Volume 10: Jesus Forgave Peter

Jesus Forgave Peter (John 21)

In the beginning of John 21, we read of the resurrected Christ’s third appearance to His disciples. Although Peter had seen Jesus, perhaps he had not yet come to terms with his three-fold denial of Jesus. Through a series of three questions and commands, Jesus demonstrated His mercy and forgiveness toward Peter's denial as well as His wisdom to help Peter understand that obedience flows from a heart of love toward God. 

How does Christ’s forgiveness toward Peter demonstrate His own mercy toward us? What does Jesus’ commission to Peter teach us about our call as forgiven disciples? 

While Peter hadn’t been the first disciple in the boat to realize the man calling them back to shore was Christ, he was the first one making waves to get back and join the Savior where He stood. We witness this headstrong disciple plunge himself into the sea to swim to Jesus while the rest struggled to haul in all the fish they had caught. 

In their conversation after breakfast, Jesus repeatedly asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Each time Jesus asked, Peter became more grieved. Jesus didn’t ask this question because He didn’t know the disciple’s response; rather, Jesus wanted Peter to examine his motives and mission before stepping into God’s calling on his life: that he would lead others into His gift of eternal life. 

Lead your children to consider how impactful Jesus’ mercy was in these moments on the beach. How unbelievable it is that Jesus was willing to forgive Peter after all the times he had denied Him! This same forgiveness has been granted to us through faith in Jesus.  

Remember: God chose to use Peter to lead others to Jesus, despite the ways he had fallen short in sin. God can choose us, too. Nothing can separate us from Jesus’s love, power, or authority over our lives. With each new day, He beckons us to lead others as we follow Him. 

Christ Connection: The disciples had turned away from Jesus when He was arrested, but Jesus still wanted to use them in God’s plan—as fishers of men who would tell people the good news about Jesus. Jesus is the Lord who forgives us and makes things right again. 

Volume 10: Jesus Appeared to Thomas

Volume 10: Jesus Appeared to Thomas (John 20)

Toward the end of John 20, we find the disciples gathered, only a week after the discovery of the empty tomb. Word of His resurrection had already begun circulating, and Jesus even made Himself known to some followers. At this point in the story, we read of Thomas’ response when faced with the news of Jesus’s resurrected life. 

What lessons can we learn from Thomas’ doubt? Why did Christ declare our faith was more blessed than our sight? 

Doubt comes so naturally to us. We so often feel the need to see things for ourselves before choosing to move forward in trust. This is as true for us now as it was for Thomas. However, unlike the doubting disciple, we do not have the scar-bearing Christ standing physically in our midst. Yet, Jesus declared this reality to be our blessing and advantage. 

Thomas' encounter with Jesus offers us a significant truth about the necessity of faith. Like this disciple, we weren’t physically present to witness the stone roll away or to see the Lord’s burial clothes folded neatly where His body once lay. We weren’t there, racing at breakneck speed to see the empty tomb with our own eyes. However, we can receive the greater blessing of faith that only comes with the absence of sight. How great will our joy be when our faith does become sight! 

Just as Jesus' resurrected body was able to appear to His disciples even while they hid behind a locked door, so can He break down the barriers to our faith. He welcomes doubters to enter into His presence. Jesus stood among them despite their distress and fear. In fact, His initial greeting was one of gentleness and peace—not anger or apathy. 

As you talk with your kids this week, help them understand that Christ offers us the same peace and compassion given to Thomas and the others. He likewise commissions us to proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth. Just as Thomas heard of the resurrection through word of mouth, people around us are also dependent upon our sharing of the gospel’s great news. 

Christ Connection: Jesus is still alive today. We have not seen Jesus, but if we believe in Him, we will be blessed. Jesus sends out believers to tell others about Him and gives us the Holy Spirit to help us. 

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 10: Jesus Appeared to the Disciples

Jesus Appeared to the Disciples (Luke 24)

In the final chapter of Luke’s Gospel account, we receive insight into how Christ made His resurrection power known. The manner He chose to reveal His newly resurrected body teaches us how we can share and receive His gospel truths in the present day. Since Christians today represent the body of Christ in action, we serve as living, tangible proof of His resurrection power in the world. Just as the earliest followers sought to make His life, death, and resurrection known within their circles, we too must seek to share the gospel with the world today. 

