our original purpose.

When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the price for all sin, beginning with Adam and spanning the ages. His awesome love and mercy applies to you as well (Eph. 1:5-6). He sealed you with the Holy Spirit (4:30), and you are forever His child, saved by grace for all eternity.

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/in-touch/

Holy Week Mission Project Idea

Egg Someones Yard Today!

Get 12 eggs and fill them and quietly go and hide them in a friends yard.  Leave them this note:
http://www.fabnfree.com/2013/02/17/youve-been-egged-a-free-printable

This is something that a friend introduced me to and I think it is a great way to  have a bit of Easter fun with your friends.   It is also a great way to let someone who may not know the true meaning of Easter about Jesus.  

Here are some Scriptures to put in the eggs: http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/easter-bible-verses/


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Palm Sunday Devotion

Read This: “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him. They began to shout, ‘Hosanna!Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the king of Israel!’ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, ‘Do not be afraid, people of Zion; look, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt!’ (His disciples did not understand these things when they first happened, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him and that these things had happened to him.)”  (John 12:12-16)

Think: As we read the gospels we see the progression of Jesus’ ministry and popularity come to a climax with his triumphal entry. People are laying down their coats and palm branches—a sort of rolling out the red carpet tradition—while praising him and the city is stirred up. The Pharisees exclaim, “Look, the world has gone after him” (Jn. 12:19). Many believe. Mission accomplished. Credits roll. 

But we know the story doesn’t end there. God has a much bigger ending planned. It’s hard to believe that within a week Jesus would be tried and crucified—the crowds would turn and against him demand a detestable criminal be released instead of Jesus. What happened? What made the crowds so fickle?

The man the crowds followed healed the sick and performed miracles. It seemed he had the favor of the world on him. But shortly after arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus became more and more a source of controversy. He overturned tables in the temple and drove people out with a whip; he spoke in confusing parables and talked about dying. The people began to doubt and the Pharisees fueled it with their own darkened hearts. Their promised king wasn’t supposed to die, he was supposed to conquer the Roman Empire and be, well, a king. They had an idea of what God was going to do and how he was going to do it, and Jesus didn’t meet their expectations.

We all have the tendency to put God inside a box. We predict how he’s going to move in certain situations, and it can challenge the very core of our beliefs when he doesn’t meet our expectations. Our struggle might be confined to just one aspect of our faith, like finances or a troublesome relationship. We can believe God in some ways but not others. Robert Robinson wrote in his famous hymn Come Thou Fount, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.” The question is, will we be faithful when God doesn’t show up the way we want him to?

Ask: Is there a time you were disappointed with God? How did you work through that?

Pray: Ask for strength of faith for yourself, your family, your church, and the body of Christ all over the world. May we believe even when it doesn’t make sense to.

by: The Skit Guys (https://skitguys.com/blog/post/palm-sunday-devotional)

Lent Devotion

“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (ESV)

Once while attending a conference I found myself browsing through the vendor section.

Most, if not all, of the vendors had products available where the proceeds would be invested directly into a ministry or mission project designed to change the lives of people near and far.

The idea that my purchase could in some way be a small contribution to Kingdom work propelled me to actively seek something that I wanted to wear, use or display in my home.

I paused in front of a table featuring art prints with various inspirational quotes and verses. It was like a sea of words.

I figured that somewhere on that table were words I would want to display in my home. Words that would inspire me and spur me on to be the person God wanted me to be.

I found those words. But they weren’t the warm and fuzzy words I was looking for. The kind that would make me want to smile when I walked by them in my home.

Instead I found words that cut deep and convicted me beyond my expectation. Words that inspired me … but solemnly. Words that did not yield a cozy experience, but certainly lit a fire within my heart and soul. The print said:

“Real love bleeds.”

I bought it.

Loving people can be hard work. It can be even harder when the love you give requires the very essence of who you are to flow through wounds inflicted by the ones your heart beats for.

When I read these three small words penned by this artist-turned-missionary, I stopped in my tracks because I knew I had been doing exactly the opposite in my life.

