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 it at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
3.7 Jesus Is Alive
Younger Kids
Did You Know? • Jesus is alive! He proved His deity by rising from the dead. In John 20, He appeared to the disciples and showed them the holes in His hands and side—to give them evidence of His resurrection. • Jesus appeared not just to His chosen 12, but also to individuals, to small groups of people, to large crowds—not just once or twice, but multiple times over 40 days. • Archeological evidence substantiates the burial practices we see in the biblical account. Jesus’ body was confirmed dead by His own executioners. His tomb was guarded by His enemies and also verified as being empty by all who saw it.
Part of The Big God Story John 20
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
Fun Just for –20 . Ask your children
As a family, read John 20:1 ribed in the passage. to draw a picture of the events desc t she drew. Then wha ain expl to child each ge oura Enc e about these events read vv. 30–31 together. John wrotthat Jesus is alive. Help know to le peop because he wanted use Jesus is alive, He offers your children understand that beca physical life. New life in Jesus us new life, which is more than just differently because we’re act and think to er pow gives us the this new life makes our lives relationship with Him. Discuss how e who don’t know Jesus. thos of look different from the lives
Remember Verse
Younger children tend to get their feelings hurt easily. Help your child learn to “brush it off” without feeling victimized. Even at a young age, children can learn to not take revenge and instead to show kindness.
Older Kids Children this age are heavily influenced by their peers. It’s important for your child to have a strong sense of who she is—most importantly, who she is in Christ. As your child gains self-confidence, this will positively impact the way she responds to peer pressure.
Teachable Moments
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
After reading John 20, discuss the following together: • How would you have responded if you’d seen Jesus appear to you, alive, after His death on the cross? • How can we have new life in Jesus? • How does knowing that Jesus is alive make you want to respond to God?
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 experience the full, large, real life of Jesus here on this earth and in all of eternity. May His life give you strength and joy. © 2015 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.