ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
Younger Kids
Did You Know?
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.
• Because of the miracles they had seen, Jesus’ disciples may likely have been expecting Him to rescue Himself from the cross right up to the point of his death.
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.
• After leaving everything to follow Him, Jesus’ disciples would have been devastated by His death.
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Older Kids
• Mary stayed at Jesus’ tomb, remaining devoted to her Lord even after all the other disciples had left.
Jesus Draws Near to Those Who Seek Him Part of The Big God Story John 20:1–18
After Jesus dies, Mary goes to His tomb as soon as she can and waits there. While she waits, Jesus appears to her, showing her He’s risen from the dead!
n Just foryourFu family and watch the
Take an early morning walk with 20:1–18. Ask your children sun rise. Then read together John t it would have been like wha ine to close their eyes and imag morning and find it empty. to arrive at the tomb so early in the have responded to Jesus if ld wou they how e shar Have them realized He was alive. they’d heard Him call their names and those who seek Him. to near s draw Remind them that Jesus desire to pursue Him. a you Pray together, asking God to give
Remember Verse for the environment of MODELING
Your child is just beginning to understand what it means to have a relationship with God. Help her set aside some time to develop healthy spiritual habits, such as daily prayer and Bible study.
Your older child may continue to need nudging and guidance as he learns what it means to seek God. Encourage him to “unplug” for a short period of time each day and use that time to focus on spiritual disciplines that might otherwise be neglected.
Teachable Moments
But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5–6 (NLT)
After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • What does it mean to seek after God? • In what ways was Mary an example of someone who seeks Him? • How can we seek God in our daily lives?
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 stand firm in the knowledge that God draws near to those who seek Him. © 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.