Instead of being willing to “bleed” for the ones I loved the most, I had slipped into full-on apathy.

Why? Because sometimes caring for and loving others doesn’t feel good.

Sometimes, it’s easier not to love.

Over time, and unbeknownst to me, I had become an expert at self-preservation and pain avoidance.

Anything that hurt, I didn’t touch — including the people I loved the most.

I grieved as I realized that the very love Jesus continually offered me — the same love that came at His own great personal discomfort and eventual agony — was unfortunately the kind of love I’d become unwilling to consistently offer.

Why? Because sometimes loving others hurts.

As I stood there and pulled out my wallet to purchase the simple yet beautiful print, I realized that great love comes at a great cost — as evidenced by the example of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for my sins, which we see in today’s key verse.

I remembered His illustration of love for me and recalled His command that I follow in His steps: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34, ESV).

Now, let me concede this. I am completely aware that everyone who causes us pain should not be an automatic recipient of our deepest level of sacrifice. However, I am acutely aware of my own need to assess my willingness to love like Christ loves me and to sacrifice for those to whom I am called.

What I know for certain is this: There are times when the love I have for others is not a matter of feeling, but rather a matter of my decision to be obedient to Him — and it won’t feel good.

The question is, when real love results in my personal discomfort or even a heart-wrenching level of pain, am I willing to love well anyway?

Father, thank You for Your love — a love that never fails and never gives up on me. You are the perfect example of a great love — a love that is offered full-strength even when love is not given in return. Help me to love like You. I want to honor You by doing my best to love others in the way You have loved me — even when it hurts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (ESV)

1 Corinthians 13:13, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (ESV)

RELATED RESOURCES:
Kingdom Woman by Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst will encourage and challenge you to be transformed by God’s truth, seek His best and move forward in the abundant life He has for you.

Visit Chrystal Hurst’s blog for more encouragement. Chrystal has prepared a free printable Scripture to remind you that love matters. CLICK HERE to download.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:
Would the people closest to you say that you love them well? Why or why not?

Think of one person in your life who is hard to love. What one thing can you do today to love them anyway?

© 2015 by Chrystal Evans Hurst.

- See more at: http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/#sthash.gaOaCPqx.dpuf

Easter Egg Hunt!!

Lent Devotion

Knowing the Heart of God

1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Most people long to be understood. We may have many acquaintances, but we all have a deep need to feel truly known by those we love most. This is because we were created in God's image--He also desires to be intimately understood and loved by us.

Just as you don't want to be known for only the superficial details of who you appear to be, it's not enough to know about the Lord. He wants us to learn how He thinks and feels, what's important to Him, and what His purposes are. Of course, it's impossible for man to completely know the mind of the Creator of the universe. In Isaiah 55:9, He tells us, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." The depth and breadth of His mind is so great we will never be able to fully grasp it in this lifetime.

However, we can better understand God's heart and character by seeking Him and learning day by day from His Word. If we genuinely desire to walk in His ways, we must first genuinely know Him. We come to know our friends better by sharing more experiences together. Similarly, we will also understand God better the longer we walk with Him and meditate on what He has revealed about Himself in the Bible.

God wants you to seek Him with all your heart, and He promises that when you do, you will find Him (Jer. 29:13). So, the next time you're feeling a need to be better understood, turn to the One who understands you perfectly. Even more importantly, ask Him to help you know Him better.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visitwww.intouch.org.

Lent Devotion

Think It Over
by Charles R. Swindoll

Mark 6:33–44

Centuries ago a little boy found himself in the midst of a vast crowd of people—larger than any group he'd ever seen. He had come out of curiosity, having heard that a man named Jesus was nearby.

Not knowing how far he would have to travel or how long he would be gone, the boy had packed a small lunch for himself, a couple of small fish and some bread.

Suddenly a man tapped the lad on the shoulder and asked what he had in his hand. And the next thing the boy knew, his lunch was feeding over five thousand people!

