ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church or download at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Jesus Calls Us to Love Part of The Big God Story John 13:1–20, 34–35
Jesus shows how much He loves His disciples by washing their feet.
Just for Fun
the ordinary, such as Serve your kids in a way that’s out of ask you why you’re they n Whe es. chor taking on one of their so much. Read them love you use doing this, explain it’s beca e times was thos in feet ’s John 13:1–20. Washing someone walked on dirty and als sand wore ple Peo . task y truly a lowl servants. Ask why Peter roads. Washing feet was reserved for read John 13:34–35. Then did. he responded to Jesus the way to your family but to only t Discuss ways you can show love—noyou’re disciples of Jesus. see can yone ever —so others as well
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Younger Kids
Did You Know? • The disciples expected the Messiah to set up His kingdom. They often spoke of who among them was the greatest as they vied for a position within that kingdom. • In biblical times, as people wore sandals and walked along dirt roads shared with animals, their feet often became caked with mud, debris, and animal feces. • Jesus’s act of love in washing the disciples feet was also an incredibly humble gesture as He put Himself beneath the most lowly of servants.
Early elementary children enjoy pleasing others and knowing they’re doing good work. Providing opportunities for your child to serve others will help her to become more confident.
Older Kids As your child gets older, his friendships may become more exclusive. Remind him of the importance of loving all people, even those not in his immediate circle of friendships.
• Jesus called the disciples to love through acts of humility and service—the same way He calls us to love today. Remember Verse for the environment of COURSE CORRECTION
Teachable Moments
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all. (Isaiah 53:6 NLT)
After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus washed their feet? • What important command did Jesus give in John 13? • What are some ways we can show love to those around us?
Blessing For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you love Jesus above all else, and may your love for Him overflow onto those around you. © 2013 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.