FROM

GOD TO ME

A COLLECTION OF BIBLE STORIES FOR

CHILDREN

This book belongs to:

Bible League International serves the under-resourced Church with Bibles and training to transform lives worldwide through God’s Word. © 2022 Bible League International From God to Me A Collection of Bible Stories for Children All rights reserved. Except as stated below, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or any other— without prior written permission of Bible League International. Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version, (ERV) © 1987, 2004 Bible League International Illustrated by Gonzalo Martinez: gonzalomartinez.net Email: [email protected] Web: www.bibleleague.org R-ENG-69567: ISBN: 978-1-62826-956-7 (Softcover) R-ENG-69710: ISBN: 978-1-62826-971-0 (Hardcover) Please send any comments or questions you have about this product to: [email protected] 2022-07

Table of Contents How to use this book The Bible is the story of God and his love for people Old Testament stories How God made the world God makes Adam and Eve Adam and Eve disobey God Cain and Abel Noah and the big boat The Tower of Babel God’s promise to Abram God judges two evil cities Isaac, the child of promise A wife for Isaac Jacob and Esau, the struggling twins Jacob tricks his brother and father Jacob gets tricked and blessed Jacob wrestles with God Joseph the dreamer Joseph’s life in Egypt Joseph tricks his brothers Joseph saves his whole family Moses: A slave and a prince Moses and the burning bush God sends Moses to Egypt Moses and the ten plagues The last plague and the Passover God parts the Red Sea God gives the Ten Commandments Traveling with God in the desert God’s Holy Tent Inside God’s Holy Tent Joshua leads after Moses dies The Israelites cross the Jordan The battle against Jericho Samson, God’s strong man Samson and Delilah Ruth, the best of the best Samuel hears the Lord Samuel anoints two kings David and the giant David battles Goliath David: A shepherd and a warrior David: A king and a poet Solomon the wise Israel and Judah split apart Elijah and the prophets of Baal

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8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88 90 92

Elijah and the fire contest Naaman is healed Jonah and the big fish Three brave young men Daniel and the lions The Jewish people return home The people rebuild Jerusalem’s wall Brave Queen Esther Waiting for the Chosen One

94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110

New Testament stories An angel surprises Zechariah The angel Gabriel visits Mary Jesus is born! Some wise men visit Jesus Young Jesus and the teachers John baptizes Jesus The devil tempts Jesus Jesus chooses some followers Jesus chooses his twelve apostles Jesus’ first miracle Jesus teaches on a hill Jesus feeds 5,000 people Jesus heals a very sick man Jesus brings a man back from death Jesus heals a paralyzed man Jesus calms a storm Jesus walks on water Jesus gets ready to go to his Father Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah Jesus rides into Jerusalem like a king Jesus’ last Passover meal Jesus is arrested Jesus’ trial and Peter’s denial Pilate asks Jesus questions Jesus is killed on a cross Jesus is alive! Jesus appears to his followers Jesus goes back to heaven Waiting for the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit comes Jesus speaks to Saul Ananias helps Saul The Good News comes to Antioch John Mark tries again Paul and Silas in jail Paul is shipwrecked Paul on the island of Malta Jesus is coming again!

114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144 146 148 150 152 154 156 158 160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188

How to use this book The exciting Bible stories in From God to Me: A Collection of Bible Stories for Children are intended to be read aloud to young children. Each story is short and easy to read. The colorful pictures will delight the eyes of your little listeners. As you read these stories, don’t forget to use your emotions. Be sure to explain the stories to your young listeners too. This will be most helpful with some of the more difficult stories (such as when God sent a great flood or destroyed an evil city). Parents or older readers should read the stories ahead of time. The names of books of the Bible and some reference numbers are under the title of each Bible story. This is where you can find the story in the Bible. The first number is the chapter. The numbers after the colon are the verses. The Bible can help you answer many of the questions that you or your child may have about the story. Each story begins with a simple opening question. This question helps to connect the Bible story to the life of your young listener. A simple question inside each story will help keep your little listener involved in the story. You can use the questions in the Talk About It section to review the main points of the Bible story. The first two questions are about the Bible story. The third question helps to connect the Bible story to the life of your child. The simple prayer in the Pray About It section can help your young listener learn to pray. After you read each phrase aloud, ask your child to repeat it after you. As you read these Bible stories aloud, we hope that all who hear them will grow into a lifelong love for God and his message in the Bible. Children of reading age will also want to read and re-read these Bible stories for themselves. We hope that everyone who reads these stories will want to pick up a Bible and learn even more!

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The Bible is the story of God and his love for people Creation: God creates the world; he creates people to be like himself. All creation depends on him, and he continues to care for his people. Genesis 1–2; Psalm 104; Psalm 8; Isaiah 44:24–28 Crisis: People act against God in many ways and suffer the results. Yet God is faithful and loving and restores them each time they disobey him. Genesis 3–11; Psalm 10; Romans 1:18–3:20; Ephesian 2:1–3 Covenant: God keeps trying to have a loving relationship with all people. God promises to bless all people through one obedient man named Abram (later named Abraham) and his descendants (Israel). Genesis 12:1–3; Deuteronomy 4–6; Psalms 105–107; Romans 11 Christ: God sends his servant (Jesus) to bless all people and accept the punishment for their sin. Jesus appears as a man to bring light to a world of darkness. He dies on a cross and rises from death to save all who believe in him. Jesus restores people to God once and for all. Isaiah 42:5–9; Isaiah 52:13–53:12; John 1:1–18; Luke 4:14–30; Matthew 20:17–28 Luke 22–24; Romans 5:5–11; 1 Corinthians 15:20–28 Community: Jesus fulfills everything God promised so that all who believe in him can receive new life through the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, all people can enjoy a new life, God’s blessings, and be an important part of Christ’s body, the Church. Acts 2:14–47; Galatians 3:26–4:7; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; 1 Peter 3:8–4:11; Romans 6–8 Completion: The end will be a new beginning. God has prepared a perfectly beautiful world and new life for his people that is beyond our ability to fully understand now. It will begin when Jesus returns to earth as he promised. Come, Lord Jesus! Isaiah 65:17–25; Romans 8:18–27; Revelation 21–22; 1 Corinthians 2:9

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Old Testament

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How God made the world Genesis 1:1–2:3

What is something you’ve made that you thought was good? Let’s see the amazing way that God made the earth and sky and every living thing.

A

long time ago, the world was just a big shapeless blob. Deep water covered the whole earth. It was dark all the time. But God said, “Let there be light!” and there was light! God saw that the light was good. He separated the light from the darkness. He named the light “day” and the darkness “night.” That was God’s first big day of making the world. Then God made a HUGE airy space! It was between the water above the earth and the water on the earth. God called that space “sky.” That was God’s big day two. Next God made deep blue seas and dry land with mountains and valleys. He named the land “earth.” Then God made the grass and all kinds of plants and trees grow. God really liked what he’d done on day two and day three! On day four God put the sun in the sky to shine ALL day! He put the moon and the stars in the sky to shine ALL night! And that was good too. When day five came, God filled the oceans with colorful fish and all kinds of sea creatures. He made birds with pretty feathers to fill the sky and trees. They sang songs, made nests, and laid eggs. God liked his fish and his birds. Then on day six, God made the animals! He made tame animals like horses, cows, and sheep. He made wild animals like bears and monkeys and lions. He made crawling creatures like bugs and worms and lizards. He liked all the animals that he had made! What is your favorite animal? Then God made people. He made them to be extra special, like himself! God wanted people to take care of the seas, the land, the plants, and all the animals. God looked at everything he had made. God was happy because it was all SO GOOD! Then on day seven, God rested because he was done.

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Talk about it

1. What was the world like before God began to speak to it? 2. How many days did God work before he rested? 3. What is your favorite thing that God made?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for making everything in the world SO good. I love the way you made it. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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God makes Adam and Eve Genesis 2:7–25

What do you like most about your best friend? God saw that the man he had made was alone. So God made a special friend just for him.

A

fter God made the world, he took some dirt and shaped it into the form of a man. The man God made was much like him. Then God breathed into the man’s nose. The man opened his eyes and came ALIVE! God named the man Adam. God planted a beautiful garden for Adam to live in. God named the garden Eden. He planted all kinds of fruit trees and plants that were good for food. They were for Adam to eat. God told Adam to take care of the beautiful garden. God planted two trees in the middle of the garden. Fruit from one tree gave people life forever. Fruit from the other tree let people know about good and bad. God told Adam, “You can eat ANYTHING you want from the garden. BUT you must NOT eat the fruit from the other tree. It makes people know about and decide for themselves between good and bad. If you eat that fruit, you will die!” After a while, God saw that it wasn’t good for Adam to be all by himself. There was no one else like him. God brought all the animals to Adam, and he gave them names. But NONE of the animals could be Adam’s special friend and partner. Do you have a pet? What did you name it? So God made Adam go to sleep. While Adam was asleep, God took a rib from Adam’s side. God made a woman from the rib. Wow! She was different from Adam but still very much like God. When Adam woke up, God showed him the beautiful person he had made. God was happy for Adam. Adam was so happy when he saw the friend God had made for him. She was perfect for him! He said, “At last! Someone like me is finally here with me!” Adam called her “woman.” Adam and Eve didn’t wear clothes, but they were not embarrassed. They were very happy together and walked with God in the garden.

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Talk about it

1. What kind of place did God make for Adam to live in? 2. How did God make the woman? 3. How does God give you what you need?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for making me to be a little like you. Thank you for knowing what I need! Thank you for caring for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Adam and Eve disobey God Genesis 3:1–24

What makes you sad? When a snake tricked the woman, the good life she had with Adam and God changed. It made all of them very sad.

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ne day, a clever and sneaky snake tricked the woman. It told her, “God isn’t telling you everything about the tree that makes you know what is good and what is bad. You and the man will not REALLY die if you eat fruit from that tree!”

The woman saw that the fruit looked good. She liked that it would make her know new things. So she ate some! Then she gave some of the fruit to Adam. He took a big bite too! Suddenly, Adam and the woman began to see everything differently. They saw that they didn’t have clothes on! For the first time EVER they were ashamed. So they made themselves clothes from big fig leaves. When Adam and the woman heard God walking in the garden, they hid from him. For the first time EVER, they were afraid of God. Before this, they didn’t decide what was good or bad. They had always done what God told them to do. How do you feel when you do something wrong? All three of them had done wrong. So God told the snake, “From now on, you will crawl on your stomach and lick the dirt. People will hate snakes!” God told the woman, “You will have to do hard work even when you have children to take care of.” God told Adam, “Because of you the ground is no longer good. Now you will have to work harder than ever to grow food from it. From now on, all people will grow old and die.” After that, Adam named his wife Eve. Then God made Adam and Eve some clothes from animal skins. And God made them leave the beautiful garden forever. God sent scary creatures with wings and a fiery sword to guard the entrance to the garden. He didn’t want Adam and Eve to get back in and eat from the tree that gives life forever. All of this made Adam and Eve very sad. It made God sad too. IT WAS A VERY SAD DAY.

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Talk about it

1. How did the snake trick Eve? 2. What did Adam and Eve do that was wrong? 3. What happens when people do wrong things?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that everything you made is good. Thank you for loving me even when I do wrong things. Help me not to hide from you when I mess up. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1–17

What do you do when you get angry? When Cain got angry, he did something very bad to his brother.

A

fter God made Adam and Eve leave the Garden of Eden, they had two sons. They named them Cain and Abel. Cain grew up to be a farmer. His brother Abel was a shepherd. One day, Cain picked some food from his garden. He gave it to the Lord as a gift. Abel gave some of his best sheep to God as a gift. God was pleased with Abel and his gift. But he was not pleased with Cain or his gift. This made Cain sad and REALLY ANGRY! And his face showed it! What does your face look like when you get angry? God saw Cain’s angry face. He said, “You’ll be happier if you do what is right. It’s dangerous not to do what is right. Don’t let sin control you! Sin is always ready to attack like a wild animal!” God wanted Cain to do what he told him was right. People sin when they think and do things that God says are bad. But Cain was still very upset. He became so angry that he killed his brother Abel! Later God asked Cain, “Where is Abel?” Cain lied. He said, “I don’t know. It’s not my job to look after my brother!” But God knew what Cain had done. God knows everything. So God punished Cain for killing his brother and then lying about it. God said, “Abel’s blood is in this ground now. You can’t be a farmer here anymore. Nothing will grow like it did before. You must leave your home. You will have to move from place to place.” Cain cried out, “This is too much for me!” He didn’t want to leave his home and his land. He was afraid that someone would kill him just like he had killed his brother. Even though Cain had done a very bad thing, God protected Cain so that no one would kill him. God didn’t want that to happen. Sadly, Cain went away from God. Later Cain found a wife and they had a son together. Cain named the boy Enoch. Then Cain built a city, and he named the city Enoch too.

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Talk about it

1. How were Cain and Abel different from each other? 2. What terrible thing did Cain do? 3. How can you do what God says is right?

Pray about it

Dear God, please help me to do the things that you say. Help me not to get angry. Thank you for loving me, even when I do bad things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Noah and the big boat Genesis 5:28–9:29

How would you feel if you were in deep water? A really long time ago, deep water covered the whole earth. God was starting everything all over again.

T

he number of people on earth grew more and more. They kept hurting and killing each other. People became so bad that God was sorry he made them. But he was happy with one man named Noah. Noah always did what was right. He was a friend of God. God told Noah, “I will destroy every living thing on the earth with a great flood. I want you to build a huge boat. You and your family and the animals you take on the boat will live. But everything else will die.” So Noah and his three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, built a REALLY BIG boat! They put a boy and girl animal of every kind on the boat. They took seven pairs of some animals. They stored enough food for all of them on the boat too. What kind of food would you take on the boat? Noah and his family went into the boat last. Then God shut the big door. It rained and it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. It rained so much that water covered the mountains. Everything on the earth died. But Noah’s family and all the animals on the boat were safe. They were the only ones left alive. Water covered the whole earth until God sent a wind to dry it all up. Finally the boat came to rest on a mountain. Noah sent some birds to fly around and see if the water was gone. A dove came back carrying an olive leaf in its beak! Seven days later, Noah let the dove out again. This time it didn’t come back. When the ground was all dry, God told Noah and the animals to get off the big boat. God promised all the living things on the earth that he would never destroy the earth again with a flood. He often puts a big rainbow in the sky to help people remember his promise. You can still see his rainbow after a rain!

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Talk about it

1. How was Noah a friend of God? 2. What did God tell Noah to do? 3. What do you think about when you see a rainbow?

Pray about it

Dear God, I want to be your friend. Please help me to do what you say. Help me to remember your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1–9

How many languages can you name? A long time ago, everyone spoke the same language, but then God changed that so they would do something new.

E

veryone in the world used to speak the same language. They used the same words and everyone understood each other. Then people began to move from the east to a flat area in the land of Babylonia. All the people thought that they were really great. And they wanted to stay together in one place. So one day they had the idea to build a big city. It would have a beautiful temple and a super tall tower that reached the sky. They wanted the tower to show the world how great they were. The people started making bricks from mud. They baked them in a fire until they were hard. They used tar to hold the bricks together. The tower grew so tall! What languages can you speak? The Lord came down to see the tall tower the people were building. He saw how all the people spoke the same language. He saw how they had all joined together to build the tower. God said, “This is just the start of what they might do without me. It won’t be long before they will do anything they decide to.” It all looked fine and good, but a plan that is not the Lord’s never leads anywhere good. So God decided to change things. He mixed up the language that the people were speaking so that they could no longer understand each other. Then God caused the people to scatter all over the world. This is how God stopped the people from building the city and the tall tower that reached into the sky. People then called that place Babel. That is where the Lord mixed up the language that everyone in the world was speaking. This is how God gave the people different languages and scattered them all over the world.

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Talk about it

1. What did the people use to build their city and tower? 2. What did God do so that people would scatter all over the earth? 3. What happens when people follow their own plans instead of God’s plans?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you like for people to be different. Please show me how to like people who are not the same as me. Help me to put you in the first place. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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God’s promise to Abram Genesis 11:27–15:21; 21:1–5; James 2:23

Have you always lived in the same place, or have you ever moved? Hear what happened to a man named Abram when God told him to leave his home.

T

here was a man named Abram who God called his friend. One day God spoke to him when he and his wife Sarai lived in Haran. God said, “Leave your home and your people. Go to another land that I will show you.” God promised to bless Abram. God said, “I will use you to bless all the people on the earth. I promise to make you and all your children into a great nation.” But Abram and Sarai could not have children. Abram decided to believe God anyway. Abram packed up his wife, his nephew Lot, and all that they owned. They started traveling to a land called Canaan. They stopped at several other places along the way to camp and to worship God. God made Abram rich with many animals, silver, and gold. Lot got rich too with many cattle, sheep, and goats. They had so many animals that there was not enough grass for all of them to eat. So Abram told Lot, “We need to go in different directions!” Lot chose to live in the rich, green Jordan Valley. Abram decided to stay in Canaan. What is the name of the place where you live? Then God told Abram, “I will give you the land as far as you can see. It will be yours and your children’s land forever! I brought you here to give you and your children all this land as your own.” Abram thought, “But I don’t have any children, and Sarai and I are old.” But he still believed God. One day God told Abram to look at the sky and to try to count the stars. God said, “I will give you as many children as there are stars.” Abram could not see the stars during the day, but he knew that they were there. So Abram believed God’s promise. Twenty-five years later, when Abram was 100 and Sarai was 90, Sarai gave birth to a son! They named him Isaac. Abram and Sarai were very, very happy!

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Talk about it

1. What did God promise to give Abram and Sarai? 2. What did Abram do that caused the Lord to accept him? 3. What is something that you believe in but cannot see?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for helping Abram believe your promise. Thank you that you want to bless all people. Help me to believe everything you say. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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God judges two evil cities Genesis 18:1–19:29

Where is a place you’re not allowed to go? Long ago there were two cities with so many bad people living in them that God wanted to destroy them.

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ne day the Lord and two angels came to visit Abram (God had changed his name to Abraham. He changed Sarai’s name to Sarah.) They told him that they were on their way to destroy two evil cities, Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord said, “I’ve heard terrible things about the people in those cities. I will go and see for myself if it’s true.” What bad things happen in places near where you live? As Abraham’s guests got up to leave, he asked the Lord not to punish the good people in those cities together with the bad people. His nephew Lot and his family lived there. The Lord said, “If I find ten good people, I will not destroy the cities.” Abraham knew the Lord would do right. When the two angels reached Sodom, Lot was at the city gates. He asked them to come and stay with him. So they did. He made them a delicious meal. At bedtime, a large group of men came to Lot’s house. They told Lot to give them the angels (they looked like men). The men at the door wanted to hurt the angels. Lot said, “Please don’t do such a terrible thing!” But they tried to break down his door and take them anyway! They pushed Lot out of the way. The angels pulled Lot back inside to save him! They made the men of Sodom blind so Lot would be safe. Then the angels told Lot, “Take your family and run away! The Lord is getting ready to destroy the city! Get out now!” One angel said, “Run for your lives! Don’t look back at the city! Don’t stop! If you stop, you’ll be destroyed too!” So they ran to a small town nearby. But Lot’s wife stopped to look back. When she did, she turned into a block of salt. Then the Lord rained fire and burning sulfur down on the two cities. That destroyed every living thing in the whole valley. The next day, Abraham saw the clouds of smoke. He was sad that the Lord did not find ten good people in Sodom and Gomorrah.

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Talk about it

1. Why were the Lord and the two angels going to Sodom and Gomorrah? 2. What did Abraham ask the Lord to do? 3. How has God saved you from trouble?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for saving Lot and his family. Help me to do good things and not do bad things. Help me to live the way you want. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Isaac, the child of promise Genesis 18:1–15; 21:1–8; 22:1–19

Why should you keep the promises you make? God made promises to bless Abraham and Sarah with a son. Let’s see how God keeps his promises.