Once Jesus got hold of the boy's simple meal there was no limit to what He could make of it.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Starting to get the idea that you're surrounded by folks getting giant things done while it's all you can do to make it through the week? Maybe you've fallen into a well of comparison, and you're drowning in discouragement because "compared to ______" you're not making nearly the difference he or she is.

To all who feel overwhelmed or who are tempted to take a much too critical look at their lives and feel insignificant . . . take heart! Do what you can!

Stories 23 and 24

Review From Last Week.....

LESSON 23: Jesus’ Ministry Begins

Timeless Truth: Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it.

Bible Basis:   Matthew 3:1-4:11; John 1:19-34; Mark 1:31-2:12; Matthew 4:24-25; Mark 3:9-15; Luke 8:1-3

Key Verse:     “People brought to him all who were ill with different kinds of sicknesses. . . . Jesus healed all of them” (Matthew 4:24).

Get the Point:

Preschool: Jesus shows people the power of God. I can look for God’s power in my life.

Elementary: Jesus shows people the power of God. I can look for God’s power in my life.

Middle/High School: Jesus shows all different kinds of people God’s power through miracles.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. He told people that the kingdom of heaven was coming. Some people believed him, but others thought he was weird because he wore camel-hair clothes and ate bugs. What would you think if somebody like that told you the Lord was coming?

• Have you ever eaten a bug? If not, what’s the strangest thing you’ve eaten?

• John the Baptist was also Jesus’ cousin. Do you have any funny family members?

• When John baptized Jesus, a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him.” How does it feel when your parents say those words about you?

• What are some things you can do to please your parents?

Note: Young readers will enjoy hearing the stories “Heaven Breaks Through” and “Let’s Go!” in the Jesus Storybook Bible on pages 200-213.

Middle/High School

• Jesus called a wide variety of people to be his disciples—fishermen, tax collectors, revolutionaries—why didn’t Jesus call more powerful people like religious and government leaders?

• Think of the Christians you know. Are they all the same? Why does Jesus call people with different interests and personalities to follow him?

• When Jesus asked someone to be his disciple, he simply said, “Follow me.” What can you do to follow Jesus more closely?

• How does following Jesus change the way you act at school or with your family?

• When Satan tempted Jesus, he used Old Testament Scriptures to defend himself. Recite some Bible verses you’ve memorized. If you haven’t already, memorize John 3:16-17 as a family. Talk about how God’s Word can protect you today.

Living Faith

Jesus seemed a bit reluctant to perform his first miracle at the wedding feast. But he turned the water into wine, because his mom asked. Do you think Jesus did this at home, because the fact that he could do it didn’t seem to surprise his mother? Talk about what it must’ve been like to grow up in the same house with Jesus as you prepare for a fun experiment. You won’t be turning water into wine, but you can add a jolt of color to this clear liquid.

            You’ll need to gather a clear glass or clear plastic cup, water, cooking oil, food coloring and a pencil. Fill the glass about two-thirds full with water. Now pour a little cooking oil into the glass so it creates a thin layer of oil on top of the water. Add a few drops of food coloring. What happens?

            The food coloring should sit on top of the oil in a little glob. Have fun by dropping in other colors of food coloring. Now gently poke the pencil into one of the blobs of food coloring. Watch color streak into the glass. Poke all of the different colors. At the end, gentle swirl the glass and see what happens. As you carefully clean up, ask these questions about miracles:

            • Jesus did many miracles. Name a few. Do you think those same miracles still happen today?

            • If you could’ve witnesses any of Jesus’ miracles, which one would it have been?

            • What does it tell you about Jesus that his first miracle happened at a wedding?

Extra Mile

One of the neatest events in this chapter of The Story occurred when the paralyzed man’s friends lowered him through the roof so Jesus could heal him. For a modern-day story with a similar message, go to godtube.com and watch the inspiring 5:29 video called “The Home Run – Today’s Christian Videos.”

            • Why did the two players decide to help the injured girl?

            • Do you think the injured girl would’ve scored without their help?

            • Do you think the players did the right thing by helping, even though it made their team lose the game?

            • What’s your favorite part of this video?

            • Why do you think everybody got so emotional?

