Q4 Week 1

Bible Point: Follow Jesus.

Key Verse: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

Big Picture: Children will learn to follow Jesus.

Bible Story:

This week’s Bible passage (Mark 8:31-38) tells us we can follow Jesus. Jesus instructed his disciples about his coming death and resurrection. When Peter objected to Him talking like this, Jesus was unhappy. He told Peter that Peter wasn’t thinking about what God wanted, only about what he wanted. Then Jesus called His disciples and the crowd to a deep commitment to following Him. Jesus said that if anyone were ashamed of Him, Jesus would be ashamed of that person when He comes again.

Play and Pray:

For each of you, trace your feet (do both right and left) on a piece of paper, then cut it out. Together, name reasons why you and your child follow Jesus. After naming each reason, write each one down on a footprint. When you have 6-8 footprints, tape them down on the floor like a path. This will help you remember that you’re proud to follow Jesus.

ASK:

-What are ways we can follow Jesus?

Faithful Flavors:

Purchase a package of ready-made, mini graham cracker crusts. You also will need instant pudding mix, milk, whipped cream, bowls, and spoons. Ask your child to help make “mini-pies” with you. Encourage your child to follow your directions during the process. Have your child mix the pudding, pour it into the mini-crusts, and then top with whipped cream after the pudding sets. Before you enjoy the treats, praise your child for a job well done! Tell your child you’re proud that he or she followed your directions so well. Say that we make Jesus happy when we follow Him, too. Let’s always be proud to follow Jesus and tell others about Him.

ASK:

-How do you feel about following Jesus?

-Why is it good to follow Jesus?

-Who can you tell about Jesus?

Ready, Set, Grow!

This week, your child learned that we follow Jesus. He or she committed to one of the following Daily Challenges to show others that he or she is proud to follow Jesus. 

-Lead your family in a prayer, asking God to help you follow Jesus.

-Tell a friend that you follow Jesus.

-When you wake up in the morning, tell Jesus that you’re going to follow Him that day.

Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!