Devotions

13th October – Jesus Feeds the 5000 – Matthew 14:13-21

Here’s what happens…….

Jesus attempts to get some solitude but large crowds follow him, and He compassionately heals the sick. But it’s getting late and the disciples are concerned that the crowd needs to be fed. Jesus says, “You give them something to eat”. What follows is an amazing miracle where, not only is the crowd fed, but 12 baskets of food are left over!!

Watch “Jesus feeds the 5000”

Talk about…………….

- Your favourite picnic? What made it so special?

- Why do you think Jesus said to his disciples “You give them something to eat”?

- When the loaves and fish were brought to Jesus – what did He do before distributing them? Do you think this would be a normal response from Jesus with anything we might bring to Him? Why?

- How many people do you think you could feed with: 1 marshmallow; 1 apple; 5 loaves and 2 fish?

Through the Week

- When you eat this week, take time to do what Jesus did and Thank God for the food, asking him to bless it (you might call this grace).

- Also, as a family start to talk and think about what ‘gifts’ and ‘talents’ you have received from God and could give back to him in regular offering

Jesus Commits to God’s Will - Matthew 26:36-46

Here’s what happens…

Jesus knows he’s about to be arrested and killed. He goes to a garden to pray. He asks that God would take this cup of suffering away from him but prays, “I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Bible Point: Jesus does hard things, so we’re willing to do hard things.

Through the Week

Jesus went to the garden to pray about the hard thing he had to do. Set up your own prayer spot.

- Find a quiet place in your home for a prayer spot.

- Make it even more private by adding blanket walls or other ideas you have.

- You could even add real or fake flowers to make it look like a garden.

- Whenever someone has to do something he or she doesn’t want to do, that person can go pray in the prayer spot.

- Jesus took his friends with him to the garden; consider praying together in the prayer spot.

Talk About This…

- What’s something you have to do in the next week that you don’t want to do?

- How can Jesus help you?

Discuss and Watch “Hard Things”

We’re learning that Jesus does hard things, so we’re willing to do hard things.

- What’s something you have to do, but you don’t really want to?

Let’s watch a video where some kids talk about doing hard things…and why it’s good! Pay attention to which of the things you’ve done, too!

Watch “Hard Things.”

- Which of the things in the video have you done, too?

- How have you seen good come out of doing those hard things?

Doing hard things isn’t fun while you do it. But in the end, God often brings good things out of our hard work! This video showed how a lot of hard things paid off in the long run. Next time you have to do something hard, ask God to help you see what good he wants to bring out of it. And remember, Jesus does hard things, so we’re willing to do hard things. He did the hardest thing ever when he died on the cross, but the good thing that came out of it is that we can be his friends!

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Jesus Is the Vine - John 15:1-17

Here’s what happens…

Jesus describes his relationship with us using a plant metaphor. He says he is the vine and we’re the branches. As we remain attached to him, like branches are attached to a tree, his love grows in us and we produce good fruit!

Bible Point:

Jesus is the vine, so we grow in his love.

Family Together Time

- Buy a cut flower, cut one from your garden, or pick a leaf.

- Watch what happens to the flower or leaf during the week.

- Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). How does the cut flower or leaf remind you of that?

- Look at a potted plant or a tree outside. (If it’s winter, use an evergreen tree so it doesn’t appear dead!) Compare that with the cut flower or leaf.

- Talk about ways your family can remain rooted in Jesus’ love.

Talk About This…

- What’s one way you’ve noticed another family member grow in Jesus’ love?

Discuss and Watch “Growth Chart”

We’re learning that Jesus is the vine, so we grow in his love.

- What are some ways you’ve grown physically?

It’s easy to understand that we grow taller, we get new teeth, and we learn how to do things we couldn’t do when we were little. But what does it mean to grow in Jesus’ love? Let’s see what that looked like for one girl.

Watch “Growth Chart.”

- Some of the things that helped the girl in this video grow were hard and sad. How can hard times be a part of growing?

- The girl in this video said that words from the Bible helped her grow. How has the Bible helped you grow?

- The grandma in this video said, “No matter what you’re going through, Jesus always has the right answer.” What do you think of that statement?