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hen Abraham and Sarah were really old, the Lord and two angels came to visit them. One of the angels told Abraham, “Sarah will have a son next year!” But Sarah was too old to have children. So she laughed out loud. But at just the time God had said, the son he promised to give them was born. They named him Isaac. They were both as happy as they could be. God promised to make a nation of people from Isaac that he would call his very own. Years later, God tested Abraham to see if he really believed him. God said, “Sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering on an altar.” An altar is a pile of rocks. People in Abraham’s time burned gifts of food on altars. Usually these were doves or a lamb. They believed that the smoke from the fire carried the offering up to God. So Abraham took the son he loved, along with wood and fire. They traveled to a mountain that God showed him. Then Abraham and Isaac built an altar to the Lord there. Isaac asked, “Where is the lamb for the sacrifice?” Abraham told his son, “God will provide the offering.” He knew that God didn’t want Isaac to die. How do you think Abraham felt when Isaac asked him about the sacrifice? When the altar and wood were ready, Abraham tied Isaac’s hands and his feet. Then Abraham put Isaac on the altar. Abraham raised his knife to kill his son. Suddenly, the angel of the Lord called out to him! He said, “Stop! Don’t hurt the son that you love so much!” Suddenly, Abraham saw a ram with its horns caught in a bush. Abraham took the ram and sacrificed it to God instead of offering his son. So Abraham named that place, “The Lord will give us what we need.” Abraham believed and obeyed God. Abraham trusted God to keep his promise. Abraham kept trusting God all of his life.

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Talk about it

1. Why did Sarah laugh when God said that she would have a son? 2. What did God ask Abraham to do with Isaac, his only son? 3. Tell about a time that God helped you keep a promise.

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for keeping all of your promises. Please help me to trust and obey you, even when it’s really hard. I want to follow you all my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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A wife for Isaac Genesis 23:1–26:33; 35:27–29

When have you asked God to do something and he did it? God helped Isaac find a wife and Rebekah to have children because he promised and people prayed.

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hen Isaac was 40 years old, his mother Sarah died. This made Abraham and Isaac very sad. So Abraham sent his oldest servant to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham told his servant, “The Lord’s angel will help you find her.” So the old servant loaded ten camels with gifts. He traveled to visit Abraham’s relatives in a city far away. When he came to the gates of the city, his camels were thirsty. He saw some young women from the city coming to a well to get water. He prayed, “Lord, please let the girl who offers me and my camels some water be the wife you have chosen for Isaac.” A beautiful girl named Rebekah did just what the old servant prayed. She gave him a drink of water and watered all his camels. So he gave her gifts of gold jewelry. Rebekah went home and told her mother everything that had happened. Rebekah’s brother went to find the servant and invited him to stay the night with them. The servant learned that Rebekah was Abraham’s relative! How do you think God helped Abraham’s servant? The old servant told the family that he had come to find a wife for Isaac, and how God answered his prayer. Rebekah told her family, “Yes, I will go.” So she went back with Abraham’s servant. When she saw Isaac, she covered her face. Isaac welcomed her and married her. Rebekah was a great comfort to Isaac. She made him happy again. For a long time, Rebekah could not have children. So Isaac prayed, and later she had twin boys! They named the boys Jacob and Esau. Later Isaac moved his family to the land that God had promised him. God had told Isaac that he would bless his family. So Isaac’s family, crops, and flocks grew. He became a very rich man. Isaac lived a long and good life until he was 180 years old. God kept all of his promises that he had made to Isaac and Abraham.

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Talk about it

1. How did Abraham’s servant find a wife for Isaac? 2. What was Abraham’s servant surprised to find out about Rebekah? 3. What makes you happy when you are sad?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for keeping your promises to Abraham and Isaac and answering their prayers. Thank you for helping the servant find Rebekah. Open my eyes to see the promises you keep. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jacob and Esau, the struggling twins Genesis 25:19–34

Are you the oldest or youngest in your family? Long ago, the oldest son was the most important in the family. Sometimes that caused problems.

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hen Isaac was 60 years old, his wife Rebekah became pregnant. She began to feel two babies wrestling with each other inside her. The Lord told her, “Two leaders of different nations are inside you. They will argue and fight with each other. The younger brother will be stronger, and the older one will serve him.” In the ancient world, the son born first was treated in a special way. All his younger brothers and sisters had to serve him. But God told Rebekah that it would be different with her twin boys. Esau was born first. His little red body came out covered with fine hair. Jacob was born second, holding on to his brother’s heel. Esau grew up to be a hunter. He loved to be outside. He was his father’s favorite. Jacob grew up to be a quiet man who liked to be at home. He was his mother’s favorite and helped her cook. Years later, Esau came home after a long day of hunting. He was so hungry. He thought he would starve if he didn’t get something to eat. His brother Jacob had just made a pot of red bean soup. Esau loved that kind of soup. He said to Jacob, “I am so weak with hunger. PLEASE let me have some of your red bean soup!” What is your favorite kind of soup? Jacob’s brother Esau was strong and had muscles, but Jacob was smart and sneaky. He decided to trick Esau out of his big brother rights. Jacob told Esau, “First you must give me your rights as the firstborn son.” Esau was so hungry that all he could think about was the soup. He told Jacob, “I’m so hungry I feel like I’m about to die! What good are these rights to me now?” So Esau traded his special place as the big brother for a bowl of Jacob’s red bean soup!

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Talk about it

1. When did Jacob and Esau start to fight with each other? 2. How did Jacob trick his brother Esau? 3. Tell about a time when you tricked someone to get what you wanted.

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for taking care of me. I feel safe because I know that you give me what I need. Help me to trust you and be thankful for the good things you have given me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jacob tricks his brother and father Genesis 27:1–28:22

What is your favorite meal? Learn how Jacob used his father’s favorite meal to trick him and cheat his brother out of something very valuable.

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hen Isaac was really old, he couldn’t see very well. He knew that he would die soon, so he wanted to give Esau the blessing for the oldest son. But first Isaac said to Esau, “Take your bow and arrows and kill me an animal to eat. Make me my favorite meal. Then I will bless you.” So Esau went hunting. Rebekah heard what Isaac said. She wanted Jacob to get Isaac’s blessing instead of Esau. While Esau was hunting, Rebekah told Jacob, “Bring me two young goats. I will make them the way your father loves them. Then put on Esau’s clothes and take your father the meal.” She tied some goat skins to his neck and arms so that he would feel hairy like Esau. Because his father could not see very well, Jacob lied and said that he was Esau. He told his father to eat and to give HIM his blessing. Isaac touched Jacob’s arms and neck. Jacob felt like Esau. When Jacob kissed his father, Isaac smelled Esau’s clothes. He loved the way Esau smelled. Isaac thought that Jacob was Esau. So Isaac gave his blessing to Jacob, his tricky son. Has anyone ever tricked you? How did that make you feel? Just then Esau returned and made his father’s favorite meal with the wild meat. He took it to Isaac and asked for his blessing. Isaac was so shocked he started shaking! He said, “Your brother tricked me! He came and took your blessing!” Esau hated his brother Jacob and wanted to kill him. So Rebekah sent Jacob far away to her brother’s home to be safe. On the way to his uncle’s home, Jacob had a dream. He saw stairs going into heaven and angels going up and down. He saw the Lord standing beside him! Jacob said, “You will be my God!” So God told Jacob, “I’ll give you as many children as specks of dust of the earth and give you land, riches, and protection.” Jacob named the place Bethel. He thought that he had found the door to heaven.

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Talk about it

1. What did Jacob and Rebekah do to trick Isaac? 2. How did Esau and Isaac feel after they found out what Jacob did? 3. What do you like about the members of your family?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you know my name. You know how I feel and how I smell. Thank you that you love me just the way I am. I love you too! You are the best! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jacob gets tricked and blessed Genesis 29:1–32:7

When have you worked hard for something that you wanted? Jacob worked hard for something that he wanted. And God gave it to him with a whole lot of extras!

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fter a long trip Jacob reached his uncle Laban’s home. He fell in love with one of Laban’s daughters, Rachel. Laban asked Jacob to stay and work for him. So Jacob said, “I will work seven years for you if you let me marry your daughter Rachel.” Laban agreed. The time passed quickly for Jacob because he loved Rachel. But now it was Jacob’s turn to get tricked. When Jacob woke up the morning after the wedding, he saw that Laban had given him Rachel’s sister Leah instead! Leah had pretty eyes, but Rachel was lovely in more ways than one. And Jacob loved only Rachel. So he married Rachel too and then worked seven more years. When God saw how Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, he helped Leah. He gave her six sons and a daughter. Rachel and Leah’s slave girls, Zilpah and Bilhah, each had two sons with Jacob as well. Rachel could not have children until much later. Then she had two sons. So in all, Jacob had 12 sons and a daughter. How many people are in your family? Laban kept on cheating Jacob. He changed his pay many times. He wasn’t nice to Jacob like he had been before. Laban became very rich because of Jacob. But God made Jacob even more rich! After a while, God told Jacob, “Go back to your own land. I will be with you.” So while Laban was away cutting wool from his sheep, Jacob took his family, his flocks, and everything that was his and left. When Laban heard about it, he chased Jacob! But God told Laban in a dream, “Be very careful what you say to Jacob.” So Laban blessed Jacob instead. Before Jacob arrived back home, he sent messengers ahead to tell his brother Esau that he was coming. He hoped that Esau, the same brother he had tricked, would be glad to see him. But his messengers told him, “Esau is coming to meet you. He has 400 men with him!” Jacob thought Esau was coming to kill them all!

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Talk about it

1. How did Laban trick Jacob? 2. How long did Jacob work to get Rachel as his wife? 3. What are some of the good things God has done for you and your family?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for taking care of the people you love. Thank you for the plans you have for me. I want to do what you say. Help me to love you and love others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jacob wrestles with God Genesis 32:6–36:43

What do you do when you have a problem with someone in your family? See what happens when Esau and Jacob finally meet again. They are both surprised!

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acob heard that his brother Esau was coming to meet him with an army! How scary! So Jacob divided his family and flocks into two groups. He thought, “If Esau attacks one group, I hope the others can run away and be saved!” Jacob cried out to God, “Please save us from my brother Esau! Please remember the promises you made to help me!” So Jacob sent his men ahead with rich gifts for his brother. He hoped he could make peace with the brother he had tricked. What do you think Jacob thought would happen when he saw Esau? Jacob sent his family across the river, but he stayed behind alone. That night, God came as a man and wrestled with Jacob all night. They struggled and struggled! As the sun was rising, the man hurt Jacob’s hip. The man said to Jacob, “Let me go!” But Jacob said, “No! You must bless me first!” So God blessed Jacob. He gave him a new name, Israel. Israel means “he fights with God.” Jacob (Israel) limped away to meet his brother Esau. He didn’t know what would happen. When he saw Esau coming toward him, Jacob bowed with his face to the ground. Esau ran to meet him. Esau stood Jacob up and hugged him and kissed him. Both brothers hugged each other, kissed each other, and cried! Both brothers had become rich and powerful men. God had blessed them both. Years later, God met Jacob again. God promised to make a great nation out of Jacob’s family. Not long after that, Rachel died while she was giving birth to Jacob’s twelfth son. That made Jacob very sad. Later, Isaac died too. So Jacob and Esau buried Isaac together. Both brothers became so rich that they had to move far away from each other. There was not enough grass for all their big flocks and herds to eat. God kept on blessing both of them.

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Talk about it

1. How did Jacob get ready to meet Esau, the brother he had tricked twice? 2. What did Jacob ask God to do for him before he let him go? 3. If you could change your name, what would you want it to be?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jacob and Esau became friends. Help me to be the best friend that I can. I want to be your friend forever! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Joseph the dreamer Genesis 37:1–36

What did you dream about last night? Learn about a boy named Joseph, who had some special dreams about his family and his future. Later his dreams came true.

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oseph helped his older brothers take care of the family’s sheep and goats. Joseph would tell his father whenever he thought his brothers did bad things. He dreamed that they would bow down to him one day. His brothers hated him because he was his father’s favorite son. They were very mean to him! Joseph was born when his father Jacob (also called Israel) was very old. He was his father’s favorite son. When Joseph was 17 years old, his father gave him a beautiful coat. This made his older brothers jealous. Then Joseph told his brothers, “I had a dream. I saw your stacks of wheat bowing down to mine.” So Joseph’s brothers hated him even more. One day Joseph’s older brothers were far from home with the sheep. Their father sent Joseph to see if they and the sheep were all right. When his brothers saw him coming, they said to each other, “Here comes Joseph the dreamer. We should kill him now! We’ll throw his body into an empty well and tell our father that wild animals killed him!” How mean is that? Joseph’s brother Reuben said, “Let’s not kill him. We can put him into an empty well without hurting him.” Reuben wanted to rescue Joseph later. But while Reuben was gone, his brothers sold Joseph to a group of traders as a slave. Then the brothers tore Joseph’s special coat. They dipped it in the blood of a goat. They showed the coat to their father Jacob. He cried out, “My son has been killed by a wild animal!” His heart was broken. He was sad for a long time. Have you ever received news that made you sad? What was it? The traders took Joseph to Egypt, a land far away from his family. They sold him to an officer of the king. Joseph wondered, “Will I ever see my family again?”

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Talk about it

1. Why did Joseph’s family call him “the dreamer”? 2. What did Joseph’s brothers do to him? 3. How would you feel if you were Joseph?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for all the plans that you have for me. Thank you for always being with me. Help me to trust you when my life is hard. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Joseph’s life in Egypt Genesis 39:1–41:57

What is the longest you had to wait for something good? Joseph had to wait too. See how God used the hard things in Joseph’s life to make good things happen.

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oseph was a slave in Egypt for a long time. He missed being a son. He missed his family. But God was with him and made him successful in all he did. Potiphar was the officer of Pharaoh who owned Joseph as a slave. He put Joseph in charge of everything he had! God blessed Joseph and he made Potiphar rich. Then Potiphar’s wife saw how good-looking and strong Joseph was. She wanted him. Joseph told her, “No! That is a sin against God!” He ran out of the house. Then she lied about Joseph. But Potiphar put him in prison anyway! But God took care of Joseph in prison. Soon, the prison leaders put Joseph in charge of everything. Even so, he stayed in prison for a long time. One night, Pharaoh had two bad dreams that upset him very much. One of his servants had met Joseph in prison. This servant told Pharaoh, “Joseph can tell you the meaning of your dreams.” So Pharaoh brought Joseph to his palace. And Joseph told Pharaoh the meaning of his dreams. Joseph said, “God is telling you what will happen soon. Seven years of more than enough food are coming. After that, seven years of terrible hunger will follow. You need to get ready!” So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole country when he was 30. Pharaoh said, “I will be the only one more powerful than you!” What do you like to eat when you are hungry? A whole lot of food grew during the seven good years. So Joseph stored up huge amounts of grain in big towers. He stored up so much grain he lost count of it all! Then, during the next seven years, food didn’t grow. People in other countries were STARVING! But the people in Egypt had food because Joseph had saved it up. People from all the nearby countries came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph.

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Talk about it

1. What bad things happened to Joseph in Egypt? 2. How did God turn the bad things into good things? 3. Why should you keep trusting God when bad things happen to you?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for taking care of Joseph. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me when bad things happen. My life is in your hands. You are the God who helps me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Joseph tricks his brothers Genesis 42:1–44:34

When have you tricked someone? See what Joseph did to his brothers when they needed his help. They didn’t know it was him, but he knew who they were!

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oseph was a grown man when his brothers came to Egypt to buy grain. They didn’t recognize him. So they bowed to him in respect because he was in charge of all the food. Joseph was surprised to see his brothers. But he acted like he didn’t know them. He remembered what they had done to him. He also remembered his dreams when he was a boy about his brothers bowing to him. Joseph decided to trick his brothers. He said, “You men are SPIES! You haven’t really come to buy food!” So Joseph put his brother Simeon in jail and told his other brothers, “Go home with the grain. Then come back here with the youngest brother in your family.” Joseph wanted his brothers to be afraid and think that he was testing them. But Joseph really wanted to see his little brother Benjamin. They were the only two sons of Rachel, their father’s favorite wife. When all their food from Egypt was gone, the brothers came back to see Joseph. They brought Joseph’s brother Benjamin with them. So Joseph let Simeon out of prison. Then he made a big feast for them all, and Benjamin got the most food! After the feast, Joseph filled his brothers’ bags with grain. He told his servant, “Hide my special silver cup in Benjamin’s sack.” Joseph sent his brothers home. Then he sent his servant after them to search everyone’s bags. When the servant found the cup in Benjamin’s sack, he said, “Why did you steal my master’s cup?” The brothers couldn’t believe it! They were so upset that they tore their clothes. They put their sacks back on their donkeys and went back to Joseph’s house. What do you do when you get really upset? They bowed to the ground in front of Joseph. They were so afraid that he would put Benjamin in prison! One brother said, “I will be your slave if you will just let Benjamin go home to his father!” But Joseph had a surprise for his brothers.

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Talk about it

1. How did Joseph trick his brothers when they came to Egypt to buy food? 2. Why were Joseph’s brothers afraid of him? 3. What would you have done differently if you were Joseph?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you make good things come out of bad things. Thank you that you heal broken families. I want to be in your family. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Joseph saves his whole family Genesis 42:21–22; 45:1–50:26

What kinds of things do you do to help your family? Discover what amazing things Joseph did for his family that changed everything for them and for him.

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oseph’s trick made his brothers very sorry! They said, “God is punishing us for what we did to our little brother Joseph years ago!” As they told the story, Joseph couldn’t control his emotions anymore. He had to leave the room and began to cry loudly! That made Joseph’s brothers even more afraid of him! Finally, Joseph cried out, “I am your brother Joseph! I am the one you sold as a slave to Egypt!” The brothers were shocked and afraid! Joseph told them, “I know why God sent me to Egypt! It was his plan for me to save my family and many others from starving.” Then they all hugged him and cried for a long time. The brothers went back home. They told their father Jacob, “Joseph is still alive!” Jacob was so happy that he cried. Then Jacob and all his sons and their families moved to Egypt. On the way, God told Jacob, “I will go with you to Egypt. I will make your family a great nation there.” In all, 70 people moved to Egypt. How many people are in your family? When Joseph’s family arrived in Egypt, they were so happy to be together. They cried for a long time. Pharaoh gave them the best land in Egypt. He even asked Joseph’s brothers to care for his animals. Jacob lived in Egypt for 17 more years. When Jacob was 147 years old, he called for his sons and blessed them. He made Joseph the leader of the family. Then he died. Joseph told his brothers with kind words that he would take care of them and their families. He said, “It is true that you wanted to harm me. But God planned to use it for good, to save the lives of many people. And that is what is happening now.” Jacob’s family grew very big and rich. Joseph lived to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Then Joseph the dreamer died when he was 110 years old.

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Talk about it

1. What happened when Joseph told his brothers who he really was? 2. How did God turn all the bad things that happened to Joseph into good? 3. What can you do to help your family and show your love for them?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for bringing Joseph’s family back together again. Please watch over me and my family. Help me to always follow you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Moses: A slave and a prince Exodus 1:1–2:25

How many ways can you describe yourself? Son, daughter, tall, funny? See how God made an Israelite baby born into slavery a prince of Egypt!