Why did Christ return to the people after His crucifixion? What knowledge did He seek to impart to them amidst their weariness and confusion?  

Though Christ now sits at the right hand of God, shortly after His resurrection He chose to stand in His followers’ midst, that His resurrected humanity might become apparent to them. The first greeting He offered was that of peace through the gift of His presence. 

The questions He posed were rhetorical: “Why are you troubled? For what reason do you doubt?” Jesus recognized their fear and welcomed His disciples to see and touch His body so that their fear may be overcome with belief. His desire was that they would realize their need for His peace and be assured by the power of His resurrected presence. 

As you talk with kids about Christ’s resurrection, reflect on the peace that His presence provides. He left the comfort of heaven that we would have peace with the Father through His death and resurrection. The disciples saw and believed in Christ's resurrection and would later come to profess His peace throughout the world. Only Jesus provides peace to all who trust in Him as Savior. By teaching this story to your group, you’re extending the legacy of the earliest church members! 

Christ Connection: For 40 days, Jesus presented Himself to over 500 people and proved that He is alive. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Jesus is still alive today. He sends out believers to tell others about Him. 

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: Jesus is Our Perfect King

Jesus is Our Perfect King (Colossians 1)

One of the most magnificent titles given to Christ is that of the complete and perfect King. Paul reflected on both the might and majesty of the risen Jesus as he detailed the immensity of the hope we find in His name. Though we are prone to falter and fail, Christ in His completeness remains the full, sovereign fixture of our faith.

On what basis do we crown Jesus King? How do we see His kingship demonstrated to us and through us as His followers? It is through His sufficiency and might as righteous King that we find our strength and hope. It was not through earthly wisdom or power that Paul endured persecution and hardship; only because of his trust in Jesus did he find the strength to persevere and encourage the Colossians whom he loved.

The basis of Paul’s hope was the sufficiency of Christ. He wrote that Jesus had been present since the beginning and lived on the earth as our Immanuel, “God with us.” Because He has existed for all time and everything exists for Him and through Him, He reigns supremely and sovereignly over all things. As His followers, we are the body of Christ, and He is the head. There is no greater ruler than He, our perfect King.

By placing our trust in Him as Lord and King over our lives, we are made holy and blameless before Him. Through His Spirit at work in us, we are renewed to reflect the character that He alone embodies. In and of Himself alone, He is holy and complete, lacking nothing in perfection. It is by grace through faith that we enter into the kingdom of the Son whom the Father loves, and are able to live for His glory on earth.

Share with kids that the truth we are all seeking—whether we are young or old, lifelong followers of Christ or new to the faith—is found in Him alone. Just as the church in Colossae had to heed God’s truth apart from the false gospels of the world, so, too, must we seek to find our answers from the Scriptures. May we continue to be filled with His knowledge and strength, being transformed more into the image of the perfect King who made a way for us.

Christ Connection: Paul encouraged believers by reminding them that Jesus is great. Jesus is God’s Son, and He died on the cross to rescue people from sin. Jesus conquered sin and death and reigns as King over all.

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 10: From Many People to One People

Volume 10: From Many People to One People

Jesus’ name spread and His church grew. The Holy Spirit transformed and empowered the early church and still transforms and empowers us today. The gospel completely changes our lives and leads us to share the good news with others.

Unit 28: Jesus Is Alive

Jesus’ resurrection was no secret. For 40 days, Jesus appeared to His disciples and hundreds of others so that they would know He is alive forevermore. Jesus wants everyone to know Him, trust Him, and live for Him.

How do we know that God wants us to know Him? We can know that God wants us to know Him because He has revealed Himself through His Word.

4/21 - SESSION 1: Jesus Appeared to the Disciples (Luke 24)

4/28 - SESSION 2: Jesus Appeared to Thomas (John 20)

5/5 - SESSION 3: Jesus Forgave Peter (John 21)

5/12 - SESSION 4 (Big Truth Session): God Wants Us to Know Him (Matthew 28)

Unit 29: The Church Begins

Before Jesus returned to be with the Father, He gave His followers the mission to continue what He had begun. But this is a mission they would not be able to complete in their own power. Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to change them and empower them to be His witnesses to the world.

How does the Holy Spirit help Christians? The Holy Spirit comforts us, shows us our sin, and guides us as we live for God’s glory.

