Jesus Commissions the Disciples (May 24th)

Season of the Church Year: Easter Season (Liturgical Color: White)

Story in Scripture: Matthew 28

As we follow the stories following Easter, it is shocking to acknowledge what a strange season it has been for the disciples and followers of Jesus. There were surely so many mysterious, wonderful, surprising, and trying experiences that they were beginning to grow weary. As Jesus commissions, or sends out, the disciples to continue the work that Jesus himself began, we can only imagine the power of his words. In the book of Matthew, we read, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” These words are not just for the disciples, they are also for all of use, young and old. This is an important story because it reminds us that God has equipped us to so many things. Today, your child’s teacher explained that Jesus sent the disciples out together, with the skills they needed to teach and baptize, and to demonstrate God’s love near and far. Soon, on Pentecost Sunday, we will also be discussing the ways in which the Holy Spirit joins us in our daily lives. Often, this story can be intimidating because we are tempted to think that we don’t have what it takes. I encourage you to talk with your child about the gifts that they have to love others and to share the Good News. They will be bringing home a copy of the ‘Great Commission’; perhaps you could hang it in a special place or read it regularly as your child grows in the understanding of God’s commission for them. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion: 
I wonder how they feel as Jesus sends, or commissions, them out to show the way of the kingdom of God? 
I wonder what each of them will do to show the way of the kingdom of God? 
I wonder what they will tell about Jesus? 
I wonder how they feel to have Jesus with them always, even when they can’t see Jesus? 
I wonder if they will always follow Jesus, even when they can’t see him? 
I wonder how they feel when they hear Jesus say, “And remember, I am with you always, until the end of the age?” 
I wonder how it makes you feel to hear those special words? 

Prayer:

“Father, I love you and am so glad that you are here with us during all our struggles and in the dark times. Help us to love one another and to remember that you walk along the “road” beside us, even when we are confused. Amen.” 

Jesus Appears to the Disciples and Asks Peter to Follow Him (May 18th)

Season of the Church Year: Easter (Liturgical Color: white)
Story in Scripture: John 21: 1-13

After Jesus’s death and resurrection, his disciples waited anxiously and wondered what would become of them. But they gathered together and were hopeful. One afternoon, they were fishing and found that their efforts were unsuccessful. All night, they tossed their nets into the sea and brought them out empty. In the morning light, a man appears on the shore and suggests that they put their nets down on the other side of the boat- at which point the nets fill to the breaking point and the disciples realize that the man is Jesus. Peter jumps in to the water and rushes to Jesus’ side and the others bring in the hefty net of fish. Later, Peter and Jesus spend time alone and Peter has the opportunity to reconcile with Jesus since his betrayal on the night of Jesus’ death. Three times, Peter denied Jesus that night. On the shore that day, three times, he tells Jesus that he loves him. In class today, your child’s teacher helped them to consider what is must have been like for Peter in those days as he thought about what he had done. We’ve all had the sinking feeling that we have made a wrong move, or sinned in a way we never thought we would. Our discussion this morning helped the students to think about what they can do to reconcile with God- to acknowledge their sin, pray for forgiveness, and make better choices in the future. Peter’s experience is our experience. We all sin. We all mess up. But God loves and forgives us, just as Jesus loves and forgave Peter. 

Guiding Questions for Discussion:
Now I wonder what they were talking about while they were fishing? 
I wonder how they feel, fishing all night and catching nothing? 
I wonder what Jesus and the disciples said to each other while they were eating? 
I wonder what the disciples will do, know that they have talked to Jesus again? 
I wonder how Peter felt, being with Jesus and talking to him? 
I wonder how Peter feels when Jesus asks him, “Do you love me?” 
I wonder how Peter feels about Jesus now? 
I wonder what will happen when he follows Jesus? 

Prayer:
“Dear God, thank you for the story of Jesus and his friends. Thank you for Peter and the way that he was forgiven and reminded that you love him. Help me to come to you, no matter what I may have done or what mistakes I might have made. I am so glad that you love me no matter what! Amen.” 

Reading the Bible with Very Young Children

If you’ve been around a child between newborn to 3 yrs. old, you know the words that characterize this age group: curious, short attention spans, unable to sit still, energetic, noisy, playful, inquisitive. If you tend to think of the Bible as dry, boring, academic, serious, and complicated, then reading the Bible with your infant or toddler may seem like a practice in futility. However, if you know God’s word to be a vibrant, adventurous, humorous, inspired story of God’s redemptive love…well, then you will find reading the Bible to your little one to be a life-transforming investment for both you as the parent, and your children.                                                               The operative word in reading the Bible to the infant to toddler age group is not understanding; it’s IMPRESSION. What impression do we aim to leave with our littlest littles?       

                                                                                                                     

-that the Bible is the truth                                                                                                                 -that the Bible is exciting                                                        -that the Bible teaches us the character of God                                                                            -that the Bible is the manual for life                                                                                             -that the Bible is more than a story                                                                                              -that the Bible is powerful                                                                                                                 -that the Bible is our authority                                                                                                                                                                 Impression is a parent’s opportunity, understanding is the Spirit’s responsibility.                                                                 Here are some ways we engage our 0-3 yr. olds with the Bible:               

*Let them handle a Bible, to hold it in their hands while they listen.                                  *Have the older children read to the younger ones.                     *Encourage your toddlers to sit with you, or be physically close when you read or listen, reminding them that the Word of God is about relationship, not academics.               *Read narrative stories based on Scripture (like The Jesus Storybook Bible, Read-Aloud Edition: Every Story Whispers His Name) to them, but never underestimate how God can use faithful exposure to the whole counsel of God’s Word.          *Listen to the audio Bible recordings at mealtime or snack time, and make it part of the family culture and routine. *Sing scripture verses set to music.

                                                         (Source: www.thebettermom.com)