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

CONNECT

Gather around and get ready to share stories with each other. Participants will take turns sharing a story about conversations they had with someone outside the household that left them feeling good. It could be about anything—a new movie you’re excited about, acing a quiz, or receiving great news. The possibilities are endless.

As you share your story, be sure to include these details:

• What was the topic of the conversation?
• Why did this conversation make you feel good?
• Who did you talk to, and where did the conversation take place?

Once everyone has shared, take a moment to reflect on the people you had these conversations with. Were they friends, family members, classmates, neighbors, coworkers, or someone else?

Humans are social creatures, so talking to others comes naturally to us. We talk about things that make us happy, sad, excited, or even angry. When we share stories, we’re also sharing our thoughts and feelings. This helps us connect with others and feel closer to them.

READ THE WORD

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

LUKE 24:13–35

This story begins with two disciples walking seven miles to go to a village called Emmaus. This means they had to walk for about two hours to get there. On the way, they met and spoke with a man, not knowing it was Jesus they were talking to. Jesus reminded them that He was meant to suffer and be crucified before He could enter into His glory—rising from the dead. He loves us so much that His suffering meant our salvation from sin and His resurrection was to show that He made a way for us to have eternal life. Just after Jesus left, the two disciples realized who was with them and that indeed He had resurrected. Immediately, they decided to walk back to Jerusalem to share this important message to Jesus’ other disciples. It didn’t matter that they had to walk two hours again late at night.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kid/s (2–6 years old)

• What is the message of the cross?

Parents to Kid/s (7–12 years old)

• Who do you want to share the message of the gospel with?
• Do you need help in knowing what to tell others about Jesus?

Kid/s to Parents

• How do you present the gospel to other people?
• How can we make it easier to talk to others about the cross?

. . . of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

COLOSSIANS 1:25–26

During Jesus’ time, there were no smartphones, TVs, radios, or anything that would make spreading such wonderful news easy. Not everyone had access to the Scriptures too. The followers of Jesus travelled far and wide walking, riding boats for days, weeks, or even months just to preach the gospel. Today, we have technologies and spaces, like churches, to gather together. As followers of Jesus, we have the same good news that the two disciples received. Jesus’ message of love and salvation needs to be spread far and wide. As His followers, we have been entrusted to proclaim His message to people who don’t know Him.

Are you willing to tell the people around you about this message?

PRAY

Dear God, thank You for reminding us of how much You love us that You sent Jesus to save us from our sins. The gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life are the greatest gifts we can ever have. Give us the courage and opportunities to share Your message to our friends, family, classmates, and neighbors who don’t know You yet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DISCOVER

Are you familiar with the Great Commission? After Jesus was resurrected, He met with His disciples and gave them instructions:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

MATTHEW 28:19–20

A “commission” means a command or duty, so “Great Commission” also means a “Great Command.” Jesus’ message of love and salvation is so special that His Great Command for us is to share this message to other people. He’s not just asking us to do so; He’s commanding us to. In fact, there are over twenty verses in the Bible that talk about proclaiming or preaching the good news. See if you can find even just five verses.