5/19 - SESSION 1: Jesus Gave His Followers a Mission (Acts 1)

5/26 - SESSION 2: The Disciples Replaced Judas (Acts 1)

6/2 - SESSION 3: The Holy Spirit Came (Acts 2)

6/9 - SESSION 4 (Big Truth Session): The Holy Spirit Changes Us (Galatians 5)

Unit 30: Peter’s Ministry

As the church began, Peter played a key role, following the example Jesus had set. Like Jesus, Peter preached the gospel, healed people, and confronted sin—all so that others might come to know Christ, too.

Why does God command Christians to tell others about Jesus? We tell others about Jesus so they will hear and believe the good news.

6/16 - Peter’s Ministry & Big Truth: We Are to Tell Others about Jesus (Acts 3-5, Romans 10)

Grand Prix 2024!

During March, our T&T kids competed in some Grand Prix races! Check out all the fun!

Volume 9: Jesus is Our Perfect Priest

Jesus is Our Perfect Priest (Hebrews 7)

It is difficult to comprehend the gospel’s richness without understanding Christ’s role as perfect priest. Because we do not live in the same religious and sacrificial system that the early church was so familiar with, we may struggle to savor the nuances of all this divine position entails.  

Throughout the promises of the old covenant, priests were necessary to represent the people before God and make atonement for sin. However, because these priests were not sinless themselves, they could not fully and perfectly pay the price for the sins of their fellow man. For this reason, the greater, perfect Priest—Jesus—was needed, and only He could satisfy the wrath of God on our behalf.  

Only Christ held the power of an indestructible life, having been crucified and raised again for all eternity. Whereas earthly priests could only serve for the duration of their lifetimes, Jesus holds this position forever, now seated at the right hand of God the Father. The promises of God through Jesus were perfected and completed through His eternal, all-encompassing sacrifice. 

In Christ alone we find salvation and relationship with the Father. When we trust in Jesus by faith, we are made righteous and find peace with God; these are the promises foreshadowed by Melchizedek, whose name means king of righteousness and of peace (Hebrews 7:3). Jesus, the perfect Son of God, is even greater than this priest who blessed Abraham and reminded him of the victory God granted him in battles before.  

Explain to kids that in Jesus we find complete forgiveness and victory in the war against sin and death. He rose again that we would experience the promise of eternal life that only comes through faith in Him. No earthly priest was able to accomplish such a feat. Without His work on our behalf, we would remain condemned by the law. Through Jesus, we are held back no longer, fully alive and set free to love the Lord with all we are.

Christ Connection: Jesus is the perfect Priest, the high priest who interceded on behalf of the people by laying down His life to be a once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin. Everyone who trusts in Jesus has salvation from sin through His perfect life, death, and resurrection.

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: Jesus Was Arrested

Jesus Was Arrested (Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22)

Christ’s arrest and betrayal remain some of the darkest accounts we read in the Scriptures. The sinless Savior experienced rejection at the hands of His closest friends, knowing the darkness of death He would soon encounter in the hours that followed. The recurring theme that resurfaced throughout each unfolding event was that Christ foreknew all that would come next, yet He took to the cross for our salvation anyway. 

The all-knowing Jesus recounted to His disciples the deceitfulness of not only the chief priests and elders, but also of His own follower, Judas, and of the other disciples who would likewise flee in fear of persecution. Each time the Lord shared the truths of the darkness to come, His followers failed to acknowledge the reality of their own faithlessness. 

Christ foresaw the betrayals of them all yet forgave them of their sins and continued to walk toward the cross. With each new turn, the Savior remained faithfully in step with the Father’s love. Amid the striking and scattering of His disciples–just as Zechariah 13:7 prophesied–Christ remained resolute, His trust in the Father unfaltering.  

We see His dedication to God through His time spent praying in the garden, as well as in His invitation to the disciples to join Him in prayer. While Jesus earnestly poured out His prayers to the Father, the disciples chose sleep over prayer. And yet, Christ remained steadfast in following his Father's plan; His eyes toward the suffering He would endure on the cross for sinners.

Explain to kids that Jesus knows our greatest sin, struggles, and inconsistencies but still loves and pursues us despite it all, just as He did with His disciples. Our faith in Him as the Savior was never based on our ability to follow Him perfectly, but rather on Christ’s abilities to obey the Father perfectly. In Him we place our faith as the One who knew our darkness and chose us anyway. Though we do not know what awaits us, we know who remains steadfast amidst the darkness and the unknown: Jesus alone.