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any years after Jacob’s family moved to Egypt, Joseph and his brothers and their wives had died. Their family group had grown so huge that no one could count them all! They were called Israelites because Israel was Jacob’s new name. Years later a new king began to rule over Egypt. He said, “There are too many Israelites. And they are too strong!” So he forced the Israelites to be his slaves. The Egyptians treated the Israelites very badly. They made them work very hard for no pay. But the Israelites kept having more babies and growing in numbers. So Pharaoh told the Egyptians, “Throw the Israelite baby boys into the Nile River.” Oh no! But one Israelite mother hid her baby boy in a basket. She put him in the tall grass growing by the river. The baby’s big sister hid and watched him. Not long after that, the Pharaoh’s daughter went to the Nile to take a bath. She found the baby in the basket. The princess saw that he was an Israelite baby! She felt sorry for him. Then the baby’s sister came and asked the princess, “Do you want me to find an Israelite woman to take care of him?” When the princess said “Yes!” she brought the baby’s own mother! The princess named him Moses.

Where do you like to take baths? Moses grew up in the Pharaoh’s palace as a son to the Egyptian princess. That made him a prince! Years later when Moses was a man, he went out to where the Israelites worked. He saw how badly the Egyptians treated them. Moses saw an Egyptian man beating an Israelite slave. Moses was so angry that he beat the Egyptian and killed him. Moses buried the man in the sand to hide him. But when Pharaoh heard what Moses had done, he wanted to kill him! So Moses ran away to a land called Midian. Moses didn’t know that God had a plan!

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Talk about it

1. Why was Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, afraid of the Israelites? 2. What terrible thing did Pharaoh tell his people to do? 3. What do you know about slavery?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for keeping baby Moses safe in the basket. Thank you that you saw your people’s pain and suffering. Show me how I can help people who are hurting. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Moses and the burning bush Exodus 2:15–3:10

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done? God told Moses to do something really hard. Then God helped Moses do it in some amazing ways.

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fter Moses got to Midian, he met a shepherd girl named Zipporah. He helped her and her sisters when other shepherds were mean to them. Zipporah’s father, Jethro, was a priest. Because Moses was kind to his daughters, Jethro asked Moses to stay. Moses later married Zipporah. He became a shepherd and stayed there. They were very happy and started a family. Years later, Egypt’s mean Pharaoh died. But the Israelites still suffered in slavery. They cried out to God to help them! God saw how much they were suffering. He cared about their pain. And God remembered the promise he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to bless their huge family. It was time to rescue them! One day Moses was watching sheep near a mountain called Sinai. He saw the angel of the Lord in a fire burning in the middle of a bush. The bush didn’t burn up! Moses thought, “What an amazing sight! Why is the bush not burning up?” As Moses went closer, the Lord called out, “Moses! Moses!” from the burning bush. Moses answered, “Here I am, Lord.” Then God said, “Do not come any closer. And take off your sandals. You are standing on holy ground.” Where is a special place that you take off your shoes? The voice of God spoke again from the burning bush. He said, “I am the God your father worshipped. I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses was too afraid to look at God, so he covered his face. God told Moses, “I have seen my people, the Israelites, suffering as slaves in Egypt. I have heard their cries for help. I know about their pain. Now I am sending you back to Egypt to free them. And I will go with you to help you!”

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Talk about it

1. What did Moses do after he ran away from the cruel Pharaoh? 2. When the Lord spoke from the burning bush, what did he tell Moses? 3. What is something that you want the Lord to see and help you with?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for seeing the suffering of your people and answering their cries for help. Thank you for choosing Moses to help them. I believe that you hear my prayers and want to help me too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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God sends Moses to Egypt Exodus 3:11–4:31

What have you done that you thought you couldn’t do? Moses thought that God told him to do something that was too hard for him. But God was with Moses.

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od told Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He wanted them to worship him on the mountain where he spoke to Moses from the burning bush. But Moses was afraid! How could he do such a big thing? He asked God, “If they ask who sent me, what should I tell them?” God said, “When you go to the Israelites, tell them my name is ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ Tell the Israelites that you were sent by YAHWEH, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is my name. It is how I want people to remember me from now on.” Moses said, “But the Israelites won’t believe me when I tell them that you sent me.” So God showed Moses three awesome wonders to help people believe that God was really with him. God told Moses, “Throw your walking stick on the ground!” Moses watched it turn into a big, scary snake and then back into a walking stick again! Next God gave a disease to Moses’ hand. It became dry and white like snow. Then he made it healthy again. God also told Moses that if he poured water from the Nile River onto the ground, it would turn into blood! And it did! Yuck! How do you think Moses felt after seeing those three wonders? But Moses still didn’t want to go. He said, “I’m not a good speaker. Please send someone else!” Then God became angry with Moses. He said, “All right! Your brother Aaron will speak to the people for you. But you still have to go!” So Moses took his wife and children and went back to Egypt. Moses and Aaron went together to tell the Israelites everything that God had said. God helped Moses and Aaron know what to say and do. Aaron spoke and Moses showed the Israelites the wonders that God had showed him. And the Israelites believed what they heard and saw! They were so happy that God answered their prayers!

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Talk about it

1. Why did Moses not want to do what God told him to do? 2. What wonders did God show Moses to help people believe? 3. What is something you didn’t want to do but did it anyway?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for helping Moses do what you told him to do. Thank you that you want your people to know who you are. I want to know you more! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Moses and the ten plagues Exodus 5:1–10:29

What happens when you are stubborn? Because Pharaoh was hardheaded, God sent ten plagues on the people of Egypt. But nothing hurt the Israelites!

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od made Pharaoh very stubborn. He wouldn’t let the Israelites go. So God sent ten terrible plagues to change his mind. First, all the water in the land turned into blood. All the fish in the rivers, lakes, and ponds died. Moses said, “Let my people go!” But because his magicians were also powerful, Pharaoh said, “No!” Then frogs came out and jumped on the people. Frogs were even in Pharaoh’s palace and in his bed. Gross! But Pharaoh was stubborn. He said, “No!” Then God sent gnats. They covered the people and animals. Gnats got in their eyes, noses, and mouths. The king’s magicians told him, “The Lord is more powerful than us!” But Pharaoh wouldn’t listen. God hardened his heart. God sent flies to cover everything and everyone. So Moses prayed, and God made the flies go away. But Pharaoh was stubborn again and wouldn’t let the people go. Then a disease killed all the farm animals. But Pharaoh said, “No!” again. God caused painful sores to break out on all the Egyptians. Even the king’s magicians got sores. But God made Pharaoh more stubborn. He said, “No way!” Then God sent the worst hailstorm anyone had ever seen. It killed all the plants, animals, people, and trees that were outside. But Pharaoh still wouldn’t budge. Next God sent clouds of locusts. They covered everything. They went into everyone’s houses and beds. They ate everything. But Pharaoh still said, “No!” Then a thick darkness covered the land of Egypt for three days. No one could see each other. No one went anywhere because of the darkness. Pharaoh shouted, “NO!” But this time he told Moses not to come back again or he would kill him. Moses said, “You’re right about one thing. I won’t be back to ask again.” One more plague is on its way. What do you think that Pharaoh will say?

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Talk about it

1. Can you name the first nine plagues that God sent on the Egyptians? 2. What was God showing Pharaoh with all the terrible plagues? 3. Why is it sometimes hard for you to do what God wants you to do?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you help your people when they suffer. Thank you that you use your great power to save them. Help me to always remember that you love and take care of me and my family. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The last plague and the Passover Exodus 11:1–13:16

What is your favorite holiday meal? When God did something important for his people, he helped them remember it with a celebration and a special meal.

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he first nine plagues that God sent the Egyptians were hard and scary. Every time the Pharaoh said, “No!” something harder came along. Then God told Moses, “I will make the most terrible thing of all happen. All the firstborn sons in the land will die! Even the firstborn cattle. Every Egyptian family will suffer!” Then the Lord told Moses, “Before I do this, tell the Israelite families to eat a special meal. Tell them to cook a lamb and eat the meal fast.” God named this meal the Passover. He wanted his people to remember this night forever. Then Moses told the people to paint the doorframes of their houses with the blood of the lambs they had eaten. They also had to be ready to leave Egypt in a hurry. Who eats the fastest in your family? Moses told Pharaoh what God was about to do. He said that the firstborn sons in every Egyptian home would die. He said that God would not hurt any of the Israelites. But God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. He said, “No!” So Moses left! That night it all came true. God sent the destroyer to every Egyptian home. All the firstborn sons died. People screamed and cried in every city and town across Egypt. From Pharaoh’s palace to the house of the servant girl grinding grain, even the firstborn farm animals died. But God made the destroyer pass over the Israelites’ homes because they had painted the blood of a lamb on their doorposts. Nothing bad happened to them. Not even a dog barked at them. Finally, Pharaoh told Moses and Aaron and all the Israelites, “Take your sheep and cattle and GO!” So they did! That night all the many Israelite men, women, and children left Egypt. They had been slaves there for 430 years. But the Israelites were not slaves anymore! Now they were free! Today Jewish people still celebrate Passover every year to remember what happened that day.

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Talk about it

1. How was the last plague worse than all the others? 2. Why did the destroyer pass over the houses of the Israelites? 3. What are some ways to remember what God has done for you?

Pray about it

Dear God, I love you! Thank you for setting your people free! Thank you that you always want what is best for me. Please help me to see what is best and just do it. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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God parts the Red Sea Exodus 13:17–15:21

When has someone saved you from getting hurt? Learn how God used his great power to save his people as they ran away from Pharaoh and his army!

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od led all the Israelites out of Egypt. He took them through the desert to the Red Sea. During the day he led them with a tall cloud. At night he led them with a cloud of fire so that they could see in the dark. God wanted them to hurry! When they reached the Red Sea to rest, Pharaoh changed his mind. He said, “Why did we let the Israelites leave? Now we have lost our slaves!” So the king and his whole army got in their chariots and chased after the Israelites. The Israelites saw the Egyptian army coming with their horses and chariots. They cried to Moses, “We’re trapped against the sea! Why did you bring us out here to die?” But Moses told them, “Don’t be afraid! Watch the Lord save you today!” Moses promised them, “Just stay calm! The Lord will fight for you!” Have you ever been so scared that you cried? What made you cry? Then the cloud of fire moved behind the Israelites. The cloud stood between them and the Egyptian army. The army could not get any closer. The Israelites had light from the cloud of fire, but the Egyptians were in darkness. Then God told Moses, “Raise your walking stick over the Red Sea. I will make a path open for you!” As Moses raised his walking stick, the sea stood up like walls on their right and left. Everyone was shocked! It was amazing! God told them to get moving! So they all hurried through on dry ground to the other side. The Egyptian army charged right in after the Israelites. When they were about halfway across, the Lord made the army panic. Their chariot wheels got stuck. Then God told Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again!” Instantly the sea CRASHED down on the Egyptian army! They all drowned! The Israelites were amazed at God’s great power, and they respected and trusted him! Moses’ sister Miriam led the people in a victory song and dance to the Lord for saving them!

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Talk about it

1. How did God lead the Israelites through the desert? 2. How did God save the Israelites from the Egyptian army? 3. Who helps you when your life gets hard?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you saved the Israelites. Thank you that you showed them how much you loved them. Please help me to see you working in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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God gives the Ten Commandments Exodus 19:1–20:21; 24:9–18; 31:18–32:1; 34:28–29

How does your family teach you how to live? Learn about what God taught his people to help them live a good life and stay out of trouble.

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fter they crossed the Red Sea, the Israelites walked all the way to Mount Sinai to worship God there. Then Moses climbed the mountain to meet with God. God told Moses, “I want to make an agreement with the Israelites. I will be their only God and they will be my special people.” God said, “The whole world belongs to me, but you will be my special nation—a kingdom of priests.” God also told Moses, “Get the Israelites ready to meet me when I come down to the mountain again.” So everyone washed their clothes and stayed clean. They set up a small boundary all the way around the mountain. No one could step over it or go near the mountain. If they touched the mountain, they would die. After three days a thick, dark cloud came down onto the mountain. Thunder crashed! Lightning flashed! A loud blast from a ram’s horn came from the cloud! The light and noise were so loud and strong that it scared everyone! Then God came down to the mountain in fire and thick smoke. The whole mountain shook. Every time God spoke, thunder crashed, lightning flashed, and the horn blasted. God’s voice was even louder than the thunder! The people were so scared that they shook with fear and stood as far away as they could. What do you do when you hear thunder? God told the people, “I am the Lord your God! I brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves!” God wrote his commandments with his finger on two stone tablets. God called Moses to climb up the mountain to get the stone tablets. Moses went into the dark cloud where God was, and all the people backed away. The glory of God covered the mountain like a great burning fire! Moses stayed on the mountain with God for 40 days and 40 nights. All the people wondered where he was! Then Moses carried the two stone tablets down from the mountain. His face shined because he had talked with God.

Talk about it

1. How did God come down to be with the Israelites? 2. What are the commandments that God gave the Israelites? 3. How does God speak to people today?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you chose the Israelites to be your people. Thank you for choosing me too. Help me to obey you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Traveling with God in the desert

Exodus 15:22–40:38; Numbers 3:13–6:27; Deuteronomy 1:1–34:12; Joshua 1:1–5:15

What is the longest trip that you have ever taken? Learn how God took his people on a long trip to a wonderful place that he promised to give them.

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od wanted his people to trust him. So he took them on a long trip to help them get to know him better. But on the way the Israelites didn’t trust God. They complained to Moses, “What will we eat and drink? You’ve brought us here to die!” When God told them to do something, they disobeyed him again and again. After that, God didn’t want the Israelites to be his people anymore. He thought that if they kept on doing bad things, his punishment would be too great. But God remembered the promises he had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He promised to give them a home in a beautiful place and do wonderful things for them. So God made the trip longer until everyone who disobeyed him in the desert died. God took care of his people because he still had big plans for them. Do you ever complain on long trips? What do you complain about? God led the Israelites with a big cloud so they wouldn’t get lost. He put a tall cloud of fire in the sky at night so that they could see in the dark. Every morning he sent manna from the sky for them to eat. Manna tasted like cakes made with honey. God sent quail (birds) to their camps every evening, so they always had meat. God gave them water to drink. Sometimes water came out of a ROCK! He kept their clothes and sandals from wearing out. He healed all their diseases. God protected the Israelites from other people living in the lands they went through. God fought for them. They won their battles when they obeyed him. God promised to lead his people to a land filled with good things. But all the way to that land, they kept doing bad things. So what did God do? He kept on loving them! He loved them even when they were so bad that he almost gave up on them! But God never gave up on them. God’s people got to know him better during the time in the desert. They worshipped him and he took care of them.

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Talk about it

1. What did the Israelites do that made God not want to go with them? 2. How did God show his love on the long trip in the desert? 3. What are ways that God shows how much he loves you?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for loving the Israelites on their long trip in the desert. Thank you that your love is so big. Help me to love you and do what you say. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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God’s Holy Tent Exodus 25:1–31:18; 35:1–40:38

If you lived in a tent, what would you want it to look like? God made his home in a tent for a long time so that his people could see that he lived with them.

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ne day God told Moses, “Tell the people to build a holy place for me. Then I will live among them. I will show you what the Holy Tent and everything in it should look like. Build everything exactly as I show you.” So the people built God’s Holy Tent just as he told them. If you had seen it, you would have been amazed! It was so big and so beautiful! The walls, ceilings, roof, and doors of the Holy Tent were red, blue, and purple curtains hanging from wooden poles covered with gold! And it had a roof made of ram skins and layers of other fine materials. God lived in his tent while he traveled with his people. The Holy Tent was a special place where God met with his people in the middle of the camp. But the best part was that God’s cloud was always over the tent! God covered himself with a thick cloud by day and a bright fire by night! Whenever God wanted to take the people to a new place, the cloud moved. Then God’s people packed up his tent and the tents they lived in and followed the cloud wherever it went. Why do you think God wanted people to know that he was always near them? God’s Holy Tent had a big yard around it that separated it from the rest of the camp. Tall curtains hanging from golden poles went all the way around the yard. An altar, like a big table, stood in the yard. People brought their gifts to God and put them on the altar. A bowl as big as a bathtub was also in the yard. The priests washed their hands and feet in it before they entered the tent. Everyone who came to meet with God had to wash themselves and wear clean clothes. If you had been with the Israelites in the desert and stepped outside of your little tent, you would have seen God’s huge tent and the thick cloud above it. What do you think God’s Holy Tent looked like on the inside?

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Talk about it

1. Why did God tell Moses to make him a Holy Tent? 2. What did God’s Holy Tent look like? 3. Where do you think God lives today?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for always staying with your people! I know that you watch over me day and night! I want to stay close to you! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Inside God’s Holy Tent

Exodus 25:1–31:18; 35:1–40:38; Hebrews 9:1–28 If you lived in a tent, what would you put inside it? God’s Holy Tent had special things inside of it to help people know him and worship him.

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elcome inside God’s Holy Tent! There are two big rooms. God called the first room the Holy Place. Only the priests go into the Holy Place. The Holy Place has special furniture made of gold. A big golden stand holds seven lamps. The lamps stay lit night and day. A big golden table stands near the lamp. Every day priests put twelve special loaves of bread on the table for the Lord to see. Each Israelite tribe has a loaf of bread on the table. Another big golden table is for burning incense. Can you smell it? Incense smells really nice when it burns. The second room in the Holy Tent is extra special. It is the Most Holy Place. A thick curtain separates it from the Holy Place. Only the high priest can go in there, and only once a year. A special golden box called the Box of the Agreement sits inside the Most Holy Place. Two golden winged creatures kneel facing each other on top of the lid of the box. Their big wings touch each other. God called the place between their wings the mercy-cover. God’s presence is sometimes there above it. Two long golden poles, one on each side of the Holy Box, help the priests pick up the box and carry it on their shoulders. The Most Holy Place is a secret place. Where is your secret place? The two stone tablets that God wrote his commandments on are inside the box. In front of the box is a golden bowl of manna and Aaron’s walking stick that budded like a live tree branch. No one can touch God’s Holy Box. If they do, even by accident, they die! Do not touch it! When the Israelites move their camp, the priests carry the box on poles. God met with people in his Holy Tent for about 480 years! That’s a long time! He met people there from the time he led his people out of slavery in Egypt until a great king named Solomon built him a beautiful Temple. God wanted his people to come to the Tent and later to the Temple to be with him and listen to him.

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Talk about it

1. How long did God stay with the Israelites in his Holy Tent? 2. How many rooms were in God’s Holy Tent? 3. How is God with you today?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for staying in a tent for such a long time. I love how you always want to be close to your people. Thank you for staying close to me! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Joshua leads after Moses dies Deuteronomy 27:1–3; 31:1–32:52; 34:1–12; Joshua 1:1–9

What do you want to change or let stay the same? When God’s people reached the promised land, their lives changed. Through all the changes God was faithful.

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od led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert for 40 years. What a long trip! He was taking them to the land that he had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Now they were almost there. FINALLY! Moses told the people, “Soon you will go across the Jordan River into the land that the Lord your God is giving you. It is a land filled with many good things.” By now Moses was very old but still very strong. Even so, it was time for a new leader. God told Moses, “You will die soon. You will not cross the Jordan River with the people. You must make Joshua the people’s new leader. He will lead the Israelites into the land that I promised.” Joshua was Moses’ helper. Moses got ready for the change. Moses made Joshua the new leader. Moses put his hands on Joshua and said, “You must lead the people. Be strong and brave. The Lord will never fail you or leave you.” He also wrote down what God said about how to live and obey him. He called it the Book of the Law and gave it to the priests and to the tribe of Levi. Then God told Moses, “Climb to the top of Mount Nebo. I will show you all the land of Canaan that I am giving the people.” Then Moses went up the mountain. God let him see the promised land because he would not go there. Then Moses died and God buried him. God knew Moses face-to-face. No prophet ever did as many powerful and amazing things as Moses did. Moses led Israel for over 40 years. How do you think people felt when he died? The Israelites cried for Moses for 30 days. God told Joshua, “Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. You must lead these people into the land I promised to give them. You must be strong and brave and learn my teachings. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything you do.” .

