Chapter 5 of 7
Jesus is not only in old stories. He is alive, and He is with His people today, in houses, schools, stores and streets that look a lot like yours.
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20 (BSB)
Before Jesus went back to heaven, He promised to be with His followers always. That includes your street and your town, today.
On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Mark 2:17 (BSB)
Doctors are for people who are sick. Jesus said He came for people who know they need help. Nobody is too messy or too bad for Jesus.
Talk about itWhy is it good news that Jesus came for sinners?
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Mark 10:14 (BSB)
When parents brought their children to Jesus, His friends tried to send them away. Jesus said: let the little children come to Me. Kids are never too small or too young for Jesus.
Talk about itIf you could sit with Jesus, what would you ask Him?
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 (BSB)
Gardens take patience: watering, weeding and waiting. Doing good is like that too. Keep helping and keep being kind, and in time God will bring a harvest.
Talk about itWhat good thing is hard to keep doing?
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (BSB)
A lighthouse shines all night so ships do not crash on the rocks. Jesus said: I am the light of the world. Following Him is like walking with a light that never goes out.
Talk about itWhen do you feel like you are in the dark? How does Jesus help?
But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!”
Joshua 24:15 (BSB)
Joshua told the people to choose whom they would serve, and then said: as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Every family can make that choice too, at the dinner table, in the car and at bedtime.
Talk about itWhat is one way your family could serve God together?
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:45-46 (BSB)
A merchant found one pearl so beautiful that he sold everything to buy it. Jesus said God’s kingdom is worth more than anything in any store. Knowing Jesus is the greatest treasure.
Talk about itWhat is the most special thing you own? Why is Jesus worth even more?
“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3 (BSB)
Jesus said grown-ups need to become like little children to enter His kingdom. Children trust. They ask for help. They know they cannot do everything alone. That is how we come to God.
Talk about itWhat do kids know about trusting that grown-ups sometimes forget?
And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (BSB)
Christians meet together to worship God, pray and learn from the Bible. A church is really the people, not the building. We meet to cheer each other on to love and to do good.
Talk about itWho could you encourage the next time you go to church?
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (BSB)
A town hall is where leaders make decisions for a whole town. The Bible tells us to pray for our leaders, so that people can live in peace.
Talk about itWho leads your town or country? Pray for them by name.
Before you go
Say this verse together a few times. Can you say it without looking?
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (BSB)
Pray: Jesus, thank You for being with us at home, at school and in our town. Help us shine Your light this week. Amen.