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.
3.9 God Is the Lord of the Sabbath Part of The Big God Story Matthew 12:1–14 Sabbath
Younger Kids
Did You Know? • In Mark 2, Jesus states that the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Jesus is pointing back to creation when referring to the priority of the Sabbath. He is saying that this is a foundational principal for mankind as a whole, not just the Israelites. • God has set up a pattern of working and resting because that’s how He designed us to operate. Our bodies, minds, and souls need rest. We’re also demonstrating faith when we obey this command. When we work more than we should, it’s often because we’re not trusting God to supply all we need if we take time off. • Faith and trust are what God values above all else. Honoring Sabbath rest replenishes the strength we need and also builds in us a more robust faith and trust in our God, the Lord of the Sabbath.
Pick a day, when everyone ren you want to make enjoy breakfast together. Tell your child s on God. If possible, focu to t apar set day a day— ial this a spec s in order to rest, ation oblig or es chor d ehol set aside any hous bath day together. Sab a take —to play spend time with God, and day or even just half a try d coul If an entire day is too much, you Matthew 12:1–14 read day, the g durin e etim Som s. a few hour ask your children what the together. After reading this passage,the Lord of the Sabbath. Talk is He that Sabbath is. Jesus declared apart a day for us to rest. together about why God would set
Older Kids Your child is going through a lot of physical and emotional changes, and she may find some of them to be a bit unnerving. Take time to talk through these changes with your child. The more you emphasize that these are just normal life changes, the less unsettling these changes will feel.
Teachable Moments
Remember Verse
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It’s important to read to your younger child. It’s not just a way for your child to develop language, communication, and thinking skills; it’s also a great way to slow down and spend quality time together. As your child learns to read, you can take turns reading to each other.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3
After reading Matthew 14, discuss the following together: • Did Jesus care more about what the Pharisees thought or about helping the man? • What do you think it means that God is the Lord of the Sabbath? • What activities can we set aside to intentionally make time to rest and spend time with 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:
© 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.
(Child’s name), may you know the One who rules over everything. May your words and your heart honor the Lord of the Sabbath. May your love for Him overflow into how you care for others.