Christ Connection: Jesus knew that His death was God’s plan to save people from sin. Jesus’ friends turned against Him and He was arrested and put on trial, but Jesus followed His Father’s plan in order to bring salvation to the world.

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: Jesus Shared a Last Meal

Jesus Shared a Last Meal (Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22)

The time came nearer for Jesus and His disciples to celebrate Passover together. Christ knew the betrayal would take place soon, yet He earnestly desired to break bread and recline at the table with His closest friends. He was aware of the suffering that was soon to come, too, yet He still took to the cross for our salvation; He endured it all for the joy set before Him. 

The Passover celebrated the works of God on His people’s behalf, as He freed them from Egyptian bondage. Each year, they gathered so as not to forget their miraculous deliverance from slavery. Out of these age-old traditions came the Lord’s Supper—a celebration of His new covenant. 

What was the significance of the last meal taking place on the first day of Unleavened Bread? How did this tie into the promises of God’s new covenant in Jesus? 

The first day of Unleavened Bread was a time when the Israelites would sacrifice their Passover lambs. They observed this tradition in remembrance of the blood of the lamb, which signified that God should pass over their home amid the last Egyptian plague. Since that event, they would continue to sacrifice a lamb in memory of God’s faithfulness in saving His people. 

Even though Jesus had predicted His death, the disciples still did not comprehend all that Jesus would suffer. As He offered the cup and broke bread at their side, they could not fathom all that Christ would soon endure for them to have forgiveness and eternal life in His name. While the priests before Him could only offer up a sacrificial lamb in their place, only Jesus could truly be the sacrifice needed to atone for sin. He was the promised eternal Lamb of God who died in our place that we may truly live. 

Explain to kids that the disciples did not initially have the full picture of God’s great plan of redemption as we do today. During these significant moments we read about in Scripture, they only saw up close what Jesus was doing, whereas we get to experience everlasting life now, fully knowing Him as the object of our faith.

Christ Connection: God’s people had broken the old covenant, and God promised to make a new covenant to forgive sins. The new covenant says that everyone who turns away from sin and trusts in Jesus’ death and resurrection will be forgiven of his sins and will have eternal life.

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: Jesus Was Anointed

Jesus Was Anointed (Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 12)

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John all recounted Christ’s anointing in the last days before Passover. As Christ, His disciples, and friends all gathered to remember what God had done for His people so long ago, Mary anointed Jesus. We continue to celebrate the legacy of her worshipful act, just as Jesus proclaimed we would.

What was the significance of Mary’s extravagant offering? Why did Christ declare that she would always be remembered for the affection she displayed for her Lord?

While Judas’ eyes were blinded by his own greed, Mary’s hands were guided by devotion to Christ alone. Though it seemed her offering of such precious perfume was a waste of resources, her reverence was not lost on Jesus. He deemed the costliness of her worship to be noble and exemplary. A year’s worth of oil was worth less to her than this opportunity to worship Him there in His presence. She found herself unwilling to waste such an occasion to showcase His worth before all who were assembled in Simon the Leper’s home.

To Jesus, it did not matter where the cost of the oil went, so much as the fact that she offered it up to Him in worship. So often, those on the outside wish to find the worth of our worship through a worldly lens. However, Christ is more interested in the obedience of our hearts. The joy in our giving is of greater value than any price tag it may bear.

Mary’s choice to anoint the Lord with this costly oil became preparation for His burial; her sacrificial choice to honor Him with all she had was not put to waste. In fact, it helped establish her legacy in Scripture and even brought Christ one step closer to fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy.

Explain to kids that genuine worship, even at its costliest, is never wasted because He is worth more than all the treasures of the world. Mary’s opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s value before the others was what set her apart. How can we lead our kids toward lives of genuine devotion to Christ?

Christ Connection: Pouring the expensive oil on Jesus was not a waste; it was worship. By allowing Mary to anoint Him, Jesus showed that He is more valuable than anything. Jesus knew He would soon die, be buried, and rise from the dead on the third day to rescue sinners.