When you grow physically, it can be pretty noticeable! Your pants are too short, or you start hitting your head on things you used to be able to walk under. We can usually best see how we've grown in Jesus’ love when we look back to when we were younger. This story was told by an adult, and she could see how she’d grown in Jesus’ love since she was a little kid. When we stick close to Jesus, we’ll be able to look back and see how he helped us grow, too! Jesus is the vine, so we grow in his love.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Jesus Shows Us the Way - John 14:1-14

Here’s what happens…

Jesus is getting ready to leave his disciples, but he promises he’s preparing a place for them in heaven and that they know the way there. When Thomas is confused, Jesus says he is the way. Jesus’ message is full of hope and comfort.

Family Together Time

• Jesus said he was preparing a special place for us. Prepare a special place in your home for a fun family time!

• Clean the space well.

• Bring cozy blankets, pillows, and favorite comfort items.

• Prepare a tasty snack.

• Select games and toys to play together.

• Gather in the place you prepared, and have fun together!

• As you enjoy time in your special place, talk about the hope we have because Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven. Talk about what you hope heaven will be like.

Talk About This…

• What’s something that’s made you feel hopeless? How did Jesus bring you hope?

Discuss and Watch “Hope”

Today we’re learning that Jesus brings hope, so we’re hopeful. Let’s see some examples of how Jesus can bring hope in hopeless situations. As you watch this video, consider which story you relate to the most.

Watch “Hope.”

• Which story stood out to you?

• How have you seen hope when you were in that kind of a situation?

• How does this video change the way you think about hopeless situations?

This video showed that even when things feel hopeless, Jesus brings hope. Nothing is ever hopeless when we have Jesus in our lives!

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet - John 13:1-17

Here’s what happens…

Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. Although Peter protests at first, he lets Jesus wash his feet. This is a lowly job, and yet Jesus does it. He tells his disciples to follow his example and serve others.

Through the Week

- Find creative ways to serve each other this week! Here are some ideas:

- Do someone else’s chores.

- Clean someone else’s shoes.

- Draw a picture for someone.

- Give a hug.

- Spend special time with someone.

- Come up with your own clever ideas!

Talk About This…

- What’s one chore you find gross? Why?

(Serve each other by volunteering to do a chore someone else named!)

Discuss and Watch “Faith’s Story”

Today we’re learning that Jesus is servant-hearted, so we serve others.

- Talk about a time you did a service project or worked with a group of people to serve someone.

Wow! We have a lot of servant hearts in here. Let’s hear Faith’s story about serving.

Watch “Faith’s Story!”

- What’s something Faith said that surprised you or made you think differently about serving?

- Faith shared what she liked about serving. What do you like about serving?

Faith said that Jesus’ example is a calling to us to rise to the occasion and help people who need it. Jesus is servant-hearted, so we serve others. It’s Jesus’ way! When we serve others, we reflect Jesus’ heart.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

The Parable of the Great Feast - Luke 14:15-24

Here’s what happens…

Jesus tells this parable: A man hosting a feast invites many people, but they make excuses not to come. So he invites the outcasts, who all come and enjoy the banquet. Jesus wants everyone to come to his feast in heaven.

Family Together Time

Invite someone to spend time with your family this week.

- Work together to prepare a delicious meal or snack for your guest.

- Work together to clean the house and get everything ready.

- Think of other ways to make your guest feel included, and follow through on those ideas!

Talk About This…

- What’s something you wish you were included in?

Discuss and Watch “Carl’s Party”

- What’s the most fun thing you’ve ever done at a party?

In our Bible story, a man threw a party. But the original guests couldn’t come, so the man invited everyone! Let’s see what our orange friend Carl does when he needs party guests.

Watch “Carl’s Party.”

- What’s one thing you’d be sure to include if you were throwing a party and had amazing news to share?

- Carl’s friends had some strange excuses to miss his party. What are some reasons people don’t want to be Jesus’ friend?

- What did you think of Carl’s news?