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Talk about it

1. How long did Moses lead the Israelites? 2. Who led the Israelites after Moses died? 3. How do you learn and remember God’s teachings?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for the stories about Moses and your people. They obeyed you, and you did amazing things in their lives. Help me to do what you tell me to do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Israelites cross the Jordan Joshua 3:1–5:12

How do you remember big events in your life? When the Israelites entered the land that God promised them, he did something big to help them remember it.

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he day had finally come for the Israelites to enter the good land that God had promised to give them. When they reached the Jordan River, they stopped and set up camp before crossing. Their long journey was almost over. God was about to show Joshua and the Israelites in an amazing way that he was still with them. After resting for three days, Joshua told the priests, “Carry the Box of the Agreement ahead of the people.” This was the Holy Box that God told Moses to make. So the priests picked up the Holy Box and put it on their shoulders. They walked to the edge of the river, stopped, and looked at each other. The Jordan River was full and flowing fast! Then the priests slowly stepped into the flooded river. Suddenly God split the river wide open, just like he did with the Red Sea! How do you test water to see if it is cold before you jump into it? The water piled up on one side and dried up on the other side. God made a dry path through the river for them! The priests walked right into the dry riverbed! They stayed in the middle of the riverbed holding God’s Holy Box until all the Israelites crossed over. Then God said to Joshua, “Tell 12 men to each pick up a big rock from the middle of the riverbed. They must carry their rocks on their shoulders and stand them up at your camp tonight.” After the men did that, the priests stepped out of the river. Immediately the water started flowing again! The 12 men stood their rocks in a circle at their camp. Joshua told the people, “These rocks will help you remember what the Lord did here at the Jordan River.” Then God told Joshua, “I have taken away the shame you had as slaves in Egypt.” So Joshua named that place Gilgal, which means “to roll away.” Then the people celebrated their first Passover meal in the beautiful new land. A new day had begun for everyone! God had finally brought them home to the land he had promised to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and to all the Israelites!

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Talk about it

1. What did God do at the Jordan River? 2. What did the Israelites do to remember what God did? 3. What can you make to help you remember how good God is?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for showing the Israelites that you were with them. Thank you for leading them to the land you promised them. Help me remember the great things you do for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The battle against Jericho Joshua 5:13–6:27

How do you fight your battles? Learn how God helped the Israelites win their first battle in the promised land.

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he Israelites had to fight for the land God promised them. They went to attack the big walled city of Jericho. As they came near the city, the commander of the Lord’s army came to meet Joshua. The mighty commander stood in the road holding a big sword. He told Joshua, “The place where you are standing is holy.” Then the commander told Joshua, “I will let you defeat Jericho in a special way. Every day for six days, the army of Israel will march around the city one time. Soldiers with weapons will go at the front. Seven priests carrying rams’ horns will go next. Four priests carrying God’s Holy Box will follow the priests blowing horns. Then all the rest of the people will march after the Holy Box.” The commander added, “But on the seventh day, you will march around the city seven times. The priests will blow the rams’ horns as they march. Then the army and all the people will shout as loud as they can! When they shout, the thick, tall stone walls around Jericho will come crashing down!” Can you count to seven out loud using your fingers and then shout? So for the next six days, Israel did what God told them to do. Each day they marched one time around the city. Then they went back to their camp for the night. But on the seventh day, they marched around Jericho seven times. The seventh time they marched around the city, the priests blew the rams’ horns long and loud. All the soldiers and all the people shouted as loud as they could! Suddenly the tall stone walls began to shake and crack apart! Then the whole wall crashed to the ground! KABOOM! The soldiers rushed in and defeated the city. They took all the treasure they could find and gave it to God. Then they burned Jericho to the ground. God was with Joshua. He fought Joshua’s first battle for him! God made Joshua famous throughout the whole land.

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Talk about it

1. Who did Joshua meet when he was near Jericho? 2. How did God tell Joshua to defeat Jericho? 3. If you are in trouble, who do you want to be on your side? Why?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for giving the promised land to your people. I want you to help me in my troubles. I want to love you, sing to you, pray to you, and do what you say. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Samson, God’s strong man Judges 13:1–15:8

How strong are you? When the Israelites were in trouble, God often sent a hero to save them. A man named Samson was the strongest hero God ever sent.

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he Israelites became a great nation, and God was their only king. But they didn’t always obey him. So God let other kings and rulers defeat them in battle and take over. Sometimes these rulers were mean. They treated the Israelites really bad. Then the people would cry out for God to save them. Every time, God would raise up a hero to save his people from the bad king. God called these heroes “judges.” But then the people would forget about God and disobey him again. And God would send them another judge. This happened over and over. The Israelites disobeyed God again, so he let the Philistines rule over them. The Philistines did not follow God, and they were cruel to the Israelites. So the Israelites cried out to God once again. One day the angel of the Lord came to the wife of Manoah. She was not able to have children. But the angel of the Lord told her, “You will have a son. He will be God’s special person even before he is born. You must never cut his hair. He will save his people from the Philistines.” How long is your hair? Then Manoah and his wife made an offering of a young goat and some grain in a fire. They were thankful that God had promised to give them a son. Suddenly, the visitor went up to heaven in the smoke from the flames! Then they both bowed their faces to the ground. They knew that he was the angel of the Lord. When the woman had a baby boy, she named him Samson. The Spirit of the Lord made him VERY strong. Samson was so strong that one time he killed a lion with his bare hands! God used Samson to make problems for the Philistines. Once Samson caught 300 jackals. Samson tied the jackals’ tails together in pairs. He tied a burning torch to each pair of jackals. Then he let them run through the Philistines’ fields to burn all their grain, vineyards, and olive trees. But Samson had a secret. Something else also made him very strong. Do you know his secret?

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Talk about it

1. When did God choose Samson to serve him in a special way? 2. What was one thing that made Samson very strong? 3. Who is a hero in your life?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for making Samson a hero before he was born. Help me to love and obey you all my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Samson and Delilah Judges 16:4–31

How do you want God to use you? See how God used Samson’s great strength to help his people when an evil nation was hurting them. Samson was Israel’s judge for 20 years. He killed many of the Philistines, and they hated him for it. Samson fell in love with a beautiful Philistine woman named Delilah. The Philistines told her, “We will give you a lot of money to find out the secret of Samson’s great strength.” So day after day she bothered Samson to tell her his secret. But Samson wouldn’t tell her that it was his hair. Do you have a secret? Who would you tell it to? Delilah kept asking Samson about his secret. She bothered him so much that he felt like he would die! So he finally told her, “No one has ever cut my hair. If someone shaved my head, I would be as weak as any other man.” Delilah told the Philistines about Samson’s secret. Then she made Samson go to sleep with his head in her lap. A Philistine man sneaked in and cut off the seven braids of Samson’s long hair. Samson’s great strength left him and so did God. Then the Philistines grabbed Samson! They put him in chains and poked out his eyes. They put him in prison and made him work grinding grain. But while Samson was in prison, his hair started growing back! One day the Philistine rulers wanted to have a party for their god Dagon. They yelled, “Bring Samson out! We want to make fun of him!” So they brought Samson out and made him stand between the two huge pillars that held up the temple roof. They laughed at him and made fun of him. That was their big mistake! Samson prayed to God while the Philistines all laughed at him. He asked, “Lord, please give me back my strength one last time! Let me punish these evil people for all they have done.” Then with the new strength God gave him, Samson PUSHED OVER the two giant pillars! The big stone temple crashed to the ground! Everyone there was killed, even Samson. More than 3,000 Philistines died there. Samson killed more Philistines when he died than he did when he was alive.

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Talk about it

1. Why did Samson tell Delilah his secret? 2. What happened to Samson after he told Delilah his secret? 3. What are some ways that you can serve God while you are young?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for heroes like Samson. Thank you for helping Samson even after he messed up. Help me to always pray to you even after I mess up. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Ruth, the best of the best Ruth 1:1–4:22; Deuteronomy 25:5–10

Who is your best friend? When people love and take care of each other, God helps them both! While the judges ruled Israel, for a time there wasn’t enough food. So people began to move away to find food. A man moved to the country of Moab with his wife Naomi and two sons to live there. Later the man died. His two sons married women from Moab. Then the sons died too! That left Naomi alone with her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi heard that there was food in Israel again. So she wanted to go back home. Ruth wanted to go with Naomi. Ruth said, “Let me go with you! Wherever you go, I will go. Your people will be MY people. Your God will be MY God.” So Naomi and Ruth made the long and dangerous journey back to Israel together. What do you and your best friend like to do together? The two women got back to Naomi’s hometown, Bethlehem, during the harvest. Ruth went out early in the morning to a field where workers were harvesting grain. They always left some grain in the fields for the poor to eat. So Ruth began picking up grain for herself and Naomi. A man named Boaz owned the field. When he came to see his workers, he saw Ruth working with them. He asked the man in charge, “Whose young woman is that?” The man answered, “She came back with Naomi and is taking care of her. She has worked hard all day.” Boaz was nice to Ruth. He told her, “I know how you’ve helped Naomi. Sit and eat some bread with my workers.” He told his workers to leave extra grain for her. Ruth took home a BIG basket of grain and some food for Naomi. When Naomi heard that Boaz had been so kind to Ruth, she said, “Boaz is our relative. He will protect and care for us because our husbands have died.” After the harvest was over, Ruth and Boaz were married. This made everyone in Bethlehem very happy! The women in Bethlehem said to Naomi, “Having Ruth for a daughter-in-law is better than having seven sons!” Ruth was not an Israelite. But God made her one of his chosen people because Boaz was her protector. Ruth and Boaz loved each other and had a baby boy named Obed. Naomi took care of him. The whole family was very happy. Obed grew up to become the grandfather of David, Israel’s greatest king.

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Talk about it

1. How did Ruth take care of Naomi? 2. How did Boaz take care of Ruth? 3. Who protects and takes care of you?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for the way that Ruth loved and took care of Naomi. Thank you for choosing Ruth to be part of your family. Please show me how I can be a kind and caring person like Ruth. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Samuel hears the Lord 1 Samuel 1:1–3:21; 7:2–17

Who do you know that lives in someone else’s house? A boy named Samuel grew up in God’s house, a long way from his mother. He did everything God told him. During the time of the judges, a woman named Hannah prayed for a child. She was married but couldn’t have children. She prayed, “Lord, if you will give me a son, I will give that son back to you. He will serve you his whole life.” God gave Hannah a baby boy that same year. She named him Samuel. When he could eat solid food, Hannah took him to a priest named Eli. Hannah told Eli, “I give this child to you to serve the Lord all his life.” Every year after that, Hannah brought Samuel a new robe that she made for him. Because she was faithful, God honored her with three more sons and two daughters. Samuel grew up helping Eli the priest serve God in the Holy Tent. God was pleased with Samuel. One night when Samuel was a boy, God spoke to him while he was sleeping. He said, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel thought Eli was calling him, so he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.” But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” God spoke to Samuel three times that night. Each time Samuel ran to Eli. Finally Eli told Samuel that God was calling him. Eli said, “If God calls you again, say ‘Speak, Lord! I am your servant, and I am listening!’” What wakes you up at night? God was with Samuel as he grew up. Samuel told God’s messages to all the people. Everyone saw that Samuel was a true prophet of God. Samuel led the people well. He told them, “Throw away your idols to other gods! Serve only the Lord! Then he will save you from your enemies.” So the people obeyed, and they enjoyed peace during the years of Samuel’s life. He traveled all over Israel and made good and fair decisions for the people. Every message that God gave Samuel came true.

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Talk about it

1. What did Samuel’s mother do with him when he was a small boy? 2. Why did Samuel wake Eli up three times? 3. What are some ways that you can serve God while you are young?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Samuel served you all his life. Help me to hear you and obey you all my life like Samuel did. I want to be your follower too! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Samuel anoints two kings 1 Samuel 8:1–12:25; 15:1–16:13; 28:3

When has someone disappointed you? God gets disappointed too. When someone he chooses to help him stops obeying him, he chooses someone else. When Samuel was old, he was still judge over Israel. But now the people wanted a king instead of another judge. So God told Samuel, “Listen to the people and give them a king. They don’t want me to be their king anymore.” Then God told Samuel to choose Saul to be the new king. So Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head to show that he was the king that God chose. That is what anointing looks like. Saul was a good and fair ruler at first. But then he stopped obeying God. So God didn’t want Saul to be the king anymore. God told Samuel, “Saul has stopped following me, and I am sorry that I made him king. He is not doing what I tell him.” This made Samuel angry, and he cried out to God all night. What are some ways that you serve God? Then God told Samuel, “Fill your ram’s horn with the special oil. I am sending you to a man named Jesse. I have chosen one of his sons to be the new king.” Jesse was Ruth’s grandson. He had eight sons. The first seven sons were all tall and handsome. But Samuel looked at each one and said, “The Lord has not chosen any of these men.” Then he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse answered, “My youngest son is taking care of the sheep.” Jesse sent for David to come see Samuel. David was a brave and handsome young man. God told Samuel, “Get up and anoint him. He is the one.” So Samuel took the horn with special oil in it and poured it over David in front of all of his brothers. The Spirit of the Lord came on David with great power from that day on. Then Samuel returned home. Later when Samuel died, the people cried for him and buried him. Samuel spoke God’s messages to the people of Israel all of his life. He was the first prophet to anoint the kings that God chose for Israel. Samuel was one of the great heroes of ancient Israel who were called “judges.”

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Talk about it

1. How did Samuel know who to choose to be king? 2. What two kings did Samuel anoint with oil? 3. Samuel served God his whole life. How long will you serve God?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for people like Samuel. He listened to you his whole life. Help me to listen to you and do what you say. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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David and the giant 1 Samuel 16:13–17:37

Who is the tallest person you know? A boy named David decided to fight against the biggest man anyone had ever seen! See what God did to help him. The Philistines were making war against Israel. They had a giant fighter named Goliath. He was more than NINE FEET tall! His armor covered him from head to toe! The wooden part of his spear was as big as a POST! Every day Goliath came out and shouted, “Today I stand and make fun of the army of Israel! I dare you to send me one of your men and let us fight! If that man kills me, he wins and we Philistines will become your slaves. But if I kill your man, then I win, and you will become our slaves.” All the Israelite soldiers were afraid to fight Goliath. One day, David’s father said to him, “Take this food to your brothers who are fighting the Philistines.” When David arrived at the army camp, Goliath was just coming out to shout at them again. Goliath’s bad words about God made David ANGRY! So David asked some soldiers about the reward for killing Goliath. David’s big brother Eliab was angry when he saw David asking questions. Eliab spoke to David the way big brothers speak to little brothers. Eliab said, “Why aren’t you with our father’s sheep? You always do what you want to do instead of what you’re told to do. You just wanted to watch the fighting.” Then David answered Eliab just like a little brother answers his big brother. David said, “What have I done now? I only asked a few questions. What’s wrong with that?” How do you talk to boys and girls older than you? Some soldiers heard David asking questions. So they took him to King Saul. David said to the king, “I’m your servant. I’ll go and fight this Philistine.” Saul replied, “You’re too young and not trained as a soldier. And Goliath has been fighting in wars since he was a boy!” But David argued with the king, “I’ve fought bears and lions and KILLED them both to protect my father’s sheep! And God will help me kill this giant in the same way! He will NOT speak to the army of God like that!” So Saul said, “Go. And God be with you!” But could David really beat the giant?

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Talk about it

1. How big was Goliath, the Philistine giant? 2. Why was David so angry at Goliath? 3. What made David so brave? What gives you courage?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that David was so brave. Help me to be brave when I need to be. Help me to stand up for you like David did! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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David battles Goliath 1 Samuel 17:38–54

Can you hit a target with a rock? When David went out to fight the giant soldier, he took five rocks and a sling and called on the name of the Lord. King Saul put his armor on David. He also gave him his sword. But it was all too big and heavy for him, so he took it off. Then David took his walking stick and went to a stream. He picked up five smooth stones and put them in his shepherd’s bag. He held his sling in his hand as he went to face the giant. The Philistine giant laughed when he saw David! David was just a boy, not a trained soldier. So Goliath made fun of him. He saw the walking stick in David’s hand and snorted, “Did you come to chase me away like a dog?” Then he said bad things about David. The giant shouted, “Come here! I will feed your body to the birds and wild animals!” But David was not afraid of the giant. David shouted back at the giant, “You come to me using a knife, a spear, and a curved sword. But I come to you in the name of the LORD All-Powerful, the God of the armies of Israel. You have said bad things about him. All the people gathered here will know that the LORD doesn’t need swords or spears to save people. God always wins his battles. He will help us defeat all of you.” What do you think David’s brothers thought when they heard what he said? The angry giant came slowly toward David, but David ran out to meet the huge Philistine. David took a stone from his bag and put it in his sling. He threw the stone at the giant. The stone hit Goliath right between his eyes and sank into his head. Then Goliath fell face down in the dirt. THUD! David ran to the giant and pulled Goliath’s sword out of his belt. Then David the shepherd boy cut off the Philistine giant’s head! He kept the giant’s sword. When the other Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. The soldiers of Israel shouted and started chasing the Philistines. The Israelites chased them all for several miles and killed many of the Philistines.

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Talk about it

1. How did David prepare to battle Goliath? 2. How did David beat the giant? 3. What is a giant problem in your life?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that David was not afraid of the giant. Thank you for fighting David’s battle for him! Please be with me when I face giant problems in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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David: A shepherd and a warrior 1 Samuel 18:1–31:13

What kinds of things are you good at doing? David knew how to do many things well. But David was successful because God was with him. When David was a boy, he watched his father’s sheep. David learned many things as a shepherd that helped him all his life. He learned to take care of a flock of sheep and lead them to food, water, and safety. He learned to be responsible. He learned to get up early and work all day. He learned how to fight off bears and lions. He fought them with his sling, his shepherd’s staff, and his knife. If you had to fight a bear or a lion, how would you do it? David was still a simple shepherd when God chose him to be Israel’s king. Because God was with him, David was able to kill the giant Goliath for shouting bad things about God. After David beat the giant, King Saul was so amazed that he asked David to lead his army. Saul put him in charge of all the soldiers. All the soldiers and the people loved David. God was with David and helped him win all his battles. When David came home from battles, women sang songs about his victories. But King Saul got very angry and upset about this. He was afraid that David would take his kingdom away from him. So he sent David to fight even more dangerous battles. Saul hoped the Philistines would kill David. But God was with David. He and his soldiers won every battle. They beat all of Israel’s enemies. King Saul tried to kill David himself several times. But the king’s son Jonathan was David’s best friend. Jonathan always warned David and helped him get away. David never tried to kill Saul, even when he had the chance. Because of his pride, Saul disobeyed God so God stopped loving and helping him. During a battle with the Philistines, King Saul and three of his sons were killed, including Jonathan. This made David very sad. He wrote a sad song about King Saul and Jonathan.