            • Do you think the friends of the paralyzed man got emotional and started jumping around on the roof of the house when their friend was healed?

LESSON 24: No Ordinary Man

Timeless Truth: Jesus’ teachings have earthly benefits and heavenly rewards.

Bible Basis:   Mark 4:30-34; Luke 15:1-7, 10:25-37; Matthew 5:3-12, 6:5-15; Mark 4:35-41; 6:30-44; Matthew 14:22-32; John 6:66-71

Key Verse:     “We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69).

Get the Point:

Preschool: Jesus teaches his friends and the crowds. I can learn from God.

Elementary: Jesus teaches his friends and the crowds. I can learn from God.

Middle/High School: Jesus teaches about a new way of life.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• God doesn’t like show-offs. In Jesus’ time, some people made a big show about how spiritual they were. They’d go outside and make a huge fuss that they were praying. Jesus told his followers to act different. He taught them to pray in a quiet place. Where do you like to pray? Do you pray at a certain time of day?

• The Bible says God “knows what you need before you even ask him.” How can he know that? Since he already knows, why do you need to pray?

• When Jesus teaches us to pray, he says to forgive others the bad things they do to us, just like God forgives us. Is it hard to forgive others? Who are some people you’ve forgiven recently? Is there anyone you need to forgive right now?

• One of the coolest things Jesus did was water on the water. What do you think that would be like?

• Peter tried to walk on the water, but took his eyes off Jesus and went for a swim instead. What’s your favorite part about swimming?

Note: Young readers will enjoy “How to Pray” on pages 222-227 in the Jesus Storybook Bible.

Middle/High School

• Historians agree, even those who aren’t Christians, that Jesus was a great teacher. Some of his most famous teachings came at the Sermon on the Mount where he made a bunch of “Blessed are . . .” statements. Discuss some of them:

            - For many meekness equals weakness, but Jesus says the meek are blessed and will “inherit the earth.” How? What does meek really mean?

            - Blessed are the merciful. How can you show mercy?

            - What are some ways you can protect your heart, so you will be “pure in heart”?

            - How can you be a peacemaker?

            - Jesus says you’re blessed when people insult you, persecute you and say evil things about you because of your relationship with Jesus. Has this ever happened to you?

• On several occasions Jesus raised people from the dead. In this chapter he raised Jairus’ daughter. Talk about Jesus’ power over death. Do you think this was Jesus’ most amazing miracle? If not, which miracle most amazes you?

Living Faith

Jesus feeding the 5,000 is the only miracle retold in all four gospels. When a young boy’s lunch was multiplied to feed a multitude, it showed God’s power and taught a powerful lesson about his provision. This week bring your family together for a picnic to remember Jesus’ huge impromptu picnic. Have family members choose their favorite foods to include or make a meal that’s reminiscent of what happened on that mountainside. Maybe you can buy packages of flavored tuna and a loaf of French bread. Juice boxes or bottles of water work well, because they don’t spill as easily. If it’s warm enough, eat outside at a park or in your backyard. If the weather’s cold, move your picnic indoors. Lay out a blanket in the living room and talk about Jesus’ miracle.

            • Did you know Jesus actually fed way more than 5,000 people? Back then only the men were counted. When you include women and children that number may double. Does that make this miracle more impressive? Why?

            • Do you find it interesting that there were 12 baskets of leftover food? Why didn’t Jesus make just enough food for everybody?

            • What do you think the little boy thought when he gave up his lunch? Do you think he had any idea that Jesus was going to use it to feed everybody?

            • What does this miracle teach you about God’s power?

Note: You can read a great story of God’s big picnic called “Filled Full” in the Jesus Storybook Bible on pages 244-249.

Extra Mile

Jesus used stories in about one-third of all of his teachings. That means one out of every three times that Jesus taught, he used a parable.

            • Why do you think Jesus used stories so often?