In our Bible story, we learned that Jesus includes everyone. Everyone’s invited to Jesus’ party. That means we have awesome news to share…way better than Carl’s news about his new tie. We can spread the invitation for everyone to be a part of Jesus’ family!

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

The Parable of the Great Feast - Luke 14:15-24

Here’s what happens…

Jesus tells this parable: A man hosting a feast invites many people, but they make excuses not to come. So he invites the outcasts, who all come and enjoy the banquet. Jesus wants everyone to come to his feast in heaven.

Family Together Time

Invite someone to spend time with your family this week.

- Work together to prepare a delicious meal or snack for your guest.

- Work together to clean the house and get everything ready.

- Think of other ways to make your guest feel included, and follow through on those ideas!

Talk About This…

- What’s something you wish you were included in?

Discuss and Watch “Carl’s Party”

- What’s the most fun thing you’ve ever done at a party?

In our Bible story, a man threw a party. But the original guests couldn’t come, so the man invited everyone! Let’s see what our orange friend Carl does when he needs party guests.

Watch “Carl’s Party.”

- What’s one thing you’d be sure to include if you were throwing a party and had amazing news to share?

- Carl’s friends had some strange excuses to miss his party. What are some reasons people don’t want to be Jesus’ friend?

- What did you think of Carl’s news?

In our Bible story, we learned that Jesus includes everyone. Everyone’s invited to Jesus’ party. That means we have awesome news to share…way better than Carl’s news about his new tie. We can spread the invitation for everyone to be a part of Jesus’ family!

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Jesus Is the Good Shepherd - John 10:1-16

Here’s what happens…

Jesus says he is the good shepherd. He calls his sheep, and they know his voice and follow him. He gives his sheep a rich and satisfying life, and he sacrifices his own life for them. He knows his sheep, and they know him.

Family Together Time

Read a verse a day as a family so you can get to know Jesus better.

- Sunday: Matthew 1:23

- Monday: Matthew 16:16

- Tuesday: Mark 1:10-11

- Wednesday: John 1:29

- Thursday: John 4:14

- Friday: John 8:12

- Saturday: John 15:14-15

Talk About This…

- What’s one way you’ve gotten to know another person better?

- What can you learn from that about how to get to know Jesus better?

Discuss and Watch “Feeling Sheepish”

- What are some interesting things you know about sheep?

Let’s find out more about sheep by seeing some real shepherds!

Watch “Feeling Sheepish.”

- What did the shepherds say or do that reminds you of how Jesus interacts with us?

- What was different about the shepherds and Jesus?

Jesus knows us, so we get to know him. The shepherds in our video knew how to take care of their sheep and how to get them to go where they need to go. They made sure a lot of grass grew so the sheep would have food. They knew the names of certain special sheep, but most sheep didn’t even have names. That’s a little different from shepherds in Bible times. Jesus knows our names and so much more! He knows everything about us, and he invites us to get to know him.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.

Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath - Luke 13:10-17

Here’s what happens…

One Sabbath day, Jesus sees a crippled woman in a synagogue. She’s been unable to stand up straight for 18 years! Jesus heals her, even though the legalistic religious leaders don’t approve. But Jesus values love over man-made rules.

Family Together Time

Bless other people with loving notes.

- Cut out heart shapes.

- On the hearts, write loving notes such as “Jesus loves you, and we do too!”

- Include notes of encouragement like “You’re awesome!”

- You could also write Bible verses such as John 3:16 or 1 John 4:7.

- Decorate the hearts. (This is a great job for younger family members who can’t write.)

- Put the hearts in your neighbors’ mailboxes, or tape them to their doors.

Talk About This…

- What’s the last loving thing someone did for you?

Discuss and Watch “A Duck Tale”

- What’s the most loving thing anyone has ever done for you?

- What did you think of the reporter’s reaction to seeing the stuck ducks?

Jesus is loving, so we’re loving. Jesus showed love even when other people got mad about it. And the ducks showed love even when they were risking their safety.

- What’s one way you think Jesus wants you to show love this week?

Jesus is loving, so we’re loving. We can be loving even when it means giving up popularity, our preferences, or even our safety.

Digging Into the Heart of God. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc. Permission to reproduce granted for local church use.