ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date
4.1
We are willing to endure a little discomfort if it means their betterment in the long run.
While at our local market, my three-year-old son decided he didn’t need to stay by my side. Instead, he dashed ahead toward the latest cartoon-embellished yogurt cups. Across aisles of oncoming cart traffic, his curly-topped head bounced, causing crashes, gasps, and many near misses. I chased after, calling his name. As I reached him and began to explain grocery store etiquette, he began to yell. “No way, Mama!” I told him it was time to ride in the cart, which solicited more yelling. I lifted him in against his will. He was kicking and screaming with all his might. It was ugly.
As parents, we know how difficult it can be to enforce rules, especially when our own limits are being tested. We love our children, and our love compels us to create boundaries and guidelines for their
In too many ways to count, Jesus was the innocent sacrifice for humanity’s sin and folly. In the case of His trial alone, there were many illegalities at the hands of the religious leaders and Roman government officials: 1. Jesus’ charges were changed during the trial—He was first tried for claiming to be a king, and second for blasphemy. This made for a faulty trial. 2. He was ridiculed and beaten by the palace guards, actions that were against the law. 3. The trial did not occur in the regular meeting place of the Sanhedrin, where it was by law supposed to have occurred.
Inspire (for parents)
A few moments later he began to sob. “I’m sorry, Mama! I’m so sorry!” I whispered that he was not being punished, that I was doing this for his own good. It was no use. A kindly grocer brought him a red balloon; that seemed to do the trick.
Equip (for parents)
safety and well-being. We are willing to endure a little discomfort if it means their betterment in the long run. If we, imperfect parents, are able to love like this, how much more does our heavenly Father’s perfect love compel Him to act in our best interest? Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice—death on the cross—proves the deep love God has for us. This truth should compel us to live out His love with others, including but not limited to toddlers during their meltdowns.
Gettinukge 22S—t23a:2r6ted
by Sarah Carter
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4. The trial occurred on the eve of the Sabbath, which was forbidden by Jewish law. 5. The “guilty” sentence was proclaimed on the day of the trial, not the day after—also forbidden. 6. A death sentence was given although two witnesses did not agree. By law, at least two witnesses were supposed to corroborate an account in order for a person to be condemned to death. Jesus’ trial is just another piece of evidence that He was the innocent sacrifice for our sin. If justice had prevailed in Jesus’ trial, His arrest would have ended, and Jesus’ ministry would have resumed. But Jesus did not receive justice. Jesus died for the guards, the religious leaders, the Roman government officials, and the Jewish people who ordered His execution. And even as He died for them, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
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Support
(for parents & kids) Just for fun, one evening after dark, take your Bible, some blankets, and a flashlight into your backyard or patio. Listen to the night noises. Notice the plant silhouettes against the night sky. Then read about Jesus in Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36–50. Explain that Jesus prayed in this garden the night before He died on the cross. Talk about the grief He felt over what He knew He needed to do. Ask: “Why did Jesus go through all of this pain?” Together, thank Jesus for His great love for us—love that compelled Him to die on the cross for our sins so that we can be in relationship with Him forever. Ask: “Does knowing God’s great love for us change anything?” Pray your family will experience more of His love. Finally, share that what your children heard is 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.