Jesus has us burst into new ways of living is the Big Idea we shared with the kids today. We talked about how the disciples left their boats and followed Jesus immediately. In that moment their lives burst differently, but when we look at the scripture, we can guess that between John the Baptist and Jesus preaching in Galilee the disciples were primed and ready for something new.
Our lives (whether we’re in elementary school, parent or a grandparent of an elementary schooler) have tremendous potential impact in the lives of other people. How we live has the potential to change other people's lives as well. As we look at the life of Jesus through Mark, we can see a real command to love people.
Today’s Bible Story: Come Follow Me • Mark 1:14-3:12
Today’s Bottom Line/Big Idea: Jesus has us burst into new ways of living.
Today’s Key Verse: “Come and follow me,” Jesus said. “I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17 (NIrV)
You can watch this week’s episode of The Journey Today Show here. This is a great opportunity to learn and discuss what we are covering this week as a family.
After the video, you can use the attached materials to help take your family deeper into the lesson:
One of the ways I love my kids, my friends, and even random people I meet is I see value in them and add to it. When I realized that every single human being is created in the image of God it became much easier to see value in everyone. After seeing value (Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Faith, Gentleness, Self-Control) I simply add to it, sometimes as simply as saying something like “Wow .. you are really a kind person, that’s so great”. After adding value I’ll take an opportunity to listen to their thoughts and opinions. A simple question like “How did you become so kind?” will open up so much thought and reflection that most people will feel so much value that you care and are really interested in them. After really listening to their thoughts and opinions, I will take a moment and challenge them to grow. A question like “How do you think your kindness impacts other people's lives?” will present an opportunity to see a chance to look at what it might take to be more intentional, or what that intentionality could do in the lives of others.
See value in people, and add to it + Listen to their thoughts and opinions + Challenge them to grow = Loving People Well
We and our families have an opportunity to burst into new ways of living, to live more like Jesus in a new way, and follow Jesus like the disciples loving people into new ways of living as well.
Try this intentionally this week, and I bet the people you love lives' won't be the only ones who change.
Jennifer Foley is the Children's Ministry Leader at Abundant Life.
