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

CONNECT

Pick some household appliances and assign one to each child or family member. Ask them to do some research on how their assigned appliance works. Share your findings with your family.

Today, we have amazing gadgets and machines that help us with our housework. But each of these machines need power in order to be able to do its function. No matter how advanced the technology may be, without power, the machine is useless.

We have learned that as followers of Jesus, we have a wonderful message to share to as many people as possible. How do we get it done?

READ THE WORD

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

COLOSSIANS 1:29

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes that he’s working really hard and doing his best to do the job God gave him. But he also knows it’s not his own strength that makes it all happen. In fact, it’s Jesus helping him with His power. The word “power” here means the amazing strength and energy that God gives to help us do what He wants us to do. Paul wanted to help the people grow strong in their faith and live for God. Paul knew it wasn’t always easy, but he trusted that Jesus would give him the strength he needed.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kid/s (2–6 years old)

• Who gives us the strength to do good things?
• Can you think of something Jesus has helped you do?

Parents to Kid/s (7–12 years old)

• Why do you think Paul needed Jesus’ strength to do his work?
• What’s something hard you’ve done that you think Jesus helped you with?
• How can we ask Jesus for His help when we need it?

Kid/s to Parents

• Has Jesus ever helped you do something you thought you couldn’t do? Share the story with your family.
• Why does Jesus give us His power to help us?

God has a mandate for us—to tell others about Jesus and what He did for us. Our goal is to share this message with as many people as possible. God has given us the power to carry out this task. Sometimes, it is not easy to do. People may not believe what we say or they may even say things against us. Though it may seem daunting and scary, God has given us the power to carry out this task. Just like Paul, we too can do big and difficult things when we trust and follow Jesus. Now, think about who you can share this message with. Pray and ask God for an opportunity to do so.

PRAY

Dear God, thank You for always being with us and giving us Your strength. Please help us trust You when things feel hard and to remember that You are helping us every step of the way. We love You and want to live our lives for You. In Jesus’ name, amen!

DISCOVER

Did you know that Paul wrote the book of Colossians:

• In AD 60–61, a time when there were letters instead of cell phones
• While he was in prison
• Even when he had never been to that city yet

Paul wanted to strengthen the Colossian church because there were false teachers claiming that Jesus is not God. In this letter, he shares with them about how Jesus rules above all things, is greater than all things, and is able to provide what is needed to carry out what He has told us to do.

Paul mirrored this truth in his life. Imagine teaching and encouraging others about Jesus while he sits in a prison cell. May we embrace the truth of God’s power in our lives and may we live in a way that demonstrates this clearly so others may know Him too!