            Stories are still a powerful and meaningful way to explain God’s truth. But today a lot of stories are told in movies. Watch one of Jesus’ parables told in a modern way at compassclassroom.com. Under Our Products, choose Modern Parables, then click on Sample Lesson. Watch the two videos that give a modern

twist on Jesus’ parable of the hidden treasure found in Matthew 13:44. In all, the two videos last less than 20 minutes.

Lent Devotion

Matthew 16:24-25

Lord, You said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”

These words of Yours, these very hard-to-understand words, are even harder to live. Yet I want to live them. I just don’t know how. Part of the problem is that I don’t know what You are asking of me. Part of the problem is that I do.

Help me to realize what You are doing in my life, Lord, and how You are doing it. You are changing me into Your likeness—and You are doing it day by day, decision by decision. Thank You for this incremental wonder. And help me, incrementally, to work with You in bringing it about.

And so I ask . . .

May I feel the weight of that cross on each thought I think, so my thoughts could die and Yours be given life.

May I feel the hardness of its wood over every word I speak so my words could be silenced and yours be heard.

May I feel the roughness of its surface against all I do, so that what I do is what You would do if You were here. Because that is how You are here. Through me.

When I am tempted to think more highly of myself than I should, bring to mind that though You existed in the form of God, You did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Yourself—taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, You humbled Yourself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross (Phil 2:6-8).

When I am tempted to respond to harsh words by returning the harshness, help me to realize the example You set for me on the cross, that while You were reviled, You did not revile in return; while suffering, You uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Yourself to Him who judges righteously.

When I am tempted to act selfishly, draw me once again to Your cross, where You gave so freely and so fully. To Your executioners, You gave forgiveness. To a thief, paradise. To Your mother, a son.

May I never grow weary of living like that, Lord, seeking rest from the responsibility of that cross, understanding that this dying to self is not a one-time crucifixion but a way of life.

—Ken Gire

Lent Devotion

Passover Lamb


Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household… The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. Exodus 12:3; 5-6

When I was on the farm growing up, I once helped take care of a little lamb. Cute, warm and fuzzy, he captured and melted my heart. I loved to hug him and feel his soft, white fleece. This precious lamb was the picture of innocence. You can imagine my horror on the day he was taken to the slaughter house!

For Passover preparations, God wanted a family to choose a lamb, bring it into their house, and take care of it for four whole days before killing it. How awful! They were required to slaughter the little lamb they had grown to love. This heart-wrenching sacrifice demonstrated the exacting demands of God's justice, as well as how destructive and awful sin really is. It was the perfect background to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). God wants our hearts to sincerely break over the sacrifice of his perfect Lamb. We were the ones who put Jesus Christ to death. Our sin led him to the slaughter. It leads us to grief and repentance.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A Passover lamb was the picture of innocence, but the Lamb of God is the perfect picture of righteousness. Isaiah 53:7 says “… he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Meditate on how a lamb is a biblical “type” of the life of Christ. Remember, Jesus went to his cross as your sacrificial lamb.

- Joni Tada

Lent Devotion

Who Killed Jesus?


He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. I Peter 2:24

In the weeks surrounding the premiere and release of Mel Gibson’s immensely successful movie, The Passion of the Christ, religious leaders went round and round arguing over who was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. Did the religious leaders kill him? The Romans? Was it our fault? Did our sins nail him to the cross? The fact is, God did it. Isaiah 53:10 tells us, “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer….” The Father in heaven came up with the plan which included the cross. And because of Jesus’ great love for his Father—and for you and me—the Son obediently followed through on God’s plan. “…And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

So yes, Herod, Pilate, the soldiers, the religious leaders, the crowd—and you and I—are morally responsible for our part in the execution of Jesus Christ. But God was behind it all! Ultimately, it was his hand that “steered” the dreadful events to serve his own ends and purposes—and that is our great salvation, so rich, full, and free! Astounding. I can’t begin to explain it. I’ll never understand God’s wisdom, knowledge, and love. Amazing love, how can it be? That God should plunge the knife in his own chest for me. That God should overcome death by embracing it. No wonder the Good News is so great!