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Talk about it

1. What did David learn while he was a shepherd? 2. How did David win all his battles? 3. What is something you need God to help you do?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for making a shepherd boy into a great king. Thank you for always being with David. I want you to be with me all my life too! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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David: A king and a poet 2 Samuel 1–24; 1 Kings 1:1–2:11

Do you know someone who committed a terrible crime, but you still like them? David did some terrible things, but God loved David and was always with him. After King Saul’s son was killed, all the Israelites came together to make David their king. David was 30 years old when he began to rule. He made many good decisions as a ruler. David became more powerful because God was with him. God helped him win many battles. David had more children with several wives, and his family grew and grew! He built up Jerusalem to be a big fortress. He built a palace for himself and brought God’s Holy Box into the city. David put it in a special tent so that people could worship God there. People called Jerusalem the City of David. But David committed terrible crimes while he was the king. He took Bathsheba, the wife of one of his soldiers, and forced her to have a baby with him. He also made plans for her husband to die in battle. Later David confessed what he had done. God forgave David. But God still punished him for the evil things he did. Their baby died. And David’s family suffered many other terrible problems. David’s son Absalom killed his own brother after he hurt his sister very badly. If you were a ruler, what good law would you make? David wrote many songs and poems during his life. People called him “the sweet singer of Israel.” He wrote about war, love, joy, and suffering. David wrote both praises and complaints to God. He sang of sadness for his sins and of God’s goodness. Almost all his psalms (poems and songs) are about God in some way. One of his most famous songs is Psalm 23. David describes his life as a shepherd, a warrior, and a king. Trouble filled David’s last years until he died as an old man. He was a king for 40 years. Even though David was a great king, he committed many crimes during his life. But after David committed his crimes, he confessed and came back to God. God always accepted David when he came back to him. God was David’s hero!

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Talk about it

1. What were two of David’s terrible crimes? 2. God forgave David. But what still happened to David and his family? 3. How can you change your heart and mind and obey God when you make big mistakes?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that David wanted to obey you. Thank you that you helped him change his heart and mind after he committed big crimes. Thank you that he always came back to you! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Solomon the wise 1 Kings 2:12–4:34; 11:1–13

If you could build a palace, what would it look like? Solomon built a palace and God’s Temple. But people remember him more because he was wise. King David had a son named Solomon. He became king over all of Israel after David died. God said to Solomon, “Ask me for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon wanted to be a good king, so he asked God for wisdom to rule his people well and to know right from wrong. God was happy that Solomon did not ask for things for himself. God said, “I will give you what you asked for. I will make you wiser than anyone who has ever lived or ever will live. And I will also give you what you did not ask for. You will have riches and honor all your life. There will be no other king in the world as great as you.” One day, two women came to Solomon. They lived in the same house. One woman pointed to the other and said, “Her baby died, and she switched her dead baby for my living baby.” Both women argued, “The dead baby is YOURS. The one still alive is MINE!” So Solomon thought of a way to find out who was the real mother. He told a servant to cut the baby in two and give half of the baby to each woman! The second woman said, “Yes, cut him in two. Then neither of us will have him.” But the first woman begged Solomon not to kill him because she was the real mother. She wanted her son to live, even if it meant that the other woman would keep him. So Solomon gave the baby to the real mother who loved the baby. Everyone saw that Solomon was wise and made a good decision. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make? Solomon was wiser than anyone on earth! Leaders from all over the world came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom. During his life he wrote over 3,000 proverbs and 1,000 songs. But Solomon’s foreign wives who worshipped other gods caused him to disobey God. So God took the kingdom away from Solomon’s son.

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Talk about it

1. Where did Solomon’s wisdom come from? 2. How did Solomon solve the problem with the baby? 3. How does wisdom from God help you make good decisions?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for giving Solomon wisdom. Please help me to be wise and make good decisions too. Help me to always choose what is right and do it! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Israel and Judah split apart

1 Kings 10:27; 2 Kings 16–17; 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 9:25–31; 10:1–19 When have you made a friend angry because of something you said or did? See what happened to the nation of Israel when two kings were cruel to their people. King David had struggled hard to create a great and united kingdom. Then his son King Solomon made the kingdom of Israel one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of its time. He did that by forcing many of the people to work very hard. After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became the new king. A group of Israelites and their leader, Jeroboam, went to Judah to see Rehoboam. They said to him, “Your father made us work very hard. Now, make it easier for us. Stop the heavy work that your father forced us to do. Then we will serve you.” But Rehoboam gave them a very mean answer. He said, “My father forced you to work hard, but I will make you work even harder! My father beat you with whips. But I will use whips with sharp metal tips that sting.” OUCH! When Rehoboam refused to listen to the Israelites, they said, “Let’s go to our homes and let David’s grandson take care of his own family!” So Israel rebelled against the family of David and split from Judah. Israel became its own nation in the north and made Jeroboam their king. Rehoboam was still king over Judah in the south. Israel and Judah fought against each other for a long time. What do you do when you don’t agree with a friend, or someone in your family? As the years went by, many other kings ruled over Israel and Judah. But most of these kings did what God says is evil. They allowed idol worship and other terrible things to happen. They made God angry. The separate kingdoms of Israel and Judah stopped trusting the God who had rescued them from slavery in Egypt. Instead, they trusted in other gods and other nations. So God let armies from enemy nations punish Israel and Judah. Assyria conquered Israel and carried many of its people away as slaves. Babylonia did the same thing to Judah. It looked like the kingdom of David was finished. It looked like God’s promise to keep David’s family on the throne of Israel was not going to happen. OH NO! Many people were afraid that God’s promise would not come true. But God still had a great plan. God would keep all of his promises and bless the people he loved.

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Talk about it

1. Why did Israel and Judah split apart? 2. Why did God let enemy nations punish Israel and Judah? 3. What bad things have you done or said that you are sorry for?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you want your people to serve no other gods but you. Please help me to always follow and obey only you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Elijah and the prophets of Baal 1 Kings 16:29–33; 17:1; 18:1, 17–29; 2 Kings 1:8

What happens when it doesn’t rain? A king and queen were so evil that God let the prophet Elijah stop rain from falling. God did this to show them his power. The prophet Elijah told God’s messages to the people. Elijah wore animal skins covered with hair with a big leather belt around his waist. He was a prophet while King Ahab ruled Israel. King Ahab did more to make the Lord angry than all the other kings before him. He built temples and altars to other gods. He married an evil woman named Jezebel who worshiped false gods. Elijah told Ahab that God would not let it rain for several years. It would only rain if Elijah said so. After three years with no rain, Elijah challenged 850 prophets to a contest. They worshipped gods like Baal, who are not real. So Ahab commanded the prophets of Baal and all the Israelites to go to Mount Carmel for the contest. What contest you have watched or been in? When they came to the mountain, Elijah asked for two bulls to sacrifice, one for him and one for the prophets of Baal. They built two altars and put one bull on each altar. But they didn’t make a fire on the altars. Elijah said, “Prophets of Baal, pray to your god. And I will pray to the LORD. Whichever god answers the prayer and starts the fire is the true God.” The prophets of Baal went first. They prayed for hours and nothing happened. Then they started jumping around their altar. At noon Elijah began to make fun of them. He said, “If you are sure Baal is really a god, maybe you should pray louder! Maybe he is busy thinking about something. Or he is on the toilet! Perhaps he took a trip somewhere! Or he could be sleeping, so maybe you need to wake him up!” Then the prophets of Baal shouted even louder! They kept acting this way until the evening. But nothing happened. No one was listening. No one was there. Then it was Elijah’s turn to pray to God. What do you think happened?

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Talk about it

1. Why was God angry with King Ahab and his wife Jezebel? 2. Why did the god Baal not answer the prayers of his prophets? 3. How does God answer your prayers?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Elijah was brave to speak your message to the evil king and queen. Help me to be brave too when I tell others about you! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Elijah and the f ire contest 1 Kings 18:30–19:21; 21:17–29; 2 Kings 2:1–14

What are your favorite kinds of contests? The prophet Elijah was in a contest of fire with the prophets of the false god Baal. Pay close attention to see who won! Now it was Elijah’s turn at the fire contest. Elijah rebuilt God’s altar with 12 stones. Then Elijah put the wood and his bull on the altar. He dug a ditch around the altar. Then he said, “Pour water on the wood and meat. Now do it again. Now do it a third time!” The water ran down the altar and filled the ditch. Elijah called out, “LORD, show these people you are the God of Israel!” Suddenly fire came down from the Lord and burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the ground around the altar. Then it dried up all the water in the ditch. WOW! All the people saw this happen and bowed down to the ground and began saying, “The LORD is God! The LORD is God!”! Then Elijah prayed and God sent rain. This made the evil queen Jezebel so angry that she wanted to kill Elijah! Elijah was scared, so he ran away into the desert to hide. An angel of the LORD brought him food and water. Then Elijah went to Mount Horeb to meet with God. He walked 40 days and nights to get there. Where do you go when you want to hide? Elijah was so sad. He thought he was the only one who followed God. But God told Elijah, “I still have 7,000 people in Israel who have not bowed down to the idol of Baal.” Ahab and Jezebel kept doing evil things. So God sent Elijah to tell them that they would die shameful deaths. Ahab soon lost a battle and was killed. Jezebel’s own guards killed her by throwing her out a window! God told Elijah, “Find a young man named Elisha to be the prophet to take your place.” So Elijah obeyed God. One day Elijah and Elisha were walking and talking together. Suddenly horses and a chariot that looked like they were on fire rushed between the two prophets! They took Elijah up into heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw God and his heavenly army as they took Elijah. He shouted “My father! My father!” No one in those days ever saw Elijah again.

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Talk about it

1. What happened in the fire contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal? 2. How did the evil king and queen die? 3. Tell about a time when you obeyed God. What happened?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for using Elijah to show people that you are the only GOD! Please use me to help other people see that you are the one true God! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Naaman is healed 2 Kings 5:1–19

Tell about a time when you had to do something you didn’t want to do. Learn what happened when a powerful man obeyed God even when he didn’t want to. When King Ahab died, his son Joram became king of Israel. But he was a terrible king just like his father before him. While Joram was king, the country of Aram went to war against Israel. Naaman was Aram’s army captain. God used Naaman to beat Israel. He was a great and powerful man, but he had a bad skin disease. Naaman took an Israelite girl captive when he was fighting in Israel. He brought her home and gave her to his wife as a servant. The little girl told Naaman’s wife, “I wish that my master would meet the prophet who lives in Samaria, back in Israel. He could heal Naaman of his disease.” She was talking about Elisha. So Naaman went to Elisha’s house and stood outside the door. But Elisha didn’t come out of his house at all. Instead he sent out his servant to give Naaman a message. “Go and wash in the Jordan River seven times. Then your skin will be healed, and you will be pure and clean.” This made Naaman angry, and he left. He said, “I thought Elisha would at least come out and stand in front of me and call on the name of the LORD his God! I thought he would wave his hand over my body and heal the skin disease. The rivers in Israel are too dirty for me.” When was a time that you were embarrassed and angry like Naaman? Then Naaman’s servants talked to him. They said, “If the prophet had told you to do something great, you would do it, wouldn’t you?” So Naaman did what Elisha said. He went to the Jordan River and dipped himself in it seven times. When he came out, guess what! He was CLEAN! His skin was like the skin of a baby. Naaman went back to see Elisha. This time Elisha came outside. Naaman said, “Look! Now I know there is no God in all the earth except in Israel! I will never again make a sacrifice to any other gods. I will make offerings only to the LORD!” Elisha just smiled and told Naaman, “Go in peace.”

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Talk about it

1. What did the little slave girl say about Naaman’s skin disease? 2. Why was Naaman so angry about what Elisha’s servant told him? 3. Tell about a time when God didn’t do what you wanted him to do.

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for healing Naaman, even when he wanted you to do it his way. Help me to believe that your way is always best. I want to believe in you more! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jonah and the big fish Jonah 1–4

When have you been sorry because you did not obey? God told his prophet Jonah to do something for him. See what happened when Jonah didn’t obey. Jonah was a prophet of God. One day God told Jonah, “Go to the city of Nineveh. Tell the people there that I see their evil ways and I will punish them if they don’t change.” But Jonah WANTED God to punish them! So he got on a boat. He went the other way to try and get away from God! So God sent a storm that almost sank the boat! Jonah told the sailors that the storm was because of him. Jonah said, “Throw me into the sea and the storm will stop.” As the sailors threw Jonah in the sea, they cried out to God, “Forgive us!” Suddenly the storm stopped! Jonah nearly drowned as he struggled in the deep waters. So God sent a big fish to swallow him and save him! Jonah was in the belly of the fish for THREE DAYS AND NIGHTS! While he was in the big fish, Jonah thanked God for rescuing him. So God told the fish to spit Jonah out onto dry land. Have you ever disobeyed and then learned a lesson? What was it? Then God told Jonah, “Now go to Nineveh and give the people my message.” This time Jonah obeyed. He told the people, “In 40 days God will destroy Nineveh.” When the king and his people heard Jonah’s message, they put on rags and didn’t eat to show how sorry they were. The king said, “Cry out to God and stop being cruel to each other!” God saw the people’s sadness for their sins, so he changed his mind. That made Jonah angry! He knew God was merciful and kind. He wanted God to PUNISH the Ninevites! Jonah was so angry that he told God to kill him. God asked, “Do you think it’s right for you to be angry?” Jonah sat on a hill outside the city to see what God would do. Then God made a big vine grow to shade Jonah from the hot sun. Jonah was so happy. Then God sent a worm to kill the plant. The sun was hot! Jonah was upset again. God asked, “If you can be upset over a plant, don’t you think I should feel sorry for such a big city? Nineveh has more than 120,000 people and many animals who don’t know right from wrong.”

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Talk about it

1. Why did Jonah run away when God told him to go to Nineveh? 2. How did God change Jonah’s mind? 3. How should you treat people that you do not like?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for sending Jonah to tell the people of Nineveh about you. Help me to love all people. Show me when I am not kind, so that I can be better. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Three brave young men Daniel 1, 3

When have you been afraid to trust God? Three young men trusted God when they should have been afraid. See how God honored them and saved them! Nebuchadnezzar was the king of Babylon. He captured Jerusalem with his huge army! He took many of the treasures from God’s Temple. He also took smart young men to be his servants. Four of them were Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They worshipped God and obeyed him in their new land. God helped the four young men learn many new things. God also helped Daniel understand visions and dreams. They all became servants in the king’s palace. When the king asked them anything important, they gave him good answers. One day the king made a giant golden idol. He told everyone in his kingdom, “You must bow down and worship it. Whoever doesn’t bow to this statue will be thrown into a very hot furnace.” But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told the king, “NO! If you throw us into the furnace, the God we serve can save us. We refuse to serve your gods. We won’t worship the gold statue you set up.” How would you stand up to someone who told you to do something wrong? This made the king very angry! He ordered his soldiers to heat the furnace SEVEN TIMES hotter than usual! Then he said, “Tie them up! Throw them in!” So the soldiers threw the young men into the furnace. The fire was SO HOT that it killed the strong soldiers at the door! When the king looked into the furnace, he said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire. They are not tied up and they are not burned. And the fourth man looks like a god!” The three young men came out of the fire. But the fire had not burned them AT ALL! Their robes didn’t even smell like smoke! The king praised their God and said, “Their God sent his angel and saved his servants from the fire! These young men trusted their God instead of serving or worshiping any other god.” So the king gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego more important jobs in Babylon.

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Talk about it

1. Why did the young men refuse to worship the king’s golden idol? 2. What happened to the three young men in the hot furnace? 3. Tell about a time when someone told you to do something bad. What did you do?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for saving the three young men from the fire. Thank you that they trusted you. Please help me to obey you when I have to make a hard choice. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Daniel and the lions Daniel 6

How does it feel when someone tries to get you in trouble? See what happened to Daniel when some people tried to get him in trouble. Daniel served King Nebuchadnezzar and the kings who came after him as one of the important leaders in Babylon. He was also very good at telling the kings what their dreams and visions meant. Now Daniel was a much older man. Darius became the king of Babylon. He chose Daniel and some men to help him rule. Daniel was such a good leader that the other leaders wanted to get rid of him. They knew that Daniel prayed to God three times a day. So they tricked the king into making a new law. The law said that anyone who prays to any god or man besides the king would be thrown into a pit of HUNGRY LIONS! So the other leaders told King Darius that Daniel prayed to God. This made the king VERY sad. He really liked Daniel. He tried to save Daniel, but he couldn’t. The law was the law. So the king ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lions’ pit. The next morning, King Darius got up early and RAN to the lions’ pit! He called out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God been able to save you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “King, live forever! My God sent his angel to save me! The angel closed the lions’ mouths. The lions have not hurt me because my God knows I am innocent. I never did anything wrong to you!” How big do you think the lions were that stared at Daniel all night? King Darius was very happy! He told his servants, “Lift Daniel out of the lions’ pit!” The lions did not hurt Daniel because he trusted God. Then the king called the other helpers who tried to get Daniel killed. He ordered THEM to be thrown into the lions’ pit! The lions jumped up and attacked them before they hit the ground. They ate them, bones and all! Nothing was left of Daniel’s enemies! Then Darius told everyone in his kingdom, “All of you must fear and respect the God of Daniel.”

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Talk about it

1. Why did King Darius respect Daniel so much? 2. Why did the lions not harm Daniel? 3. What kinds of things are you good at?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for saving Daniel from the lions. Thank you that Daniel trusted you. Please help me to treat people right so that they trust me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Jewish people return home Ezra 1–10

What happens when people forget God’s Law? When some Jewish people forgot about God’s Law, Ezra had to teach them what was right and wrong again. When the Jewish people stopped obeying God, he allowed the Babylonians and the Assyrians to destroy their capital city and capture them. So they became slaves in other countries. But later God wanted them to return home. So he caused the king of Persia to conquer the countries that had made the Jewish people slaves and send them back home. There were nearly 50,000 people in the first group to return. They rebuilt Jerusalem and the Temple. The Temple priests, singers, and servants went into the city. The others went back to their hometowns. But people from other nations had moved in while the Jewish people were in Babylonia. The other nations didn’t want them to rebuild their Temple. But God helped the Jewish people finish their work. First, they rebuilt the altar so that they could give gifts to God. Then they rebuilt the Temple, and this made them very happy. Later, another group of Jewish people returned home. A man named Ezra led them. He knew God’s commands and loved to teach God’s ways. When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, one of the leaders told him, “Some of our people are not obeying God. And they are not following God’s ways, AGAIN! Some even married foreign women who serve other gods!” When was a time that you didn’t do something you were supposed to do? When Ezra heard this, he was so upset! He tore his robe and pulled hair from his head and beard! Everyone who loved God’s Law was afraid because some of the people hadn’t been faithful to God. Ezra cried and bowed down in front of God’s Temple. He told God, “We are guilty of many sins!” While Ezra was praying, a big group of Jewish people gathered around him. They cried with him. Ezra told the men who broke God’s Law, “You must do what God says.” So they did! God forgave them. Now the people could worship and serve God again the way he wanted them to.

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Talk about it

1. What did the people rebuild first when God brought them back home? 2. What did Ezra do to bring the people back to God? 3. How would you make up with a friend after you did something that made them angry?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for helping the Jewish people return home. Thank you for sending Ezra to teach them to obey and follow you again. Help me to always come back to you when I do something wrong. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The people rebuild Jerusalem’s wall Nehemiah 1–8

How does your family keep your home safe? When the Jewish people returned home, they were not safe. The wall around their city had been knocked down. When the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem, they destroyed the great wall around the city. They burned the strong, wooden gates. The Jewish people who returned home were not safe from their enemies. Even wild animals could come and go. Nehemiah was a Jewish man still living in Persia. He served the king. One day Nehemiah’s brother came to visit him. He told Nehemiah, “The people back in Jerusalem are in trouble. They have so many problems! They are ashamed because the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned.” This made Nehemiah very sad. He cried and fasted for many days. He knew why God let the Babylonians destroy his city. He prayed to God, “Your people have not obeyed you. Please forgive them. And help me to ask the king for help.” Sometime later the king asked Nehemiah, “Why do you look so sad? Your heart must be full of sadness.” Nehemiah told the king, “Jerusalem is still in ruins. And the gates have been burned down.” Then Nehemiah asked the king, “Please send me back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city.” Nehemiah had been praying for many days, and now God answered his prayers! The king and queen let him go! They also sent building supplies for the wall and soldiers to keep him safe on the way! How do you feel when you know that God says “yes” to your prayers? When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he helped the people rebuild the wall and the city gates. The people asked God to protect them as they worked. The workers wore their swords. Their enemies wanted to stop them but were afraid to attack them. They knew that God was protecting his people. And God helped them rebuild the wall! Then Ezra the priest read God’s Law to all the people. This was the first time many of them had ever heard God’s Word. Everyone bowed and worshiped God. They told God all the bad things that they had done and asked God to forgive them. And he did!