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: Jesus is Our Perfect Prophet

Jesus Is Our Perfect Prophet (Deuteronomy 18)

In today’s passage from Deuteronomy, Moses spoke to the Israelites about the prophet God promised to raise up from among them. Unlike the imperfect Moses, his successor would prove to be even greater and better than himself. This coming prophet would be the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises of old. Only Jesus could be the One whose perfect word would faithfully and flawlessly come to pass.

Prophets served as mouthpieces between God and His people. Through sharing the Word of the Lord, they made God’s truth known among His people. What separated Jesus from Moses and the rest of the prophets, though, was that He alone could save and redeem God’s people from sin. God used the prophets of the Old Testament to continually point His people to the coming Messiah, who alone is the only Way to the Father.

How did Jesus fit the criteria for this final prophet? How could they be sure? Moses spoke of a prophet worth heeding and obeying, one whose words would truly come from the Father. Unlike the false gods and teachers who echoed off meaningless deception, Christ’s resurrection proved Him to be the perfect, promised prophet from God.

Moses instructed the Israelites to wait expectantly for the prophet who spoke God’s truth in all its fullness. He instructed them to watch for a divine message to be fulfilled as it could only come from God Himself. When it came to fruition, they would know it was His truth.

In His own perfect timing, God sent Jesus to the world to save us from sin. The ultimate fulfillment of Moses’ instructions came after Christ’s death and resurrection; He not only declared victory over sin and death but enacted His triumph on our behalf.

As you talk with your kids this week, help them understand that all Jesus spoke has and will continue to come to pass, just as Moses prophesied. Teach them that Jesus did more than simply speak God’s truth; He lived out and fulfilled its requirements so that by faith, we could be brought back into relationship with God.

Christ Connection: Jesus is the perfect and final Prophet God promised to send. Jesus is the Word who became a man. He came into the world not only to tell people God’s message but to bring people to God through His death and resurrection.

Key Passage: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: Jesus Warned About Not Acting

Jesus Warned About Not Acting (Matthew 25)

The parables in Matthew 25 called for God’s people to lead lives ready for the Great Master’s return. These passages dwelled specifically on the importance of being moved to action rather than halted by complacency or fear. This infamous parable demonstrated the call to be doers of the Word rather than mere hearers through the different types of workers called to the same purpose of Christ’s kingdom. 

Who did the master and his servants represent in this passage? What were the talents that Jesus discussed? The master of the estate represented Christ, and the servants were God’s people. Just as the master entrusted his possessions to the servants for profitable use, so, too, did the Lord entrust us to steward the gifts He delegated. This parable emphasized the role of human responsibility under the calling of those in Christ, as well as the eternal joy promised to those who walk faithfully in His ways. His call is to forsake earthly security for what is infinitely greater: a life lived in step and in service to the Great Master. 

Each servant was faced with the choice of whether or not he would honor his master with faithful service. The one who received five talents produced five more for his master, while the servant given two likewise earned back the same. In the end, both received affirmations for the faithfulness they actively employed amid his absence. 

However, the servant who received only one talent did not act as instructed; instead, he was motivated by fear, choosing to hide his talent in the ground. As a result, he received rebuke rather than praise. The last servant failed to hold a correct view of his lord, declaring him to be a harsh man who reaped what he did not deserve. From this incorrect perspective came the failure to act faithfully on his master’s behalf. Consider how you can lead your kids closer to a right view of the Lord in His goodness. 

Our goal in this session is to strengthen our kids’ perception of God so that they, too, may enter faithfully and joyfully into His service, being moved to eager action and stewarding their lives to the worthiest Master and Lord.

Christ Connection: Every believer, as a servant of Christ, has the task of serving God with his or her life. We eagerly wait for the day we can share in the joy of our Master. Heaven is the joy of knowing, worshiping, and enjoying Jesus forever.

Key Passages: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: Jesus Warned About Not Loving

Jesus Warned About Not Loving (Matthew 23)

Jesus spent the bulk of Matthew 23 rebuking the Pharisees and Sadducees’ unloving nature. He criticized the self-importance in their hearts and how it served as a stumbling block to those around them. Christ warned these religious leaders against making so much of themselves that they were blind to their own need for a Savior.

How did the religious leaders’ behavior go against God's command to love Him and others? Why was Jesus so grieved by these men’s lifestyle? As it turns out, Christ was grieved by the state of their legalistic hearts and was not impressed in their ability to keep up a pious appearance.