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It is true, your sins—and mine—were laid on the shoulders of Jesus as he hung on the cross, paying our debt, taking the punishment we deserve. Let the thought of his suffering keep you from falling into “the sin which so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1). A terrible price had to be paid for each and every sin.
Thank you, Jesus, for loving and obeying the Father. May my life forever be a thank-offering as I love and obey you all the more!

by: Joni Eareckson Tada

Lent Devotion

Resting in the Faithfulness of God

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

When plans are frustrated or life just seems to fall apart in some way, people often wonder, Has God deserted me? Why hasn't He answered my prayers? The Bible offers encouragement for such times by assuring us of the Father's faithfulness: "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (Deut 7:9).

Five attributes of God make this possible. First, He is omniscient, which means He knows everything, including our every need, thought, frailty, desire, and life situation in the past, present, and future. Next, the Lord is omnipotent, or all-powerful, so nothing is too hard for Him (Jer. 32:17). Then, He is omnipresent--since He exists everywhere at once, He is never beyond reach.

In addition, our heavenly Father cannot lie. Everything that He says is true and reliable. And lastly, God is unchanging. Our circumstances and the world around us may seem to be in a constant state of flux, and the Lord may even modify the way He chooses to interact with mankind in different generations. But His character is always the same. So when Scripture tells us that God is faithful, we can rest confidently upon that promise.

Circumstances can be painful. But even when situations seem overwhelming, believers can trust that our sovereign Lord knows all, is in control, and lovingly works everything for His children's good. We can rest confidently knowing that the unchanging God of all creation is taking care of us.

By: Charles Stanley

Lent Devotion

Beautiful! Really?
by Charles R. Swindoll

Isaiah 29:13–16

Fresh-fallen snow blanketed the range of mountains on the northeast rim of the Los Angeles basin. When I caught my first glimpse of it in the distance, I found myself smiling and saying aloud, "Beautiful!" Seventy-five miles away, it was beautiful. Up close, well, that was an entirely different matter.

About the time we reached 4,500 feet, narrow Highway 18 began to gather white dust. The temperature was right at freezing, the clouds were thick, and the wind had picked up considerably. I could have turned back then—and should have—but we were only fifteen or so minutes from our destination. So we pressed on.

The freak storm, however, made it increasingly obvious that things weren't going to get better, so we decided to cut short our visit. By now the wind was howling and the snow was swirling across the asphalt. Disappointed, we began a journey we shall never forget. And for the next several miles a brief conversation haunted me. It had occurred before we left:

"Shouldn't we buy tire chains?" she asked.
"Naw, this won't be any problem," he answered.
"Are you sure? It's downhill all the way back," she reminded him.
"Don't worry, hon. We'll be outa this in no time," he said.

An hour and a half—which seemed more like a decade—later, we reached San Bernardino. Between 6,000 feet and sea level, only the Lord knows for sure what happened.

There was no sin—mortal or venial, thought, word, or deed—I didn't confess. No prayer I didn't use. No verse I didn't claim. You know how folks say that when you are drowning your entire life passes before your eyes? Well, I can assure you the same is true as you fishtail your way down a glazed, winding, narrow, two-lane mountain highway.

Now there's a lesson I will think of every time I see any beautiful snowcapped mountain range. It may seem beautiful from a distance, but when you get real close, the scene is entirely different. It's a lot like life. Behind that beauty are bitter cold, screaming winds, blinding snow, icy roads, raw fear, and indescribable dangers. Distance feeds fantasy.

But the comforting fact is that as we journey through life, we have a Guide who knows all about those places. He knows our way, and He will get us through.

The Lord is our spiritual road atlas. When we rely on Him, we'll never get lost.

We Believe

True Christianity is not religion. True Christianity is faith in Christ alone.

Just because people claim to be Christian does not necessarily mean that they are Christian. Christianity is not something you add to your life. Becoming a Christian means that Jesus Christ comes into your life and takes over. It is a totally new outlook that is not satisfied with anything less than penetration into the furthest corners of the soul and the understanding.