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Talk about it

1. Why was Nehemiah so sad? 2. How did God help Nehemiah rebuild the walls? 3. What is something that you need God’s help to do?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for helping your people rebuild their homes in Jerusalem and its walls. Thank you for keeping them safe! Please keep me safe! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Brave Queen Esther Esther 1–10

What is something that you needed to do but were afraid to do? God once helped a queen to be brave because he wanted her to save his people. The Babylonian army had captured many of the Jewish people and brought them to their country as slaves. Later, the Persians conquered Babylonia. Many Persians didn’t like the Jewish people. King Xerxes ruled Persia at that time. When his wife disobeyed one of his orders, she lost her place as queen. So the king wanted to choose a new queen from among the most beautiful women in his large kingdom. Esther was one of the Jewish captives still living in Persia. Everyone thought Esther was a beautiful and delightful woman. The king’s helpers brought Esther and many other women to the palace. When it was Esther’s turn to meet the king, she was the king’s favorite! He loved her the most and chose her to be queen. He put a crown on her head and gave her a big party! It was still a secret that Esther was a Jew. But God had a reason for Esther to be queen. King Xerxes ruled over 127 provinces! He had many leaders to help him rule his kingdom. One of the leaders, Haman, was an evil man. He hated the Jewish people. He tricked the king into giving a terrible command to kill all the Jews. Esther heard of Haman’s plans and wanted to tell the king. But she was afraid. She could die for going to see the king without an invitation. So Esther did not eat for three days. Then she put on her best clothes and went to the king. The king was happy to see Esther! He told Esther that he would give her anything she asked for. Esther now knew why she had become the queen. What would you have told the king if you were in Esther’s place? Esther told the king about Haman’s evil plan. That made the king very angry with Haman! So the king ordered Haman to be killed on a pole instead of killing all of the Jewish people. Because of Esther’s bravery, she saved her people, God’s people, from death.

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Talk about it

1. How did Esther become the queen of Persia? 2. What was God’s plan for Esther? 3. What can you do if you are afraid of something or someone?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for the special plan you had for Esther. Thank you that you have a special plan for my life too. Please help me to be the best person I can be for you. In Jesus’ name, amen!

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Waiting for the Chosen One

Genesis 1–6; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; 42:1–4; 53:1–12; 2 Samuel 7:11–16; Micah 5:2; Romans 5:12–21 When have you had to wait a long time for something? God’s people waited many years for a king that God promised would bring people back to himself. The story of God and his people started with Adam and Eve. They had a really good life together with God in a beautiful garden called Eden. But that life came to an end when they chose to disobey God. A sneaky snake tricked them into choosing knowledge about good and bad instead of life with God. After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, everyone who lived after them made the same bad choice. Sin had always been waiting to attack like a wild animal. People sin when they do what God says is wrong or don’t do what is right. When Adam and Eve sinned, they separated themselves from God. Every time anyone disobeys God, they choose to turn away from him too. Sin leads to just one thing … death! How SAD! But God never gives up on his people! He keeps on loving them. He made a way to make everything good again! God chose Abraham and his wife Sarah, who couldn’t have children. He promised to give them more children than they could count. He also promised to give them a land to live in. The family line that followed them were shepherds and slaves, warriors and prophets, kings and queens, rich and poor. God kept all his promises to them. As time passed by, God’s people waited very impatiently for him to send a king, the Promised One who would make everything right again. They wondered when this king would come and how it would happen. Then God promised King David that a member of his family would sit on the throne of God’s kingdom forever. God later promised that his Chosen King (the Messiah) would heal the relationship between God and his people. That relationship had been badly broken by their many sins. During all those years of waiting, God spoke to his prophets about the Chosen King. This king would be a prophet who speaks God’s Word and a priest who heals the separation between God and people. He gave them clues about how this king would come. His birth in a town called Bethlehem would be a miracle. This special child would grow up to be God’s servant. He would suffer, die, and rise again to defeat sin and death. He would be the way to patch things up. He would be “God with us!” You will discover who God’s Chosen King is as you keep reading this book!

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Talk about it

1. Why did God promise to send the Chosen One? 2. What did God say that the Chosen One would do? 3. Who do you think that God’s Chosen King might be?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for never giving up on your people. And thank you for promising to send the Chosen King. I can’t wait to learn more about you and your Chosen King. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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New Testament

113

An angel surprises Zechariah Luke 1:5–24, 57–80

When was the last time you had a big surprise? A man named Zechariah had a big surprise when an angel gave him a message from God. Zechariah was a priest. He faithfully served God in the Temple. He and his wife Elizabeth obeyed God’s Law. But they were sad because they had no children. So they prayed for a baby until they were both very old. Then something amazing happened! When Zechariah went to serve in God’s Temple, he saw the angel Gabriel standing by the altar! Zechariah was so scared! He didn’t know what to say or do. He’d never seen an angel before! God sent the angel to bring Zechariah some wonderful news! The angel told Zechariah, “God has heard your prayer! Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a baby boy, and you will name him John. You will be very happy, and many others will share your joy over his birth!” Gabriel added, “John will grow up to do great things for God. He will bring people back to God. John will tell them to change and start thinking the way they should. And he will get them ready for the Lord to come!” Everything that the angel said was surprising to Zechariah. He asked the angel Gabriel, “How can I know that what you say is true? I am an old man, and my wife is also old!” So the angel decided to show Zechariah that when God says something will happen, it WILL happen. Gabriel took away Zechariah’s voice! When Zechariah came out of the Temple, he could no longer speak! He could move his mouth, but nothing came out! So he made signs with his hands instead. How would you ask for a cup of water if you couldn’t speak? Nine months later, Elizabeth had a baby boy just like the angel had said. When people asked Zechariah the baby’s name, he still couldn’t speak! So he wrote “His name is John.” Then Zechariah’s voice came back! He was so happy that he stood up and shouted praises to God in front of all the people!

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Talk about it

1. What was God’s plan for John? 2. Why couldn’t Zechariah speak? 3. What do you do when God does something that makes you happy?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for giving baby John to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Thank you for making them so happy. Please help me to make my parents happy too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The angel Gabriel visits Mary Luke 1:26–56

Who do you trust enough to believe anything that they say? A young girl named Mary trusted an angel whose message to her seemed impossible. God sent the angel Gabriel to take a message to a girl named Mary. She was promised to marry a man named Joseph. The angel came to Mary and said, “Hello Mary! The Lord is with you. You are very special to him.” Mary didn’t understand why the angel said that. She wondered, “How can someone like me be so special to God?” What would you do if an angel suddenly came to bring you a message? The angel told Mary something amazing. He said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You are going to have a baby boy. And you will name him Jesus.” Then Gabriel told Mary something even MORE amazing! He said, “The baby Jesus will be the Son of God! He will grow up to become the king of all God’s people. And his kingdom will never end!” “What? A baby?” Mary thought to herself. “I’m going to have a baby? How is that possible? I’m not even married yet!” So Gabriel helped her understand. He told Mary, “God is going to do something WONDERFUL! The Holy Spirit will come to you, and the power of the Most High God will cover you.”   Then the angel told Mary, “Your relative Elizabeth is going to have a baby too. She is very old. And everyone knew that she couldn’t have children. But she will have a son in six months! God can do ANYTHING!” Mary wondered how this could happen. Mary thought, “It must be another one of God’s miracles!” So Mary believed what Gabriel told her about the baby who was on his way. She told him, “I am the Lord’s servant. I believe that everything you’ve said will happen to me!” Mary was so happy that she sang a beautiful song about how God sees and takes care of his people. The promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and King David was finally coming true!

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Talk about it

1. Why was it hard for Mary to understand what the angel told her? 2. What did Mary say after the angel told her what God would do? 3. Who helps you to understand God’s Word and believe in God more?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Mary believed what the angel told her. Thank you for making her the mother of Jesus. Help me to believe everything that you say and do in the Bible. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus is born!

Matthew 1:18–24; Luke 2:1–20 What do people do when a baby is born? The baby Jesus was the most important baby ever. Listen to what some people did when he was born. After the angel’s visit, it was both a difficult and exciting time for Mary and Joseph. Mary was almost ready to have her baby. But they had to go to Bethlehem first because the king wanted all the people to be counted. The house where they had hoped to stay was full. So they stayed in the place where sheep and cattle slept instead. Then the time came for Mary to have her baby. After Jesus was born, she wrapped him up to keep him warm. She made him a little bed in a feeding box where the animals ate. What did the animals think when they saw a baby in their feeding box? That same night, some shepherds were out in the fields nearby. They were watching their sheep. Suddenly the quiet darkness around them was FILLED with light! The shepherds were very afraid! Then an angel of the Lord came and said, “Don’t be afraid. I have some VERY GOOD NEWS for you. Today your Savior was born in David’s town. He is the Messiah, the Lord. This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Then a huge army of angels from heaven joined the first angel! They all sang, “Praise God in heaven, and on earth peace to the people who please him!” Now the shepherds were even MORE amazed! After the angels left, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this great event the Lord has told us about!” So they ran to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph! And there was baby Jesus, lying in his little bed in a feeding box. The shepherds were so happy! They told Mary and Joseph everything that the angels had said. Finally, the shepherds told the baby Jesus, “Good night.” Then they went back to their sheep, thanking God for all that they had seen and heard.

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Talk about it

1. How was the birth of Jesus different from your birth? 2. What did the angels say to the shepherds? 3. What kind of news makes you excited?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to us. And thank you that Jesus was born just like I was! Thank you for announcing his birth in such an amazing way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Some wise men visit Jesus Matthew 2:1–12

What do you think about when you look at the stars? Some wise men knew something amazing had happened when they saw a special star. About the time that Jesus was born, some wise men from the east were studying the stars. One night they saw a shiny new star rise in the sky! The men were very glad to see this special star! The wise men knew this star meant that the king of the Jews had been born. So they went to Jerusalem to find him. They asked people, “Where is the child who has been born to be the king of the Jews? We saw the star that shows he was born. We saw it when it came up, and we have come to worship him.” It was odd how no one knew. How many groups of stars can you name? When King Herod heard about this, he was terribly upset. He didn’t want anyone else to be the king. So he told the wise men, “Go and look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me. Then I can go worship him too.” But Herod was lying. He really wanted to kill the baby king. After the wise men heard the king’s lie, they left. When they looked up into the night sky, they were thrilled to see the star again! Then the star started to move, so the wise men followed it. They followed the star until it stopped over the house where Jesus was staying! The baby king they were searching for was Jesus! The wise men bowed down and worshiped Jesus. Then they opened the rich and wonderful gifts they had brought for him. The wise men’s gifts were what people usually gave to kings. They gave him expensive treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Frankincense and myrrh are perfumes that come from trees and smell really good.) Then God warned the wise men in a dream, “Do not go back to Herod.” So they hurried home to their own country a different way.

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Talk about it

1. Why did the wise men follow the star? 2. What did the wise men do when they found Jesus? 3. What gift would you bring to baby Jesus if you could see him?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for helping the wise men find Jesus. And thank you for warning them about Herod’s evil plans. Please show me how I can give my life to Jesus like a special gift. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Young Jesus and the teachers Luke 2:41–52

When have you gone someplace new and exciting? What did you do? See what Jesus did when his parents took him to a festival with lots of people. When Jesus was twelve, his parents took him to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. It was a HUGE festival for the Jewish people. They ate special meals and prayed in God’s Temple for days. Jesus must have been very excited about all the sights and sounds all around him. When the festival was over, Jesus’ parents started walking home with their friends. They thought Jesus was with others in their group. When they did not find him, they went back to the city to look for him. Mary and Joseph searched and searched! They were worried and afraid. Have you ever been separated from your parents? Were you scared? His parents finally found him THREE DAYS later! Jesus was calmly listening to the religious teachers in the Temple. And he was asking them questions. Everyone who heard Jesus speaking was amazed by his understanding and wise answers! Jesus’ mother asked him, “Why did you do this to us? Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking everywhere for you!” Jesus asked his parents, “Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be in my Father’s house.” Jesus’ parents didn’t understand the meaning of what he said to them. But Jesus was not talking about his father, Joseph. He was talking about his Father, God. And the Temple was the house of his Father God. So Jesus went home with his parents and obeyed them. Mary thought about what had happened for a long time. She especially wondered about what her son Jesus had said to her and Joseph.

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Talk about it

1. Why did Jesus stay behind at the Temple when his parents left? 2. How long did Jesus’ parents look for him before they found him? 3. What do you do that makes your parents worry?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for making Jesus so wise and able to understand your Word. Help me to grow in wisdom like Jesus did. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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John baptizes Jesus

Matthew 3:1–17; Mark 1:1–11; Luke 3:1–22 How long can you keep your head under water? Jesus had to do that when he was baptized. Learn what happened next at his baptism. It was awesome! Years later, Jesus and John were both grown men. People were coming from all over to see John because he was a man of God. They had not heard of Jesus yet. John was baptizing people in the Jordan river to prepare them for Jesus’ coming. When a person is baptized, they are either put under water and then quickly raised up or sprinkled with a little water. One reason that a person is baptized is to show God and their friends and family that they want to live in a way that pleases God. Baptism is a new beginning in a person’s life. So the people came to John and told God the bad things they had done. Then John baptized them in the Jordan River. He announced to the people, “There is someone coming later who is able to do more than I can do.  I baptize you with water, but the one who is coming will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Who do you think that John was talking about? John was talking about Jesus! One day John was speaking to the crowds. He looked up, and there was Jesus walking down to the riverbank! When Jesus reached the river, he waded in and asked John to baptize him. This shocked John! He asked Jesus, “Why do you come to ME to be baptized? I should be baptized by YOU!” But Jesus answered, “Let it be this way for now. We should do whatever God says is right.” So John agreed. He baptized Jesus. When John brought Jesus up out of the water, something amazing happened! The sky opened and something that looked like a dove came down on Jesus! It was the Holy Spirit! Then a voice from heaven said “You are my Son, the one I love. I am very pleased with you.” Who do you think was speaking? It was God himself! That’s right! God spoke to his son to show him how much he loved him and how happy he was with him. Jesus was now ready to do the work his Father sent him to do.

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Talk about it

1. Why did John not think that he should baptize Jesus at first? 2. What happened when John did what God said was right? 3. How can you do what God says is right?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for telling me about how John baptized Jesus. And thank you for sending Jesus to do your special work in the world. Please help ME to do what you say is right. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The devil tempts Jesus Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–13

When has someone told you that doing something wrong would be fun? That’s what “being tempted” is. See what Jesus did when the devil tempted him. After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He was alone there for 40 days. He didn’t eat anything the whole time. He was very hungry, thirsty, and weak. And sure enough, it wasn’t long before the devil came along to tempt Jesus. He wanted Jesus to follow him instead of God. So he offered Jesus some wonderful things, but Jesus wasn’t fooled, not even for a second. The devil knew that Jesus was hungry. So he said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these rocks to become bread.” But Jesus wouldn’t do it. Instead he replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘Bread is not enough. People need more than food to live. Their lives depend on whatever God says.’” The devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on the edge of a high place near the Temple area. He whispered, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! The Scriptures say that God will command his angels to catch you.” But Jesus knew this was just another trick. He answered from God’s Word again, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Finally the devil tempted Jesus by offering to make him great. He led Jesus to the top of a very high mountain. He showed Jesus all the wonderful things in the world. The devil said, “I will make you king over all these places. I will give it all to you, if you will only worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!’” What is something that you get tempted to do? So the devil gave up tempting Jesus for that day. Jesus had simply told the devil the truth from God’s Word. When you are tempted, you can speak God’s Word too!

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Talk about it

1. How did the devil try to trick Jesus into doing something wrong? 2. What did Jesus do that made the devil stop and go away? 3. What can you do when you are tempted?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for your Word, the Bible. Your Word is stronger than anything that the devil says. Help me to learn and speak your Word so that the lying devil will go away. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus chooses some followers Luke 5:1–11, 27–32; John 1:35–51

Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met? Did you tell your friends? Listen to what some men did when Jesus, God’s Son, chose them to follow him. One day a man named Andrew was with John. As Jesus walked by, John called out, “Look! The Lamb of God!” Andrew was so excited that he ran to find his brother Simon Peter to tell him. He shouted, “We have found the Messiah!” (“Messiah” is the Hebrew word for “Christ.” It means “God’s Chosen King.”) The two men quickly left their home to follow Jesus. The next day, Andrew and Jesus went to Galilee. There Jesus met a man named Philip. All that Jesus said to him was, “Follow me.” Philip hurried to find his friend Nathanael to tell him, “We’ve found the man that Moses wrote about in the law. The prophets wrote about him too!” The two friends decided to follow Jesus. Another day, Jesus taught a crowd of people while sitting in Andrew and Simon Peter’s fishing boat on Lake Galilee. When Jesus finished speaking, he said, “Take the boat into the deep water. Put your nets into the water, and you will catch some fish.” Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish and caught nothing. But you say I should put the nets into the water, so I will.” When they did this, their nets were filled with so many fish that they began to break. They called to their friends James and John in the other boat to come and help them. The friends came, and both boats were filled so full of fish that they were almost sinking. They were all amazed! Jesus said to Simon Peter, “From now on your work will be to bring in people, not fish!” Then the four men rowed back to the shore. They left their boats, their nets, and their fish, and they followed Jesus. Have you ever caught a fish? How big was it? Later, Jesus was walking past a tax collector sitting at his place for collecting taxes. His name was Levi (also called Matthew). Most people didn’t like tax collectors because they often cheated people. But Jesus chose sinners to follow him. He said to Levi, “Follow me!” So Levi got up, left everything, and followed Jesus too.

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Talk about it

1. What did all the men do when Jesus said, “Follow me”? 2. Who first told you about Jesus? 3. Who can you tell about Jesus?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that these men left everything to follow Jesus. Thank you that they were so excited to follow Jesus and help him. Please help me to follow Jesus too! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus chooses his twelve apostles Mark 3:13–19; Matthew 10; Luke 6:12–16

When you choose a team of friends to play a game, who do you pick first? Listen as Jesus chooses twelve men for a team to tell people God’s message. Many people began to follow Jesus. One morning he told some of them to come join him on a hill. Then Jesus chose twelve men from the group. He called them “apostles.” An apostle is someone who is sent out to tell people an important message. They didn’t know it yet, but Jesus was asking them to do a very big, and sometimes dangerous, job for him. Jesus wanted these twelve men to live with him, know him, and learn from him for a while. He had so much to tell them about God’s kingdom. He wanted them to hear his teachings and see his miracles. Then he would send them out to spread God’s message everywhere and do miracles too.  These were the twelve men Jesus chose: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, James and his brother John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (the one who later turned against Jesus). How do you feel when you are chosen to be on a team? Jesus sent the apostles out with these instructions. “Go to the people of Israel. They are like sheep that are lost. When you go, tell them this: ‘God’s kingdom is now very near.’” Jesus also told the apostles, “If you stand before others and say you believe in me, then I will tell my Father in heaven that you belong to me. But if you stand before others and say you do not believe in me, then I will tell my Father that you do not belong to me.” He added, “Remember, whoever accepts you also accepts me. And whoever accepts me accepts the One who sent me.” Jesus also told them a story about God’s love. “When birds are sold, two small birds cost only a penny. But not even one of those little birds can die without your Father knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don’t be afraid. You are worth more than a whole flock of birds.”