These leaders’ lives seemed to be led in service to God, yet they failed to obey His greatest commands: to love Him and to love those created in His image. God did not play favorites as they did. Instead—and contrary to the ways of the world—He exalted the humble and humbled those who exalted themselves; through this humility in Christ’s own death and life, God's love was displayed for all to see.

The focus of the Old Testament’s teachings was to guide us in faith toward the cross of Christ, not to try to find salvation through our own means. Instead of extending the love of God as commanded, these religious leaders narrowed the focus of their love to themselves alone. They trusted in their own ability to obey God’s laws rather than relying on their faith in the Messiah to make their hearts right before the Father.

Consider the reality that the Pharisees and Sadducees sought to make others more like themselves rather than the God they claimed to serve. Christ spent this chapter addressing the issue of their spiritual blindness, as well as their need for a regenerated heart with which to truly love God and others.

Explain to your kids that while these leaders were faithful tithers and rule followers, they failed to put their faith into tangible practice for others to see and experience. God’s love is most clearly expressed and extended through justice, mercy, and faithfulness, not the self-important exaltation of ourselves.

Christ Connection: Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others. (Matt. 22:37-39) The religious leaders loved themselves most of all. When we trust in Jesus, He makes us right with God and changes our hearts so we can love and obey Him.

Key Passages: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Awana Grand Prix

It's that time again to get your cars ready for our upcoming Grand Prix races! We will host a matchbox car race on March 6th for our Sparks and a pinewood car race on March 13th for our T&T Kids.

Register your child below for our Awana Grand Prix events. He or she must be registered to participate in the races. 

Registration Deadlines: 

• Sparks - Tuesday, March 5th

• T&T - Tuesday, March 12th

Volume 9: Leaders Wanted to Trick Jesus

Leaders Wanted to Trick jesus (Matthew 22)

Matthew 22 recounts an instance of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming together to try to test, trick, and teach Jesus a lesson. They had heard and witnessed so much about this man from Nazareth but were determined to be the ones to put Him in His place. They sought to do so by means of their own worldly wisdom.

How does godly wisdom play a role in Christ’s presence throughout this story? What kinds of warnings does Jesus give to the religious leaders, and to us, in the text? This was not His first run-in with these men, and it would not be His last. Time and time again, they used what they knew of Jesus’ teaching to find fault with His ministry. Though they sought to criticize and condemn Jesus, they found no real means to do so, as all wisdom and truth are derived from Him alone.

While the religious leaders wanted to trick Jesus through flawed earthly insight, they missed the true wisdom that all Scripture speaks to: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We know from Proverbs 9:10 that true knowledge and power come from the fear of the Lord, as it is the beginning of wisdom and understanding. How heartbreaking it was that they saw Wisdom with their own eyes yet failed to believe and cling to His words of life!

As you reflect on this chapter, consider what it means to seek and find His truth, though it may appear as folly to the eyes of the world. The leaders who went up against Jesus in the temple sought to stun Him into submission. Yet in the end, they were the ones whose logic had failed and astonished them into silence.

Christ offers us a warning against misunderstanding both the Scriptures and the power of God here in this chapter. As you share this story with kids, point in the direction of Jesus—the One whose power and understanding are unlimited and unwavering, never silenced or made to bow down to the whims of the world.

Christ Connection: When the religious leaders questioned Jesus, He answered with wisdom and power. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. He is the Word of God, who came to show us exactly what God is like.

Key Passages: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 9: The People Welcomed Jesus as King

The People Welcomed Jesus as King

(Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12)

In all four Gospel accounts of the triumphal entry, we uncover the truth that Jesus reigns as the sovereign King over everything. From the need for a processional donkey to the praises spilling from children’s mouths, He continued to fulfill the Old Testament requirements for the coming Messiah—the One promised since the beginning.

Why were the crowds so welcoming to Jesus and His disciples on this day? What led them to sing so loudly, to make way for His arrival so exuberantly? Many had heard the news of this prophet from Nazareth. Some had even witnessed His miraculous, healing power for themselves. Yet they all looked on with the hope that He would do even more for them now as their long-awaited King.

Those they encountered while entering Jerusalem were excited to see what Christ would do next, especially regarding the Roman rule they faced. They knew of Scripture’s promises and wanted more than anything for Jesus to be their answered prayer. They were more than elated to celebrate Him as the object of their kingly anticipation but failed to recognize Him as Someone greater—their Messiah and Lord.