Christianity is not a spectator sport—buying a ticket and sitting on the sidelines. Becoming a Christian means no longer living for yourself but for God in obedience to Him. You must leave the old life behind and step into a new way of living, where Christ makes possible what you think impossible. To say you believe in Him and then continue living as though nothing has changed is to deny the power of God in your new life.

. . . The Bible says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

How does this happen? Christ indwells His followers by giving the gift of His Holy Spirit. He will not muscle His way in; you must invite Him in, accept His gift, knowing that He will never leave. The Holy Spirit then becomes your constant companion, a lifetime resident, One who will “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). He gives you the power to begin thinking new thoughts and behaving in ways that please Him—not yourself.

To watch the lyric video for Newsboys’ “We Believe” on YouTube, click: here

- Billy Graham

Story # 21 & 22

LESSON 21: Rebuilding the Walls

Timeless Truth: God keeps his covenant with those who love him.

Bible Basis:   Ezra 7:1, 7, 10-11; Nehemiah 1:2-6, 11, 4:4-6, 13-23, 8:1-12

Key Verse:     Don’t be afraid of your enemies. Remember the Lord. He is great and powerful (Nehemiah 4:14).

Get the Point:

Preschool: Nehemiah was sure of God’s power. God is on my side.

Elementary: Nehemiah was sure of God’s power. God is on my side.

Middle School: When God’s people work together for what God wants, they can accomplish amazing things quickly.

High School: When God’s people work together for what God wants, they can accomplish amazing things quickly.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• When the walls around Jerusalem were completed, the people celebrated. Ezra, the priest, read God’s law to them from sunrise to noon (Nehemiah 8:3). Why do you think he did that?

• Do you think the people got bored?

• What’s the longest you’ve ever been in church? What did you do?

• What’s the longest that you’ve listened to somebody talk about God? What do you remember most?

• After Ezra spoke, the people went away and celebrated with great joy, because they now understood God’s word. Why did they react this way?

• Do you react the same way when you hear God’s Word? Why?

Note: Young readers will enjoy “Get Ready” in the Jesus Storybook Bible on page 170.

Middle/High School

• Rebuilding the wall was a monumental task. God’s people got help from a powerful king and were pestered by nearby rulers. To protect his people and still get the work done, Nehemiah told the workers to carry supplies in one hand and a sword in the other. What does that tell you about the working conditions?

• Does God want you to be helpful, on one hand, and ready for battle with the other? How could you do that in your daily life?

• In the beginning of this chapter of The Story, God’s people are making some decisions that go against God’s law. Why don’t they learn?

• Are there areas of your life where you need constant reminders to follow God’s standards?

• Is reminding people through godly role models or writing a new thing or has it been the way God worked with his people for a long time?

• How did Ezra help the Jewish people get back on track with God? Do you think knowing God’s Word better would help you, too?

• How does it feel to know that you’ve just read through the Old Testament? Do something to celebrate.

Living Faith

Nehemiah was brilliant in getting all of God’s people to work together in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. By working together, they completed the project in 52 days! Before that, the Jews had languished in their attempts to protect and rebuild Jerusalem. King Cyrus first allowed God’s people to return to Jerusalem in 560 B.C. Then the second temple was completed in 516 B.C., but for 70 years the city was vulnerable to attack. In fact, many of the surrounding rulers made sure to keep the Israelites weak. But when Nehemiah showed up in 445 B.C., it took just less than two months to secure the walls and give God’s people a safe place to live. In all it took 115 years for God’s people to rebuild and fortify Jerusalem.

            Have your family pretend to be raiders on Jerusalem by playing a classic “breakout” video game.  You can go to www.silvergames.com/game/break-it/ or go to Google and search for “Breakout games.” See which family member is best at breaking down the walls. Let everybody take a couple of turns and then give a prize to who scores the highest.

Extra Mile

When Nehemiah learned that God’s people were having a hard time and that people were making fun of them, he wept. He didn’t want God’s people to suffer. He wanted them to be safe and protected.

Sit down with your family and brainstorm ideas on what you could do to make God’s people safer in your area. Maybe there’s a project at your church that needs to get done. You could:

• Help build a walkway at church.

