August 22, 2010

ON THE WAY HOME…a resource for family discussions of today’s Gospel

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Jesus taught that it would be difficult for many people to enter into the kingdom of heaven (Luke 13:22-30).

TALK ABOUT IT

What was the question someone asked Jesus?

What three Old Testament men will be seen on the other side?

Make every effort to enter through the __ __ __ __ __ __  door because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to (v. 24).

QUESTIONS

Why is the door narrow?

Why will you be able to enter through the narrow door?

Share your idea of what heaven will be like.

DO YOU KNOW?

1. Who keeps watch at the door when a man leaves his house?

2. Who was brought out of jail when an angel opened the door?

3. At whose door did a girl ask Peter if he was one of Jesus disciples?

ANSWERS: 1. his servant (Mark 13:34), 2. the apostles (Acts 5:19), 3. the high priest’s (John 18:17)

August 15, 2010

ON THE WAY HOME…a resource for family discussions of today’s Gospel

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Jesus says that people will be divided between those who believe in him and those who don’t believe (Luke 12:49-53).

TALK ABOUT IT

What will cause the divisions in families? 

What two ways will a family be divided?

Do you think I came to bring  __ __ __ __ __  on earth? v. 51

QUESTIONS

Do you have any relatives who don’t believe in Jesus? 

How would your life be different if you didn’t believe in Jesus?

What does cause division in your family?

DO YOU KNOW?

1.  Who called on Jesus to come down from the cross so that they may see and

     believe?

2.  Who said, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief”?

3.  Who became silent and could not speak because he did not believe an angel?

ANSWERS:   1. chief priests & teachers (Mark 15:32), 2. the father of demon possessed boy (Mark 9:24), 3.  Zechariah (Luke 1:20) 

May 16, 2010

ON THE WAY HOME…A Resource for Family Discussions of Today’s Gospel

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Jesus prayed to his Father in heaven for all believers (John 17:20-26).

TALK ABOUT IT

Who was Jesus praying for?

“I in them and  __ __ __  in me.” v.23

What had Jesus given all believers?

Questions?

Is Jesus praying for you in this prayer?

Who do you pray for?

Has Jesus ever answered your prayer? Tell about it.

DO YOU KNOW?

1. What did Jesus do in the Garden of Gethsemane?

2. Who never left the temple and fasted and prayed night and day?

3. “My house will be called a house of  __ __ __ __ __ __.”

ANSWERS: 1. pray (Matthew 26:36) 2. Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:37) 3. prayer (Matthew 21:13)

KIDS IN THE DIVINE SERVICE…

What is Ascension Day?

We know that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter morning, but you may be wondering what happened after that.  Well, forty days after Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended, or went up, into heaven.  This happened right in front of His disciples.  They were witnesses to this amazing event.  Wow!  What an awesome sight that must have been!  If you want to read about it, the first chapter of Acts will tell you what happened.

Why is Ascension Day important?

From the time He was born until the time He died, Jesus was in a state of humiliation.  In other words, He “lowered Himself” from the right hand of the Father in order to become a man and live and die for the sins of the world.  After His death until now, Jesus has been in a state of exaltation, or “raised” in triumph and victory.  When He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, Jesus reclaimed His seat at the right hand of the Father where He lives and reigns over all creation.  When we remember His Ascension, we look forward with confidence to His wonderful return.  There we will live under Him in His glorious kingdom.

For Parents…

Ascension Day was celebrated last Thursday. In your family devotions this week continue to remind your children that Christ will return, and that when He does, we will see Him in His glory seated on His throne.  Remind them that even though He is in heaven, He still comes to us today in His Word and Sacraments.