Chapter 28: New Beginnings
Timeless Truth: The Holy Spirit helps God’s people to spread Jesus’ love.
Bible Basis: Acts 1:2-11, 2:1-6, 23-24, 32-33, 42-47, 8:4-8, 9:1-9, 17-19
Key Verse: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in languages they had not known. The Spirit gave them the ability to do this” (Acts 2:4).
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity encourages your family to plan a garage sale to benefit people who are struggling in your church. The Extra Mile introduces your family to Team Hoyt who epitomize sacrifice and love.
Get the Point:
Preschool: God gives his people the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can live inside me.
Elementary: God gives his people the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can live inside me.
Middle/High School: Through his gift of the Holy Spirit, God gives the apostles the power and ability to spread the message of Jesus.
Table Talk
Preschool/Elementary
- When the disciples preached about Jesus and people saw the truth, the believers started eating and praying together. The Bible says they “shared everything.” Do you think this was hard for Jesus’ followers?
- What would be the hardest thing for you to share?
- Why did the early Christians help each other out so much?
- Do you think Christians still look for ways to share with each other?
- This chapter of The Story says Jesus’ followers had hearts that were “glad and honest and true.” How do you think they showed that?
- Talk a little about being glad, honest and true. If you could always live that way, how do you think people would look at you?
Note: Young readers will enjoy “God Sends Help” and “A New Way to See” on pages 326-341 in the Jesus Storybook Bible.
Middle/High School
- This chapter contains a powerful verse that says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved.” What does that mean?
- People try to earn salvation in many other ways. What are some areas where people try to save themselves?
- As faith grew in the early church, so did persecution. Peter and John were beaten and arrested. Stephen was stoned to death. Why didn’t Christ’s followers just give up and hide?
- Why do you think faith thrives when there is persecution?
- Saul led the persecution against the Christians until he met (and was blinded) by Jesus Christ. Would you have trusted Saul after he said he was a believer?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to save Saul instead of having him walk off a cliff?
- Do you think being a Christian is too easy where you live? What’s the hardest part?
Living Faith
The early church cared and provided for each other. That’s an example we can follow today. All churches have families that need a hand. To help your church body, have family members go through their rooms to find items to sell. If you want to take this idea to the next level, coordinate with your church. Encourage your congregation to bring donated items to the church or your home (if you have a place to store them). Help host a garage sale in your church parking lot or your neighborhood. You can put details of where to bring donations in the church bulletin or ask the pastor to make an announcement.
Once you’ve gathered items, figure out a date for the sale. An ad in the local newspapers, signs on the road or a mention on craigslist can get the word out. Make sure the people buying the goods know that all the money is going to help less fortunate families. Encourage your family to get involved by organizing items and manning tables. Coordinate with other families at church. Many hands make light work, so get as many people involved as possible.
With some planning and a lot of effort, your family can reach out in a tangible way to your church. You can make a difference!
Extra Mile
Believers in the early church sacrificed for each other. Rich people sold their land and helped the poor. Strong people defended and protected the weak. Two brothers can teach everybody something about real caring. Go to YouTube and watch “Sports Illustrated Kids 2012 SportsKids of the Year: Conner and Cayden Long (OFFICIAL)” (4:42).
Answer these questions. Is Conner a hero? Who benefits more, Conner or Cayden? What one lesson do you want to take away and apply to your own life? What does their story teach you about unconditional love?
Chapter 27: The Resurrection
Timeless Truth: Jesus fulfilled the prophecies by rising from the dead.
Bible Basis: Matthew 28:2-8; Luke 24:36-49; John 21:1-6; Matthew 28:16-20
Key Verse: “He is not here! He has risen, just as he said he would” (Matthew 28:6).
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity shows your family how to bake some special rolls. The Extra Mile has your family watch a couple of videos set to Carman’s classic song “The Champion.”
Get the Point:
Preschool: God raised Jesus from the dead. God gives me new life, too.
Elementary: God raised Jesus from the dead. God gives me new life, too.
Middle/High School: Jesus was raised from the dead to give us everlasting life. Jesus ascended to heaven and leaves his followers to continue his work in the world.
Table Talk
Preschool/Elementary
- Imagine showing up to Jesus’ tomb and finding it empty with an angel sitting on top of the stone. What would you have done? Would you have been scared like the soldiers?
