As we begin Holy Week, I have prepared some materials for you to share at home with your families during these exciting days leading up to Good Friday and Easter. The videos and discussion guides will help you and your children experience the last week of Jesus' life.
Read MoreKids often think of justice in terms of the legal system. They have likely been exposed to TV shows that deal with justice in terms of crime, punishment, and getting even. For Isaiah, justice is about bringing hope and freedom to people who long for a savior.
Read MoreIt’s important to understand that repentance is not about shaming. Instead, it is turning away from sin to be in line with God.
Read MoreChristmas is right around the corner! It’s really easy for kids this age to spend all of their anticipating energy on what they are getting for Christmas. Wherever you can, shift that energy back toward the person of Christ.
Read MoreChrist the King! When kids hear king, they think of a powerful man, sitting on a throne, who is in charge of everything. It takes time and repetition to help them create the image of a king who serves others.
Read MoreTaking a risk can be scary for kids this age. They may need encouragement to name things they are good at. Remind them even the things they do well now were new and felt difficult at one time.
Read MoreKids are very familiar with the concept of getting ready—for school, a meal, a game, going to bed, or the next grade. Getting ready for Jesus’ return is less familiar. Jesus tells us to prepare by actively following God’s way.
Read MoreHumility is an abstract concept requiring kids to think about something they cannot touch or see. Interacting with this idea at a basic level lays the foundation for future understanding.
Read MoreRules. Remind kids that rules are more than things they can’t do. They are a way for people to be together in God’s love. “Love God and love others” sounds simple. Carrying it out can be challenging.
Read MoreKids this age start to question authority—and rightfully so. This text gives them permission to weigh competing authorities, a very adult thing to do, and consider the possible outcomes.
Read MoreKids this age discover that even kindhearted, God- fearing, churchgoing adults don’t always get along. Remind them that nobody is perfect, which explains why we all need encouragement.
Read MoreBe aware this is a violent story. Direct conversation to focus on the idea of being left out and the hurt feelings that result from not including people. Bullying is a form of rejection that kids this age have likely witnessed or experienced, either as a victim or as a perpetrator. The concept of rejection has real implications in kids’ lives.
Read MoreThe word hypocrite may not be familiar to kids this age, but they are very familiar with the consequences of promises made and promises broken. They are likely to understand the father’s—and Christ’s metaphorical— disappointment in the promise that was made and broken by the second son.
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