Amid their jubilant festivities and merrymaking, they missed Christ's purpose in heading toward their city. It was not for the sake of sitting on an earthly throne, but to stake His claim as sovereign Ruler of the universe. He was not interested in merely delivering them from Pontius Pilate, but rather from life and eternity spent without God.

As you prepare to teach kids about Jesus’ triumphal entry, reflect on the full picture of the gospel’s good news: We do not have to wonder who Christ would turn out to be, nor shall we simply compartmentalize His reign to only one area of our lives. We already know of His death, resurrection, and ultimate victory over sin. We have even more reasons to welcome and worship Him than those in this story!

Teach your kids that Jesus made His way into Jerusalem to make a way for us to be with the Father for all eternity. May we never take for granted His sovereignty not just as King, but as Lord of all.

Christ Connection: Jesus is the Messiah spoken about by the prophet Zechariah: “Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). One day, Jesus will return to earth on a white horse as King over everything.

Key Passages: We are memorizing Isaiah 53:1-12 during this quarter. Primary children will be memorizing Psalm 23.

Volume 8: The World is Against God

The World is Against God (Ephesians 6)

Each year, numerous local churches fill backpacks for children in their communities who have limited access to school supplies. They may schedule a Saturday morning to pack hundreds of backpacks full of pencils, paper, notebooks, scissors, erasers, and more to ensure that children are well-equipped for school.

Imagine if they filled the backpacks with candy, toys, tools, and dirt. Imagine that instead of paper and pencils, kids received empty soda cans and grass seed. Sure, those children may be ready to swing by the recycling center and start a landscaping project, but they would not be ready for what was in front of them.

In Ephesians 6, at the conclusion of Paul’s letter to his friends in Ephesus, Paul reminded the Ephesians of the tools they needed to remain faithful in the combative culture they were living.

The tools Paul described are not a hammer and nails. In fact, the tools that Paul exhorts them to use are metaphors for the spiritual characteristics and disciplines that are essential to guarding against the spiritual attacks of the devil and actively combating the lies of the evil one.

Paul reminded the Christians at Ephesus to put on truth, righteousness, readiness to take the gospel, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. We can pursue and hold tightly to these distinctive characteristics of those whose hope is in the gospel of Jesus Christ; and in so doing, we’ll be equipped to stand firm in the faith.

Why are these things so essential? As Paul says in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” Paul says you’re not fighting a physical battle, but a spiritual one. Be sure you are equipped with the right tools for the task at hand.

In the same way, the kids in our communities need pencils and paper to be equipped for school, we need these spiritual characteristics and disciplines to grow and be equipped for the spiritual battle that we are facing each day. Be sure you gather the right supplies; it will make all the difference.

Christ Connection:  Paul told believers to be ready to fight a spiritual battle every day. People and powers who are against God will be against us too. But Jesus died and rose from the dead. He had victory over evil. We can fight the battle against evil, knowing Jesus already won the war.

Volume 8: Jesus Raises Lazarus

Jesus Raises Lazarus (John 11-12)

The account of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead is a foundational passage in the New Testament. Not only was a dead man brought back to life, this passage in John 11 also contains the shortest verse in the Bible and a glimpse into the humanity of Jesus. John 11:25 says, “Jesus wept.”

In this historical account of the death of Jesus’ dear friend, Jesus is questioned three times for not arriving sooner. The primary reason He is questioned can be found in the words of both Mary and Martha: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.” (John 11:21,32)

Mary, Martha, and others around them had seen and heard of the miraculous things that Jesus was doing. They had only seen Him miraculously prevent death. Their framework for how Jesus worked was limited to their experience with Him.

Martha showed a glimmer of hope in John 11:22 when she said, “Yet even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” However, she still seemed to limit what Jesus could do to her previous experience.

It can be easy to put God inside of a box, to limit what we believe He can do to what we’ve seen Him do before. Yet Jesus’ delay served a greater purpose: to give Him the opportunity to perform an even greater miracle—and thus display God’s glory.

Today, we often struggle to pray with confidence that God could heal physical ailments or save those that seem most unlikely to repent. In our minds, we limit what God can do to what we have seen or can explain.