- The angel reminded the women that Jesus said he’d rise from the dead—and he did. Jesus always does what he says. What are some of Jesus’ other promises?
- Have you ever gone from being really sad to super happy? That’s what happened to the women who found the empty tomb. Tell your story.
- When the women told the disciples Jesus had risen, two of them—John and Peter—ran to it. Why do you think the rest of them didn’t go too?
- Why is the empty tomb such great news to Jesus’ followers back then and today?
Note: Young readers will enjoy “God’s Wonderful Surprise” on pages 310-317 in the Jesus Storybook Bible.
Middle/High School
- Jesus appeared to several different people after rising from the dead. Each incident was very different. Talk about each one:
- Mary Magdalene was doubled-over crying at the tomb when Jesus showed up and she didn’t recognize him. Why do you think she didn’t recognize him? Why did Jesus not want her to hold onto him?
- Cleopas and a friend were walking to Emmaus when Jesus started talking to them about recent events. Jesus explained what all the Scriptures said about him. When Cleopas and his friend recognized Jesus, he disappeared. How surprised do you think they were? What did they learn from Jesus?
- When Jesus appeared to the disciples, he asked for something to eat. Why did he do that? Talk about what it would’ve been like for the disciples to see their beloved Jesus again.
- Thomas missed Jesus’ first appearance to the disciples and said he wouldn’t believe unless he touched the holes in Jesus’ hands. When Jesus appeared, Thomas believed without touching the holes. Why?
- Jesus said people are more blessed who believe without seeing. How does that make you feel about your relationship with Christ?
- Do you think you’ll be able to appear in different places when you’re in heaven?
Living Faith
When the stone rolled away, the tomb was empty. Jesus had risen! Make some empty tomb rolls to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. You’ll need a tube of prepackaged crescent rolls, jumbo marshmallows, butter, cinnamon and sugar. These rolls make a great breakfast treat or add a sweet taste to dinner.
Get all the ingredients together and gather your family. Have somebody separate the dough into triangles. Overlap two of the triangles and roll them out, so they stick together. Brush a little butter on the dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Place a marshmallow inside the dough and pinch all the ends together to cover it. It’s important that the dough completely covers the marshmallow, so it’s totally enclosed in a “tomb.” Follow these same steps with all the dough. Bake the rolls according to the directions on the package. Allow to cool. When you bite into these golden brown “tombs,” they’re now empty—just like Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning! Praise God for raising Jesus from the dead.
Extra Mile
Jesus rising from the dead may be the most history-altering event ever recorded. When Christ defeated death, he also defeated the devil’s schemes that started back in the Garden of Eden. By eating the fruit, Adam and Eve created a separation between humans and God. Satan doesn’t want us to have a relationship with our heavenly Father. Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection make it possible for us to know God intimately again.
Watch this church video that re-enacts what this epic battle between God and Satan, using Carman’s song “The Champion.” Go to godtube.com and watch “The Champion – Music Videos” (8:48).
After you’ve watched the video, talk about what it’s like to know God personally. Jesus’ resurrection dealt the ultimate blow to Satan, but the devil still tries to trap us in sin and make us forget Jesus’ sacrifice. Commit as a family to live a victorious life with Jesus.
Chapter 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).
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity has family members wash each other’s feet. The Extra Mile shows your family a couple of videos set to Chris Tomlin’s song “Jesus Messiah.”
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?
Chapter 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).
Resource: The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 25
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith encourages your family to think about Jesus’ claim that he was God. Theologian C.S. Lewis helps you out. The Extra Mile has your family watch a couple of videos about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
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.
Chapter 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).
Resource: The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 24
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity encourages your family to plan a picnic, whether you eat outdoors or inside. The Extra Mile takes your family to a Web site where you can watch a modern twist on Jesus’ parables.
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.
Chapter 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).
Resource: The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 23
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity lets your family do a fun experiment with water as you remember Jesus’ first miracle. The Extra Mile takes your family to a video about helping somebody in need.
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?
Chapter 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).
Resource: The Story: Teen Edition, The Story for Kids/Children/Little Ones: Chapter 22
Parent Tips:
Use the Table Talk questions to start a discussion around the dinner table during the week. The Living Faith activity has your family listen to an upbeat song and spread some Christmas cheer—no matter what the date. The Extra Mile takes your family to a creative video about Christ’s birth.
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.