PRESCHOOL/KINDER 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. HomeFront Magazine: A Spiritual Parenting Resource is a monthly magazine that gives your family ideas for creating fun, spiritually forming times in your home—setting aside sacred space in the midst of your active, everyday lives. Visit www.HomeFrontMag.com to subscribe to the print edition or to have a digital copy sent directly to your inbox.
JESUS INVITES US TO FOLLOW HIM Part of The Big God Story John 1:35–51 Jesus came into town after spending time with God the Father in the desert. John the Baptist saw Jesus and told his friends He was the promised Savior. Jesus invited these men to come and follow Him.
JUST FOR FUN Have your children follow you around the house or even outdoors. Be creative by running, jumping, and spinning as they follow. Share with your children that you’re going to read a part of The Big God Story where Jesus called His disciples to follow Him. Read John 1:35–51. After reading, ask your children, “What would you do if Jesus asked you to follow Him like He asked Philip?” Discuss what would be hard and all the rewards that would come with being able to walk and talk with Jesus every day.
REMEMBER VERSE May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76
Spring Lesson 7
DID YOU KNOW? • Jesus gave gifts of time, love, and truth to the 12 men He chose as His disciples. • For three years, Jesus invested heavily in the lives of His disciples. He did this so they might truly know Him and spread the good news. • Jesus invites us to follow Him by building a relationship with us that will allow us to change the world for the sake of His name.
DEVELOPMENT Your child loves to imitate. Be mindful of what you say and do as your child is following your example.
TEACHABLE MOMENTS After reading the Scripture passage, discuss the following together: • Does it make God happy when we choose to follow Him? • Remind your children that Jesus asks us to follow Him. • Parents, this is a perfect opportunity to ask your children if they’ve made the choice to follow Jesus. • Share with them that the Bible is filled with many ways we can follow Jesus and be more like Him.
BLESSING A blessing can be a spoken prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words of encouragement and guidance over your child. For more information about blessing your child, see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource @ HomeFrontMag.com. A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you hear God’s voice this week and follow Him with all your heart.
© 2016 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.