INTRODUCTION

PETER AND ANDREW MEET JESUS

Bible Point:

Jesus is our friend.

Key Verse:

When we believe in Jesus, we become God’s children (adapted from John 1:12).

Big Picture:

Children will begin a friendship with Jesus.

Peter and Andrew Meet Jesus

John 1:35-42

Young children are just beginning to develop friendships with other children. Playing at the park with a friend, going to a birthday party, and just seeing a friend in public are exciting events. Children are beginning to understand the value of getting to know someone as a friend. This is a perfect time to introduce them to Jesus. Tell them that Jesus wants to be our friend.

BIBLE TIME!

This week’s Scripture (John 1:35-42) shows us that Jesus is our friend. 

Andrew and Simon Peter had been hearing all about Jesus from John the Baptist but had never actually met him. One day, John the Baptist pointed out Jesus to the men who were with him. Andrew left John the Baptist to follow Jesus and get to know him. Jesus asked Andrew to spend the day with him, and Andrew was so excited that he went and got his brother, Peter, to join them. They spent the whole day with Jesus, just getting to know each other better.

KEY VERSE

When we believe in Jesus, we become God’s children (adapted from John 1:12).

PLAY AND PRAY

As you tuck your child into bed one evening, have your child name his or her friends from memory. Have a piece of paper handy to write down the names your child says. Next to the names, write down something that your child knows about each friend, such as a food they like, a favorite color, or a favorite activity that each friend enjoys. Add Jesus’ name to the list, and have your child say things he or she knows about Jesus. Remind your child that we learn more about Jesus every time we read about his life and love for us in the Bible. End by reading a Bible story and then letting your child pray for each of his or her friends.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Go to a playground, a family fun center, or another place where families with small children gather. Look for an opportunity to introduce yourself and your child to someone who has a child your son’s or daughter’s age. Talk with your child about the importance of friendships and how we can get to know other people, like Andrew and Peter got to know Jesus.

ASK

•Do you like to meet new people? Why or why not?

•How do you feel when someone wants to meet you?

•What are some things you want to know about your new friend?

•What could we learn about Jesus? Tell your child that it’s OK to talk to new “strangers” when you are right there with him or her.

READY, SET, GROW! 

This week, your child learned that Jesus is our friend. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to grow closer to Jesus. Help your child grow in faith this week and follow through on the challenge!

•Draw a picture for Jesus. In your picture, draw some of your favorite things.

•Sing a favorite song about Jesus and His love.

•Have your grown-up read you their favorite Bible story about Jesus.