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Talk about it

1. Who did Jesus choose for a special job? Name as many as you can! 2. What did Jesus want the apostles to do? 3. When has someone chosen you to do a special job? What did you do?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus chose the twelve apostles. Thank you that they obeyed him. Please help me to follow Jesus and not be afraid or embarrassed to tell others about him. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus’ first miracle John 2:1–11

Have you ever been to a wedding? What was it like? Jesus was invited to a big wedding. Listen to what he did there that no one had ever seen before. A big wedding was going on in a town called Cana. People were celebrating with fancy food, good wine, and joyful dancing! Jesus liked going to these happy gatherings. He was at this wedding with his mother and several of his followers. As the celebration went on, Jesus’ mother saw that the wine had run out. She knew this could be a really big problem. Wine was very important at weddings. To run out would bring shame on the married couple. So Mary told Jesus, “They have no more wine,” hoping that he would do something to help. Jesus told the servers to fill six HUGE stone jars with water. They were so big that a child could hide in them! So they filled them to the top. Then he said, “Now dip some out and take it to the man in charge of the feast.” So they did as Jesus said. But when the man in charge tasted it, it wasn’t water! What do you think was in his cup? It was wine! Can you believe it? And not just ANY wine. The man said it was the very best kind of wine! Can you imagine the look on his face when he tasted it? This was the first miracle that Jesus did in front of other people. A miracle is a wonderful act of God that people cannot do on their own. But Jesus only let his mother, his followers, and the servers know what had happened. Jesus hid this miracle from all the wedding guests. He did NOT want to show off God’s greatness to everyone just yet. It was not his special day yet. This was the bride and groom’s special day, and he didn’t want to make it all about him. Jesus DID want his followers to see that he had God’s greatness in him. And this miracle caused them to believe it. They would see more and more of God’s greatness in Jesus as time went on and his miracles became greater and greater.

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Talk about it

1. What did Jesus tell the servers at the wedding to do? 2. What helped Jesus’ followers believe that he had God’s greatness in him? 3. What is something great that God has done in your life?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for giving Jesus the power to do miracles. Thank you for sharing your greatness with him for people to see. Please help me to see your greatness in Jesus too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus teaches on a hill Matthew 5–7

How often do you think about what God wants? Or how to pray to him? The people in Jesus’ time did too. Listen along with them as Jesus teaches about God. Jesus traveled to many different places telling people about God. He fed people who were hungry. He healed those who were sick. He told everyone what it meant to be in God’s kingdom. Large crowds began to follow him. Everyone wanted to be near Jesus and to hear the wonderful things he was saying. One time when Jesus saw the crowds of people, he went up on a hill and sat down to wait for them. His followers sat down around him. Then Jesus began teaching them about God’s kingdom. Jesus said to them, “God blesses those who are humble, sad, or poor. He hears their prayers. God has a great reward in heaven for those who suffer because they follow him. God blesses people who obey him.” Jesus taught for a long time that day. He told the people, “It’s important to keep your promises. And don’t be angry with anyone. Don’t fight back if someone hurts you. And love your enemies. You should treat one another the same way that you want them to treat you. And you must learn to forgive each other.” What did Jesus say that is hard for you to do? Jesus also talked about the things that people need to live. He said, “Don’t worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear. God will meet all of your needs if you put him and his plans first.” Jesus taught many wonderful things to the people on the hill that day. And when he finished speaking, the people were amazed! Jesus did not teach like the other teachers of the law. He taught like someone sent from God! Everyone remembered what he said for a long, long time.

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Pray about it

Jesus said, “So this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come, that what you want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven. Give us the food we need for today. Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. Don’t let us be tempted, but save us from the Evil One.’” In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus feeds 5,000 people

Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–15 Have you ever done something that you didn’t think you could do? See what Jesus’ apostles did when they had to feed over 5,000 people with a little boy’s lunch. One day Jesus was with a huge crowd of people. More than 5,000 men, women, and children came from all over to listen to him. Jesus felt sorry for them. So he began to teach them many things about God and heal those who were sick. Jesus patiently taught all afternoon. When it was late in the day, the apostles worried about the large crowd. They told Jesus, “Send the people away. They need to find food and places to sleep around here.” But Jesus had something different in mind. He told the apostles, “You give them something to eat.” If you were one of the apostles, what would you think of that idea?

The apostles looked around a minute and then told Jesus, “Well, here’s a boy with five loaves of barley bread and two little fish. But that’s not near enough for so many people.” Jesus told them, “Bring the bread and the fish to me.” Jesus picked up the loaves and the fish the little boy brought. He held them up, looking into the sky. He thanked God for the food. Then he started breaking the bread and fish into pieces. He gave it to his apostles to give to the people. As the apostles watched, they wondered, “What could he be doing now?” They saw only enough food for a little boy’s lunch. But somehow, in Jesus’ hands, the bread and fish kept COMING! The whole crowd ate until they were full! After the people finished, the apostles collected what was left. They couldn’t believe it! The extra food filled twelve big baskets! One for each doubting apostle! That day Jesus wanted his apostles to serve the people. He wanted them to have faith in what he could do. He wanted them to see that they could do greater things than they EVER thought possible with his power! Jesus wants to help YOU serve other people too. But you don’t have to do anything by yourself. He is WITH YOU! Trust him to help you!

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Talk about it

1. Why did Jesus want the apostles to feed the people? 2. How did Jesus help them? 3. What do you want Jesus to help you do?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus showed his apostles how to serve people. And thank you that he will help me serve people too. Please show me how to love people like Jesus did. In Jesus’ name, amen.

137

Jesus heals a very sick man Matthew 8:1–4; Mark 1:40–45; Luke 5:12–16

Have you ever felt left out or ignored by your friends? Listen to this story about a man who no one wanted to get close to. Not until Jesus touched him! After teaching his apostles and followers on a hill, Jesus went to a nearby town. As usual, a large crowd followed him. A very sick man lived in that town. He had a terrible skin disease. Ugly and painful sores covered his skin. Everyone in the town stayed as far away from the man as they could. People believed it was wrong for him to be close enough to even touch someone by accident. Isn’t that sad? Some people thought that the sores on the man’s skin were a curse from God. Because nobody wanted to get near him, the man had to live by himself away from the town. He was very lonely and had no one to talk to. No one cared for his sores. No one came to see how he was doing. When was a time that you felt alone? The man with sores on his body nervously came to Jesus and bowed down in front of him. He said, “Lord, you have the power to heal me if you want.” Then Jesus touched the man and said, “I want to heal you. Be healed!” Can you guess what happened? YES! The man was healed! His sores disappeared IMMEDIATELY! Did you notice that the man told Jesus that he could heal him “if he wanted to”? He did not say “if you can.” The man believed that Jesus COULD heal him. But he was not sure that Jesus WOULD heal him. Maybe the man thought that a famous teacher like Jesus would not want to get close to someone like him. Then Jesus warned him, “Don’t tell anyone about what happened. But go and let the priest look at you. This will show everyone that you are healed.” But on his way to the priest, the man was so excited that he told everyone he saw about Jesus. Everyone was amazed that Jesus healed the man! After that, news about Jesus spread everywhere! People came to him from all over so that he would heal their diseases.

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Talk about it

1. What did Jesus tell the man he healed to do? 2. Why did the healed man not do what Jesus said? 3. Why is it hard sometimes to do what your parents say or what Jesus says?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus had the power to heal the sick man. Thank you that Jesus has power over everything in the world. Please help me to love and obey Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus brings a man back from death John 11

Who do you know that has died? Were you sad? Jesus knows how you feel. One of Jesus’ close friends died. But then Jesus did something amazing! Lazarus was one of Jesus’ best friends. He was very sick. So his sisters Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, “Lord, your dear friend Lazarus is sick.” Why do you think Lazarus’ sisters wanted Jesus to know that his friend was sick? When Jesus heard the news, he said, “The end of Lazarus’ story will not be death. This has happened to bring glory to the Son of God.” Jesus then waited two whole days before he left for the town where Lazarus lived. Jesus said, “Our friend Lazarus is now sleeping, but I am going there to wake him.” When Jesus reached Lazarus’ town, Lazarus had been dead and in a tomb for four days. Martha told Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise and be alive again. I am the resurrection. I am life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die. Martha, do you believe this?” Martha answered, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Then her sister Mary cried. When he saw her, Jesus was very upset. He cried too. He asked, “Where did you put him?” So they moved the large stone away from the tomb where Lazarus lay. Then Jesus looked up into the sky and said, “Father, I thank you that you always hear me. But I said these things so the people around me will believe that you sent me.” After Jesus said this he called in a loud voice, “LAZARUS, COME OUT!”  Can you guess what happened next? YES! Lazarus came out of the tomb! His hands and feet were wrapped with pieces of cloth. He also had a cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to the people, “Take off the cloth and let him go.” When the people watching that day saw what Jesus did, many of them believed that he was the Messiah, the Son of God. But others ran to tell the Jewish religious leaders what Jesus did. The religious leaders wanted Jesus to stop.

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Talk about it

1. How did Lazarus’ sickness “bring glory to the Son of God”? 2. What did Jesus’ miracle show the people about him? 3. Who do you believe that Jesus is?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for giving Jesus the power to raise Lazarus back to life. Help me to believe in Jesus so that I will have life even if I die. In Jesus’ name, amen.

141

Jesus heals a paralyzed man Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26

When have you had to prove yourself? Jesus once proved that he could do something people could not see by showing them something they could see. One day Jesus was teaching in a house. A large crowd gathered to hear him speak. The house was so full that there was no place to stand, not even outside the door. Religious leaders also came to hear if Jesus taught anything that they didn’t like. Outside, four men came carrying their paralyzed friend on a mat. He couldn’t walk. They all believed that Jesus could heal him. But there were so many people inside and around the house that they couldn’t get in. So guess what they did? They carried their friend up onto the roof and made a large hole in it. Then they lowered him down to Jesus with ropes! What great friends! How would you like to be lowered down through a roof? The men lowered the mat so that their paralyzed friend lay right in front of Jesus. The men’s great faith made Jesus glad! He probably chuckled when he said to the man, “Young man, you will be glad to hear that your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders thought to themselves, “Who is this man who dares to say such things? What an insult to God! Only God can forgive sins.” And do you know what? They were right! But they didn’t understand that JESUS IS GOD! As God’s Son, he has the same power as God to forgive sins. Jesus knew what these men were thinking. He knew that since no one could SEE him forgive sins, these men would not believe it had happened. He told them he would do something that they could see. So Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Stand up! Take your mat and go home!” The man immediately stood up in front of everyone in the house! He picked up his mat and walked home with his friends, saying great things about God the whole way. Everyone was stunned by Jesus’ power. They praised God and said, “Today we saw amazing things!”

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Talk about it

1. How did Jesus show that the man’s sins were forgiven? 2. How did Jesus know that the man’s friends had faith? 3. How can you show your faith in Jesus?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for giving Jesus the power to heal people and to forgive their sins. Please give me the same kind of faith that the paralyzed man’s friends had. In Jesus’ name, amen.

143

Jesus calms a storm

Matthew 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25 Have you ever been in a storm? What was it like? Were you scared? Jesus’ followers were in a boat when a huge storm hit. And they were terrified! Jesus had just finished another long day teaching the people. It was evening and he was tired. He wanted to get away with the twelve apostles to a quiet place to rest. The apostles were all worn out too. Because they were near a lake, they all got into a boat and headed toward the other side of the lake. As they were on their way across, a powerful storm blew over the lake! Strong winds howled! Waves washed over the sides of the boat, and began to fill it with water! The apostles thought the boat was going to sink! The followers shook with fear and started grabbing on to one another! But Jesus was sleeping peacefully at the back of the boat. The apostles woke him up yelling, “Teacher, don’t you care about us? We’re all going to drown!” Jesus sat up, rubbed his eyes, and calmly answered, “Why are you so afraid? Do you STILL have NO faith?” Then he stood up and straightened his robe. He turned toward the wind and the waves and shouted, “Quiet! Be still!” Immediately the wind stopped howling, and the lake became calm and still. At first the followers didn’t know what to think. They just sat there staring out at the still water and at Jesus. They asked each other, “What kind of man is this? He commands the wind and the water, AND THEY OBEY HIM! That’s AMAZING!” What do you think the apostles learned about Jesus? Jesus always encouraged his followers to put their trust in him and believe. They saw him do amazing miracles again and again. Jesus calmed the storm and showed the apostles that he had power over nature too! He wanted them to be sure about who he is. He wanted them to have faith in him. Then he could send them out into the world to tell others about him.

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Talk about it

1. How was Jesus able to sleep during the storm? 2. What did Jesus’ followers think when he calmed the wind and waves? 3. What is something that scares you that you need Jesus to help you with?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus has the power to calm storms. Please give me faith to believe that he will help me with anything that scares me. Help me to believe that Jesus is always with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

145

Jesus walks on water Matthew 14:22–33

What’s the most shocking thing you’ve ever done? The apostle Peter did something REALLY bold and shocking when he saw Jesus walking on water. Jesus had just fed more than 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two small fish. That evening, he told his followers, “Get in a boat and go back to the other side of the lake. I’ll catch up with you later.” Jesus stayed behind on the shore to send the crowds back home. After Jesus said goodbye to the people, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. He stayed there alone with God until early morning. Jesus always felt full of energy after he spent time with his Father. Why do you think Jesus liked to pray by himself? The followers were a long way from shore. They were rowing really hard to cross the lake. But the wind was strong, and the waves were pushing against the boat. Early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus went out to them. He was WALKING ON TOP OF THE WATER! When the followers saw Jesus coming, they were scared. They cried out, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus quickly called out to them, “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid!” Peter shouted back, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you on the water!” Jesus said, “Come, Peter.” Then Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus! But Peter saw the wind and the waves, and he was afraid. He began sinking and yelled, “Lord, save me!” Then Jesus caught Peter with his hand. He said, “Why did you doubt? You don’t have enough faith!” After Peter and Jesus got in the boat, the wind stopped. Once again, the followers were amazed. It seemed like they just couldn’t figure out who Jesus really was. And every time they did, they’d just doubt it later on. But at that moment, they worshipped Jesus. And they all agreed, “You really are the Son of God!”

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Talk about it

1. Why did Peter start to sink? 2. Why did the followers say that Jesus really was the Son of God? 3. Who do you believe that Jesus is?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for helping Jesus’ followers understand who he is, again. Thank you for reminding them that he is your Son. Please help me to remember who Jesus really is. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus gets ready to go to his Father Matthew 16:21–28; Mark 8:31–38; Luke 9:22–27; John 14:15–29

How does someone get ready for a trip? You have to prepare before, right? Listen to how Jesus and his followers got ready for him to return home to God. Jesus knew that the time for his death was growing closer. Jesus wanted his followers to be ready, so he told them how it would happen. He said, “The Jewish leaders, priests, and teachers in Jerusalem will make me suffer many things. Then they will kill me.” That was the worst news they ever heard! Then he said, “But after three days, God will raise me back to life!” Now that was great news!

 

When Peter heard Jesus say all of this, he didn’t want any of it to happen. He wanted to stop it. So he pulled Jesus aside and argued with him! Peter said, “Those things can’t ever happen!” Can you imagine telling Jesus he is wrong? Jesus was angry because of what Peter said. Jesus yelled at Peter in front of everyone! “Get away from me, Satan! You are not helping me! You don’t care about the same things God does.” Jesus called Peter “Satan” because that’s where Peter’s bad idea came from. Jesus knew it too! Then Jesus told his followers that their lives would become very hard. He said, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want.” He said this because he wanted his followers to do what God wants instead of what they want. They must want what God wants more than anything. What is something that you think God wants? Jesus comforted his followers. He told them “I’m going to prepare a place in my Father’s house for you to be with me forever. And when everything is ready, I will come back for you. Then I will take you with me so that you can be where I am.” He told them to keep believing and obeying while he was away! “I will send you a Helper, God’s Holy Spirit. He will help you remember and obey everything I have taught you.” Then Jesus comforted them. He wanted them to have the same peace he had about the days to come.

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Talk about it

1. What did Jesus say would happen to him in Jerusalem? 2. What did Jesus say that people must do to become his followers? 3. What kinds of things would you tell people about following Jesus?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus’ followers stayed with him, even though it was hard sometimes. Please help me to follow Jesus, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, amen.

149

Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 9:1–10; Luke 9:28–36

How has a friend of yours changed from the last time you saw them? See what Jesus’ followers did when he began to shine right before their eyes! Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain. It was a hard climb, but finally they were alone at the top. The followers were tired. When they sat down to rest, they fell asleep! What is the highest thing you have ever climbed? Then Jesus began to pray. While he prayed, he began to look very different. His face became bright like the sun, and his clothes became white as lightning! Two men who lived long ago were there with Jesus as well. One was Moses, who gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments. The other was Elijah, one of the greatest prophets. They all looked bright and glorious. They were talking with Jesus about his coming death. When Peter and the others woke up, they were surprised to see how Jesus was shining! He was also talking to two shining men who were standing with him. They probably thought they were still dreaming! Peter was so happy that they were seeing this. He said to Jesus, “Let’s build three tents to honor each one of you.” Suddenly, a cloud surrounded the whole group. Peter, James, and John didn’t know what was happening! Then God spoke from the cloud, “THIS IS MY SON. HE IS THE ONE I HAVE CHOSEN. OBEY HIM!” The voice frightened the followers, and they fell to the ground. So Jesus came to them and touched them. He said gently, “Stand up. Don’t be afraid.” The followers looked up, and they saw that they were alone with Jesus again. Jesus told them, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw on the mountain. Wait until I rise from death. Then you can tell people what you saw.” And for a long time after that, the followers told no one about what they had seen or heard. But after Jesus rose from death, they told everyone they could.

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Talk about it

1. Why did Jesus take his followers up the mountain? 2. What did Jesus’ followers see and hear on the mountain? 3. What do you tell people about Jesus?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for letting Peter, James, and John see how great Jesus is! And thank you for telling them to obey your Son. Please help me to tell everyone about Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

151

Jesus rides into Jerusalem like a king Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–38; John 12:12–19 

Have you ever seen a parade? Who was in it? What was the parade celebrating? Let’s look at how Jesus rode at the front of a parade into Israel’s capitol city. Jesus and his followers walked toward Jerusalem. Crowds of people were already in the city for the Passover festival. As the men walked, they came near the town of Bethphage. Jesus told two of his followers, “Go into the town. You’ll find a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden.” He told them, “Untie it and bring it here to me.” What a great honor for that little donkey to be chosen! The followers went into the town. They found the donkey Jesus told them about, untied it, and brought it to him. Then the followers put their coats on the donkey for Jesus to sit on. He rode it the rest of the way to Jerusalem. When he got closer to the city, many people came out to welcome him. They were SO excited! They hoped that Jesus was coming to be their new king! The people spread their coats on the road like a royal carpet. Others cut palm branches and spread them on the road too. Some people walked ahead of Jesus waving their palm branches in the air. It was like a fun parade! They shouted, “Welcome! God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” What would you shout if you saw Jesus passing by at the front of a parade? The people remembered PART of a prophet’s words from long ago. Zechariah had said that God’s Chosen King would be a peaceful king and ride a simple donkey. The Jewish people waited HUNDREDS of years for that king. But during that time they forgot the part of the prophecy that said the king would be humble. They hoped that this king would come to conquer their enemies and be the new ruler of Israel. They expected him to enter Jerusalem on a big warhorse. By riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus showed that he didn’t come to conquer armies and rulers. Jesus was God’s Chosen King who came to conquer sin and death.

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Talk about it

1. What did the crowds in Jerusalem hope that Jesus would do? 2. What did the people do when Jesus arrived? 3. What would you do if Jesus came to your town today?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus rode into Jerusalem as your Chosen King. Thank you that Jesus is my King. Please show me how I can honor and obey him. In Jesus’ name, amen.

