The Cross | and What It Means for Fallen Humanity (Family Devotional)ნიმუში

CONNECT

Today, we will play Bible charades!

Prepare the following materials:

• A bowl or box
• Pieces of paper, enough to write words or phrases
• Pens or markers
• Costumes or props for that extra bit of excitement (optional)

Using a pen or marker, write some Bible events or stories on each piece of paper. Here are some samples:

• The creation story
• Noah’s ark
• Baby Moses floats on the Nile River
• David fights Goliath
• Jesus walks on water

You can add more pieces of paper so that you can play as many rounds as you want. Roll the pieces of paper and put them all in a bowl or box.

You may divide the players into two teams. If there are not enough people for two teams, each player can take turns being the actor and the other family members can guess. One player from the team will pick a card and act out what’s on the card without speaking, while the teammates try to guess the correct answer within one minute. Feel free to use props or costumes to make it more fun. Pick a different team member to be the actor for the next round.

Were you focused and excited to act out the words or phrases as creatively as you could? Did you pay close attention to all the hints so you could guess correctly? The chances of your team being able to guess the correct answer rested on your ability to act out or reflect what was written on the paper.

God chose to save us and make Himself known through His Son, Jesus. Because of this, we can experience hope that only He brings. What does the Bible say about this hope?

READ THE WORD

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom . . .

COLOSSIANS 1:27–28

It is amazing that God has chosen to make Himself known to us, His people. Here, Paul writes that God revealed the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in us, the hope of glory. This means that even when we pass away from this earth, we can hope in Jesus knowing that we will be raised back to life and be with Him forever. Doing so will help us stand firm on His word, even though we may experience challenges, which are only temporary. God desires that everyone knows and embraces the hope found in Christ Jesus, who is within us.

Events in our world today, whether global or personal, can bring us a sense of hopelessness, lack of control, and sometimes even despair. But Jesus is in us. He, who has given His life for us, is in charge and He is faithful. We put our hope in Him, not in our government, in our finances, or in any other thing we may have.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kid/s (2–6 years old)

• What are some of the things you hope for?
• In what ways can you share the truth about Jesus with your friends?

Parents to Kid/s (7–12 years old)

• How does knowing we have hope in Jesus affect our actions?
• Why are we called to share Jesus’ hope with everyone?

Kid/s to Parents

• Why is having hope in Jesus important?
• Please share a situation in which you experienced Jesus’ hope. Perhaps you had a moment where you didn’t get what you were hoping for, but you have the peace of God in your heart.

What are you hoping for? It may be better grades, better relationships, better health, or a better job. Whatever it is you are looking forward to, attaining it will not always mean a better life. Most people tend to want more. But when we have our hope in Jesus, He becomes our anchor and our strength. The better things in life may or may not come, but having Jesus is more than enough.

Take time to dwell on this thought this week. Learn to make this truth real in your life. Through your life, may others see what having Jesus means.

PRAY

Dear God, thank You for the hope You provide us. May we always remember that, no matter what happens, You remain faithful and love us unconditionally. Please help us trust You in everything we do. We love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DISCOVER

Did you know that the methods of sending messages have come a long way? Can you imagine a time when the only way you could send a message to someone far away was through a pen and paper?

Here’s a look at how sending messages far away has developed:

• Postal system - 600 BCE
• Pigeon post - AD 1
• Smoke signals - 1500s
• Electric telegraph and telephone - 1800s
• Text messaging - 1992
• Video messaging - 1996
• Social media platforms - 2000s

Today, everybody is just a click away. What reason do we have for not sharing the good news we have in Jesus?