What if we prayed with the confidence that God is a wonderworker, doing more than we could ever ask or imagine? What if we believed that God isn’t bound by our opinions or perspectives? What if we demonstrated our confidence in a God who is beyond our full comprehension, but is always within our reach? Not only would this type of faith change us, but it would also greatly impact those around us.

Christ Connection: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead. He gives eternal life to those who trust in Him.

Volume 9: From Death to Resurrection

Volume 9: From Death to Resurrection

The gospel story unfolds through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus—our perfect Prophet, Priest, and King—rose on the third day. The final days of Jesus’ ministry on earth showed how He is the true Redeemer who rescues us from sin.

Unit 25: The Warnings of Jesus

As the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry drew near and His rejection was at hand, He continued to warn all who would listen to turn from sin and trust in Him. Failing to believe in Jesus and to love God and live accordingly has consequences.

How is Jesus the perfect Prophet? Jesus perfectly reveals God the Father and fulfills what the prophets spoke.

Jan 28 Session 1: People Welcomed Jesus as King (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12)

Feb 4 Session 2: Leaders Wanted to Trick Jesus (Matthew 22)

Feb 11 Session 3 3: Jesus Warned about Not Loving (Matthew 23)

Feb 18 Session 4: Jesus Warned about Not Acting (Matthew 25)

Feb 25 Session 5 (Big Truth Session): Jesus Is Our Perfect Prophet (Deuteronomy 18)

Unit 26: The Arrest of Jesus

The time for Jesus’ rejection was at hand. After sharing a special meal with His disciples, Jesus was betrayed by one of His own and was arrested. Even as His death approached, Jesus continued to act as a perfect Priest, loving His followers and praying to the Father on their behalf.

How is Jesus the perfect Priest? Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for sin, and He speaks to God the Father for us today.

Mar 3 Session 1: Jesus Was Anointed (Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 12)

Mar 10 Session 2: Jesus Shared a Last Meal (Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22)

Mar 17 Session 3: Jesus Was Arrested (Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22)

Mar 24 Session 4 (Big Truth Session): Jesus Is Our Perfect Priest (Hebrews 7)

Unit 27: The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

The darkest day the world has ever seen became the brightest day one glorious Sunday morning. After Jesus was unjustly convicted of a crime, He was crucified and His body was placed in a tomb. But on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death and rising again as the conquering King.

How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over the universe as the King of kings.

Mar 31 Easter Escape Room

Apr 7 Session 3: Jesus Was Raised (Matthew 27–28; Mark 15–16; Luke 23–24; John 19–20)

Apr 14 Session 4 (Big Truth Session): Jesus Is Our Perfect King (Colossians 1)

Volume 8: Jesus Knew He Would Be Rejected

Jesus Knew He Would Be Rejected (Luke 13)

As the end of Jesus’ ministry on earth was drawing nearer, large crowds of people followed Him from each town and village. So the question someone raised in Luke 13:23 may seem unusual: “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?”

Jesus had spent time with the crowds. He had fed them, taught them, and healed them; yet He knew that relatively few would follow Him as true disciples. He knew He would ultimately be rejected by the crowds.

Jesus said that the gate is narrow, and few will find it. Most people will not taste and see that the Lord is good. The simple answer to this probing question is, “Yes, the number of people who will be saved is significantly less than those who will not.” Many people knew about Jesus. They had shared meals with Him and listened to Him, but they did not know Him personally as Lord and Savior.

Jesus was clear that being a Jew by birth or a zealot for the law was not enough to enter God’s kingdom. God’s heart is both for Jews and Gentiles. Jesus’ honest response offers hope to those who will hear. He tells them that no matter the numbers, make every effort to be one who enters that narrow gate. You do not want to be left outside the entrance.

We are surrounded by people who wonder about this very same thing. Who will be saved? Though we are not armed with the eternal knowledge of God, we do have pictures like this in Scripture that remind us to point to the hope of Christ in all things. We don’t know the future—and it’s not for us to know—but we do know where hope is found. The subject line of our message should be as hopeful as the gospel that saved us. The invitation to God’s kingdom is for all to place their trust in Christ, the One who was rejected and killed on a cross—so that we may be justified and fully accepted by His sacrifice on our behalf.

Christ Connection: Everyone is invited into the kingdom of God, but not everyone will enter. People are saved only by trusting in Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.