ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date
3.3
I wonder how often we attempt to squirm away when God confronts us with our sinfulness? Inspire (for parents) As a multitasking mom, play dates in the park were always a highlight. At noon, we gathered around picnic tables, supervised the feeding frenzy, and let the kids loose. They ran to the playground—laughing, shouting, and chasing one another—then, inevitably, there was the accident. Someone got hurt. I will never forget a lesson I learned from one such accident. When we heard the crying, from what seemed miles away, our group of concerned parents ran toward two angry, fistfighting brothers. Julie, their mother, stepped up and pulled them apart.
paid off. The boys were able to verbalize their sin and offer each other forgiveness. I wonder how often we attempt to squirm away when God confronts us with our sinfulness? And why do we do it? God has the authority to forgive our sins! Jesus offers forgiveness and new life to all who come to Him in faith. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). What great news! In faith, we can boldly approach God and know that His divine authority offers us forgiveness and the power to forgive others.
by Sue Funkhouser She knelt down, looked them square in the eyes, and had each boy give his account. After hearing the facts, she concluded that each child was at fault and needed to apologize. Eric, the 2:1–12 ew 9:1–8; Mark Scripture: Matth youngest, flippantly said, “Sorry” ity to Forgive Sin God Has Author Main Point: Only and tried to pull away. Julie held his your family to signed to allow de is ce ur so re arm, looked in his eyes, and said, This your children d’s Word before Go in e tim ve “That is not acceptable. If you want ha n is for parents Because God’s pla ren’s faith, attend church. your brother to forgive you, you rers of their child rtu nu l ua irit sp e to be th lly, your children must say what you are sorry for and you grow spiritua as at th ow kn we truly be sorry in your heart. That way, lly as well. will grow spiritua you won’t be likely to do it again.” Julie’s patient and loving authority
Getting Started
Equip (for parents) REM In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself EMB “I ha as the Son of Man more than any other term. ER v ve b ers een and In Jesus’ day, this term could have been E c rucifi I no perceived two different ways—the first l onge ed w lives it r i being simply a man; the second being the body n me. Th live, but h Christ , e life C Messiah. For instance, Ezekiel referred to of Go I live by I live hrist himself over 90 times as the “Son of Man.” f a d him , who lo ith in th in the In Hebrew, “Son of Man” was a figure self v for m ed me e Son of speech indicating membership to a and e.” G gave alat particular class. In the context of Ezekiel, ians 2:20 it brought to light the contrast between the humanity of a man and Almighty God. In the Old Testament, Daniel uses the term “son of man” to describe the One who is coming on clouds from heaven, glory, and everlasting dominion (Daniel 7). All people would serve the Son of Man, and His kingdom will not be destroyed. Clearly, this reference is not discussing a mere human, but a divine being. Surely, when Jesus began referring to Himself as the Son of Man, He was making a statement. In saying this, He was declaring both His humanity and His divinity. Interestingly, Jesus chose a term for Himself that had two well-known meanings; in this, He allowed the listener to interpret His intent. Clearly, those who denied the divinity of Jesus, such as the Pharisees and religious leaders, construed His meaning as pointing to His humanity. However, for one to recognize Jesus as the divine Son of Man described in Daniel 7, one would have to have the conviction of great faith that Jesus was the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Jesus was seemingly always trying to bring the question, “Who do you think I am?” to the forefront, challenging those around Him to make a decision.
Support
(for parents & kids) Just for fun, sit on the floor with your kids and look at the ceiling. Imagine hearing scratches from above … then a hole forming … then a man being lowered into the room. Afterward, read through the biblical account of Jesus healing the paralytic in Mark 2:1–12. Talk about how Jesus not only healed this man’s body, but also his heart, too, by forgiving the man’s sin. Ask your children why they think Jesus did this. Create a safe context for everyone in the family to talk about areas where they may be struggling and in need of forgiveness. Model honesty by sharing struggles that are appropriate for your children to hear. Invite them to share. Afterward, pray together—asking God for forgiveness and healing. Then remind them that God forgives us because He loves us and wants to be in relationship with us. Share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they will hear more about it in church this week.
© 2011 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.