• Paint or mark the handicap spaces more clearly.

• Put up signs to better direct people to classrooms or the sanctuary.

• Volunteer to help care for babies in the nursery.

• Shovel snow off the sidewalk in winter.

            There are tons of other ideas. Concentrate on ideas that will keep God’s people safe, and then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to make these ideas a reality. You may need to include another family from church or the whole congregation. Dream big. Nehemiah did, and God helped him accomplish his goal extremely fast.

LESSON 22: The Birth of the King

Timeless Truth: Jesus coming to earth is God’s plan to save mankind.

Bible Basis:   John 1:1–18; Luke 1:26–55; Matthew 1:19-24; Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 2:1-3; Luke 2:41-51

Key Verse:     “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Get the Point:

Preschool: God sent a Savior for the world. I can believe Jesus is my Savior.

Elementary: God sent a Savior for the world. I can believe Jesus is my Savior.

Middle School: God had to become like us to save us. Jesus is 100 percent man and 100 percent God.

High School: God had to become like us to save us. Jesus is 100 percent man and 100 percent God.

Table Talk

Preschool/Elementary

• God used angels a lot in this chapter of The Story to bring his message to people. Angels spoke to Mary, explained things to Joseph and proclaimed Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. What would you say if an angel appeared to you?

• If you saw an angel, you’d probably be scared. That’s why the angels always say, “Do not be afraid.” After you stopped being scared, what question would you want to ask an angel?

• Why do you think the angels appeared to shepherds instead of powerful, rich people?

• A couple of times in this chapter it says, “Mary kept these things like a secret treasure in her heart.” What do you think that means?

• Parents share with your children “secret treasures in your heart” about them.

• Not a lot is recorded about Jesus’ growing up years. Do you think Jesus was a good kid? Why do you think that?

Note: Young readers will enjoy hearing “The Light of the Whole World” in the Jesus Storybook Bible on page 184.

Middle/High School

• Mary was probably a teenager when an angel appeared to her and said, “the holy one that is born will be called the Son of God.” She immediately believed and prayed to God. React to these parts of her prayer:

            - She said she was unimportant, but now will be called blessed.

- She said God scatters the proud.

- She said God sends the rich away empty.

- She said God has been kind to his people, like he said he would long ago.

• John writes that life was in Jesus and “that life was the light for all people.” What do you think that means?

• Is God’s light for all people? If so, why don’t all people know Jesus as Savior?

• When Jesus was 12, he ditched his parents and hung out at the temple. Did he seem sorry for his actions?

• Do you think Jesus did anything wrong by not telling his parents that he was hanging back in Jerusalem?

• Why did Jesus have so much wisdom when it came to the Scriptures?

Living Faith

Any time is the perfect time to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. You don’t have to wait until Christmas. If Jesus hadn’t come to earth, there would be no forgiveness of sins.

            Gather your family and watch the 4:08 YouTube video of the Go Fish song “Christmas With a Capital C-2008.”

Society is trying to push out the miracle of Christ’s birth from the holidays. But like the song says, “Jesus came down to take the punishment for me. He did it for you, too, so maybe you can see why it’s called Christmas.”

            Fight the trend of taking Christ out of Christmas by putting Christ in everyday. Think of somebody you know who could use a dose of cheer. As a family pick out a present that costs less than $10. Wrap it and give it to them. Let them know that Jesus has given you so much that you want to give a little away, too. Jesus’ love can’t be contained! And when Christmas comes around this year, make sure that everybody around you knows that Jesus loves them.

Extra Mile

Jesus’ birth is one of the most highly talked about historical events. Watch this surprising 2:18 video on YouTube about Christ’s birth: “Christmas Upside-down (HD).”

            The video begins with a person who doubts the miracle of Jesus’ birth. But once Jesus changes his heart and gives him hope, the same text is read upside down. The truth is Jesus turns our lives upside down. Instead of being selfish, we become selfless. Instead of wanting earthly treasures, we lay up treasures in heaven. After watching the video, have family members talk about one difference that Jesus has made in their lives.