153

Jesus’ last Passover meal

Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:14–20; John 13:1–20 What is a special holiday meal that your family eats? Jesus said and did some amazing things as he ate his last meal with his followers. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go back to his Father. He wanted to make every last moment with his twelve apostles special. He brought them all together to celebrate the Passover meal. Jewish people keep this holiday to remember how God freed them from slavery in Egypt. Jesus stood up from the table. He took off his robe and wrapped a towel around his waist. Then he poured water into a bowl and did something that he had not done before. He washed his followers’ feet! That’s 24 feet and 120 toes! Why do you think that Jesus washed his apostles’ feet? When Jesus finished washing everyone’s feet, he put his robe back on and went back to the table. He asked if the followers understood what he did for them. They didn’t, of course. Jesus said, “I am your Lord and Teacher, but I washed your feet. So you also should wash each other’s feet. I did this as an example for you. So you should serve each other just like I served you.”  While they were eating, Jesus told them, “One of you eating with me now will hand me over to my enemies.” The followers looked at one another with very sad faces. But Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot had already betrayed him. While they were eating, Jesus took some bread and thanked God for it. He broke off some pieces, gave them to his followers, and said, “Take this bread and eat it. It is my body that I am giving for you. Eat this to remember me.” After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, thanked God for it, and gave it to them. He said, “Each one of you drink some of it. This wine represents the new agreement from God to his people. It will begin when my blood is poured out to forgive the sins of many. I will not drink this wine again until that day when we are together in my Father’s kingdom and the wine is new. Then I will drink it again with you.” Today followers of Jesus all over the world still eat this meal together. They share some bread and wine (or grape juice) to remember what Jesus said and did for them.

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Talk about it

1. How would you like to wash your friends’ dirty, stinky feet? 2. Why did Jesus give his followers the bread and wine? 3. What are some ways that you remember Jesus?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for giving Jesus’ followers a special way to remember him. Help me to remember Jesus and what he did for me. Please help me to serve other followers of Jesus, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

155

Jesus is arrested

Matthew 26:36–56; Mark 14:32–52; Luke 22:39–53; John 18:1–11 Getting arrested can be really scary. Jesus was arrested, even though he did nothing wrong. Discover how it happened and what Jesus did about it. Jesus and his followers finished eating their Passover meal together. They all sang a song and walked to a garden of olive trees to pray. Jesus had been there many times before with his apostles. It was one of his favorite places to go. Can you remember another time when Jesus went away to pray? Jesus was sad and fell to the ground. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please don’t make me have to suffer this way and die. But I will do what you want me to do, not what I want to do.” Jesus prayed for a long time, and his followers kept falling asleep. He had to wake them up three times! Jesus knew what was going to happen next. Jesus always seemed to know what was about to happen. He said to his followers, “It’s time for me to be arrested by sinful men. Get up! Here comes the man who is handing me over to them.” That’s when Judas Iscariot walked up to the group. Do you remember him from Jesus’ last Passover meal? Jesus said that this apostle would betray him. So now Judas was there. He brought a big crowd of soldiers, Temple police, and Jewish religious leaders with him. They carried swords and clubs. Judas planned a secret way to show the soldiers which one was Jesus. He whispered, “The one I kiss on the cheek will be Jesus. You can arrest him and take him away.” So Judas went over to Jesus. He said, “Hi, Teacher!” and kissed him. Jesus knew why Judas was there. Then the Temple police grabbed Jesus and arrested him. Then Peter pulled out his sword! Remember, Peter didn’t always think before he acted. He swung it at the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear! Jesus called out, “Stop it! Put your sword back in its place! God said it had to happen this way!” Then Jesus touched the servant’s ear and healed him!

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Talk about it

1. Why was Jesus sad and upset? 2. Why did Jesus let the crowd arrest him? 3. How would you feel if a friend said something to hurt you?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus could pray to you when he was afraid. Thank you that Jesus trusted you even when he knew he was going to suffer and die. Please help me to pray and trust you when I am afraid. In Jesus’ name, amen.

157

Jesus’ trial and Peter’s denial

Matthew 26:30–35, 57–75; Mark 14:31–34, 54–65; Luke 22:56–62; John 18:12–27 Have you ever promised to do something and then not done it? How did you feel? Discover what Peter did when he couldn’t keep his promise to Jesus. Before Jesus was arrested, he told his followers that they would all run away from him. This upset Peter very much. He told Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go to jail with you. I will even die with you!” And all the other followers said the same thing. But Jesus knew Peter well. So Jesus answered him, “Actually, you will say that you don’t know me THREE TIMES before the rooster crows in the morning.” How do you think that Jesus knew this? After the soldiers arrested Jesus, they took him to the high priest to be judged. Peter followed far behind them. Then he went into the priest’s large courtyard and sat with the guards. He wanted to see what would happen to Jesus. Inside the house, the Jewish religious leaders tried to find a reason to kill Jesus. Some of the leaders were so angry that they spit in Jesus’ face. Others covered his eyes and hit him, yelling, “Show us that you are a prophet, Messiah! Tell us who hit you!” Then the guards led Jesus away and beat him. While these terrible things were going on, Peter was outside in the courtyard. A servant girl saw Peter and said to him, “You were with Jesus, that man from Galilee.” But Peter told everyone that was not true. He replied nervously, “I don’t know what you are talking about!” Then he went to the entrance of the courtyard. Another servant girl saw him there. She announced, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” Peter snapped back, “I swear to God I don’t know the man!” Someone else said, “We know you are one of them. It’s clear from the way you talk.” Then Peter argued, “I swear, I don’t know the man! May God strike me down if I am lying!” As soon as Peter said this, a rooster crowed nearby. Then Jesus turned and looked across the courtyard into Peter’s eyes. Peter suddenly remembered what Jesus had said, “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” Then Peter went outside. He cried and cried. He was very sad for what he’d done. He had broken his promise to his friend. Could Jesus forgive him?

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Talk about it

1. Why did the Jewish religious leaders want to kill Jesus? 2. Why did Peter say that he didn’t know Jesus? 3. Who do you say that Jesus is?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for not leaving Jesus when everyone else did. Please help me remember that you’re in control of everything, even when it doesn’t look that way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

159

Pilate asks Jesus questions

Matthew 27:1–31; Mark 15:1–20; Luke 23:1–25; John 18:28–19:16 When have you told the truth, but no one believed you? Listen to what happened to Jesus when he told the truth about being the King of the Jews. The sun was just coming up the morning after Jesus’ arrest. The Jewish religious leaders were still very angry with Jesus. They tied Jesus’ hands and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. The Jewish leaders wanted Pilate to believe that Jesus was guilty of something. Anything! They began to accuse Jesus and said to Pilate, “We caught this man trying to change the thinking of our people. He says we should not pay taxes to Caesar. He calls himself the Messiah, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you really the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “You could say that.” Pilate told the group, “I find nothing wrong with this man.” The Jewish leaders kept on saying, “His teaching is causing trouble all over Judea.” But as they lied and insulted him, Jesus said nothing. He didn’t open his mouth at all. This really surprised the Roman governor. Why do you think that Jesus didn’t say anything? Pilate said three times, “He is not guilty. I can find no reason to kill him.” Every year during the Passover festival, the governor freed one prisoner. The people got to choose the prisoner they wanted to be free. At that time there was a terrible murderer in prison named Barabbas. Pilate didn’t think there was a chance that the people would choose THIS guy. So he asked the crowd, “I have Barabbas and Jesus. Which one do you want me to set free?” But the Jewish religious leaders convinced the angry crowd to demand that Barabbas be set free and that Jesus be killed. The people shouted, “Give us Barabbas!” Pilate couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He asked, “So what should I do with Jesus, the one you call the king of the Jews?” Then the crowd screamed, “Kill him on a cross!” That was one of the worst ways to be killed. Pilate decided to give the people what they wanted. So he sadly handed Jesus over to die.

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Talk about it

1. Why were the Jewish religious leaders so angry with Jesus? 2. Why did Pilate, the Roman governor, not want to kill Jesus? 3. What would you have done if you were Pilate?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus was obedient, even when it was hard. Thank you that he did what you asked him to do. Please help me to always obey you, even when I don’t want to. In Jesus’ name, amen.

161

Jesus is killed on a cross

Matthew 27:32–54; Mark 15:21–39; Luke 23:26–47; John 19:16–37; 1 Peter 3:18 What is the worst thing that ever happened to you? Jesus was whipped, hit, and beaten. Mean men said bad things to him. Then they killed him on a cross. Pilate sentenced Jesus to die on a cross. Then a group of Pilate’s soldiers took Jesus and treated him very badly. They pulled off his clothes and put a red robe on him. Then they made a crown from thorny branches and pushed it roughly on his head. They hit him and spit on him. They made fun of him. They bowed in front of him and said, “We salute you, King of the Jews!”  Then the soldiers took Jesus to a hill called Golgotha. They nailed Jesus’ hands and feet to a large, wooden cross. They put a sign above his head that read: “this is jesus, the king of the jews.” Then they lifted him up for everyone to see. The soldiers thought the sign was a mean joke. What do you think? Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” Then at noon everything went dark! Around three o’clock Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you left me alone?” Then he shouted, “It is finished!” and died. Suddenly the earth started shaking! Rocks crumbled and broke apart! The tall curtain in the Temple tore into two pieces, from the top all the way to the bottom! Graves opened up and many of God’s people came out. The Roman officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus felt the earthquake and saw everything that happened. The ground shook so hard that they could barely stand. They were shaking in their sandals! One of the Roman soldiers said, “So he really WAS the Son of God!” Years later the apostle Peter told Jesus’ followers what happened that day. He wrote, “Christ suffered when he died for you, and with that one death he removed your sins. He was not guilty, but he died for people who are guilty. He did this to bring all of you to God. As a human, he was killed, but he was made alive by the Spirit.” All of these terrible things happened to Jesus. He suffered and died for everyone … even you!

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Talk about it

1. What happened at the moment Jesus died? 2. What did the Roman soldier say when he saw all the strange events? Why did he say that? 3. What did the apostle Peter say that Jesus’ death accomplished for you?

Pray about it

Dear God, I’m sorry that Jesus had to suffer and die on the cross because of my sins. But thank you that his death makes me right with you. I am happy that I can have life with you forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

163

Jesus is alive!

Matthew 27:57–28:10; Mark 15:42–16:11; Luke 23:50–24:12; John 19:38–20:18 When have you gone from being sad, to scared, to happy all really fast? That’s what happened to Jesus’ friends when they heard some wonderful news! Jesus died on a Friday. Later that day, a man named Joseph asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Pilate agreed. So Joseph and Nicodemus gently took Jesus’ body down from the cross. They carefully wrapped it in pieces of cloth. Then they laid Jesus’ body in a tomb that Joseph had dug in a wall of rock. When he finished, he rolled a big stone to cover the entrance. The next day, the leading priests and the Jewish religious leaders were still thinking about Jesus. They said, “The liar’s followers might try to steal his body. Then they could tell everyone that he has risen from death! That lie will be even worse than what they said about him before!” So Pilate told them to seal the stone in the entrance and put some soldiers there to guard it. The next morning was Sunday. Very early on that day, some women brought sweet-smelling spices to put on Jesus’ body. When the women came to the tomb, they said, “This stone is too big and heavy for us to move by ourselves. Who will move it for us?” Suddenly an angel of the Lord came from the sky, and there was a huge earthquake. The angel went to the tomb and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on top of the stone. The angel was shining as bright as lightning. His clothes were as white as snow. The soldiers guarding the tomb were so scared that they shook with fear and fell to the ground! What do you think the angel said to the women? The angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid. Jesus is not here. He has risen from death, as he said he would. Go quickly and tell his followers!” The women turned around and ran from the tomb. They were still afraid, but they were so happy! They ran to tell Jesus’ followers, “JESUS IS ALIVE!”

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Talk about it

1. Why did the Jewish religious leaders want to seal and guard Jesus’ tomb? 2. What did the angel do and then say to the women? 3. What does it mean to you that Jesus is alive?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for bringing Jesus back from death. Thank you that Jesus is more powerful than death and the grave. I believe that Jesus is alive! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus appears to his followers

Matthew 28:8–10; Mark 16:9–13; Luke 24:13–43; John 20:10–31; 21:1–14 What do you do when you see a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Listen to what Jesus’ followers did when they saw him alive again. Jesus appeared his followers several times after he came back to life. They never knew where he was going to show up next! Even so, each time he appeared, they were slow to believe that it was really him. Jesus had not changed into a ghost or a spirit. He was still a fully alive person like he was before he died. But he did not look the same as before he was killed. He was the same, but different. Jesus rose from death early on a Sunday morning. He appeared first to a woman named Mary and some other women at the tomb. But when Mary told Jesus’ followers what Jesus had said, they did not believe her. Jesus later met two of his followers who were going home from Jerusalem. While they were walking, Jesus joined them. But they didn’t know it was him. They invited Jesus to stay with them and share a meal. So he sat down to eat with them. As they ate, Jesus broke off a piece of bread and gave it to them. At that moment they saw and understood who he was! Then suddenly, he was GONE!  So the two followers ran back to Jerusalem to tell the others how they had been with Jesus. At first, the other followers did not believe them. But then Jesus appeared in the room! This surprised and scared the followers. They thought he was a ghost! But Jesus said, “Why don’t you believe what you see? Look at my hands and my feet. It’s really me! You can see that I am not a ghost. Ghosts don’t have flesh and bones.” He ate a piece of cooked fish to show them he was real. The followers were amazed and very, very happy to see that Jesus was alive! Why do you think Jesus showed them his hands and feet? A few days later, some of Jesus’ followers were at Lake Galilee. They were in a boat fishing. Jesus stood on the shore and called out to them, but they didn’t know it was him. Suddenly, as their nets filled with flopping fish, one of the followers said, “THAT’S JESUS!” Peter (of course!) jumped into the water and swam to the shore where Jesus was standing! The others came in the boat with the net full of fish they had just caught. Jesus cooked the fish for their breakfast.

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Talk about it

1. Why did Jesus’ followers not know it was him at first? 2. What did the followers do when they finally understood it was Jesus? 3. What kinds of things can you do to help you believe in Jesus more?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus kept appearing to his followers. And thank you for helping the followers finally believe he was alive. Please help me to see how Jesus is working in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus goes back to heaven

Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:14–20; Luke 24:44–53; Acts 1:6–11 What kinds of things do your parents tell you to do while they’re away? Learn what Jesus wanted his followers to do after he went back to heaven! Jesus knew that he was about to go back to heaven to be with God, his Father. So every time he met with his followers, he told them something important to do after he left. One time Jesus told them, “Go everywhere in the world. Tell the Good News to everyone. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” During another visit, Jesus’ apostles were eating together. Suddenly, Jesus was in the room with them! Jesus told them, “Go and make followers of all the people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will be with you until the end of time.” What is the Good News about Jesus? Finally, on a hill outside Jerusalem, his followers gathered around Jesus one more time. They became very quiet. They knew that this was an important moment. Jesus told them, “The Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will tell people about what you heard me say and do in every part of the world.” Then Jesus raised his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he was taken up from them and carried into heaven! They watched him go up into the sky until he went into a cloud, and they couldn’t see him anymore!  The followers all stood there staring up into the sky where Jesus had disappeared. Suddenly two men in white clothes stood beside them. They said, “Men from Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? You saw Jesus carried away from you into heaven. He will come back in the same way you saw him go.” Today Jesus’ followers all over the world still tell people the Good News about him. What are you telling your friends about him?

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Talk about it

1. Why did Jesus give his followers some last instructions? 2. What did Jesus keep telling his followers to do? 3. Who is someone you can tell about Jesus?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus told his followers to share his Good News all over the world. Please show me how I can help other people trust and obey Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Waiting for the Holy Spirit Acts 1

When have you had to wait for something that someone promised you? See what Jesus’ followers did as they waited for God’s Holy Spirit to come. Jesus’ followers had just watched him go up into heaven. They were still wondering about that. They wondered what was next for them. They went back to Jerusalem to wait there for the Holy Spirit, just like Jesus told them to do. The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps followers of Jesus know and do what God wants. Who helps you know and do what is right? The followers went to the upstairs room where they were staying. There were only eleven apostles now because Judas was dead. They and the other followers prayed together as they waited for the Holy Spirit. They also had to find a new apostle to take Judas’ place. After a few days, they met with more than 100 other followers. Peter stood up and said, “Judas served together with us. But he led men to arrest Jesus. They paid Judas money to do this. Then after the Jewish leaders killed Jesus, Judas died.” Peter went on to say that the new apostle must be someone who was part of their group the whole time Jesus was with them until he went back to heaven. The group thought about this for a moment. Then they brought two men forward. Their names were Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. Everyone prayed, “Lord, show us which man should take Judas’ place as an apostle!”  Then the followers used a special way to find out what God wants. They called it “throwing lots.” Lots were small stones, sticks, or bones that a person could toss like dice. The lots showed that the Lord wanted Matthias! So he became an apostle with the other eleven. All the followers were praying and waiting for the Holy Spirit to come! They waited for days! Can you wait that long?

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Talk about it

1. Why were the followers of Jesus waiting for the Holy Spirit? 2. How did they choose someone to take the place of Judas? 3. How do you find out what God wants you to do?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for helping your followers pick a new apostle. Thank you that your Spirit helps me to know what you want. I want to live like you want me to! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Holy Spirit comes Acts 2

What is your favorite family celebration? The Jewish people loved to go to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost. Listen to how one Pentecost was like no other! For thousands of years, the Jewish people have celebrated a spring harvest festival called Pentecost. Pentecost means “fifty”, and it comes fifty days after Passover. In Jesus’ day, Jews brought the first part of their wheat harvest to Jerusalem to give it to God. God did something wonderful on the Pentecost after Jesus rose from death. It had been fifty days since Jesus’ followers discovered his empty tomb and then saw him alive. The apostles and some other followers were all in Jerusalem. Jesus told them to wait there for the Holy Spirit to come. They were all praying together in a house when something amazing happened! A noise like a great wind came ROARING in from the sky! The noise filled the whole house!  Suddenly, they saw what looked like flames of FIRE! The flames came apart and stayed over each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit! Then they all spoke in different languages that they didn’t know how to speak! God’s Holy Spirit gave them the power to do this! How many languages can you name? A large crowd RUSHED to the house when they heard the noise! These people were from many different countries. They all spoke different languages. But everyone understood what the apostles were saying in their own language! They were AMAZED and wondered how this could happen! Peter stood up and said, “God set Jesus free from death by raising him to life. Now he is at God’s right side. So Jesus has poured out the Holy Spirit. This is what you see and hear.” Peter added, “Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Then God will forgive your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and everyone the Lord our God calls to himself.” That day, about 3,000 people believed and were baptized. This was the start of the church that still gathers today.

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Talk about it

1. What happened on the day of Pentecost after Jesus came back to life? 2. Why were the people amazed at what the followers of Jesus were doing? 3. So far, you have heard about the Holy Spirit coming like a dove, like wind, and like fire. Which picture can you see best in your mind?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Thank you for giving your Spirit to everyone who follows Jesus. Please help me to follow Jesus and be filled with your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus speaks to Saul Acts 8:1–4; 9:1–8

When have you seen someone who is doing what is right being told that they are wrong? A man named Saul believed that following Jesus was wrong. After the Holy Spirit filled the followers of Jesus, they began telling more and more people about him. Those who believed the Good News about Jesus began to meet in homes all over Jerusalem and Judea. These new believers were forming Jesus’ church. What is something that you love to tell people about? The religious leaders were very angry that so many people were believing the Good News. They thought they were rid of Jesus when he died. Now they wanted to make the followers stop talking about Jesus. A man named Saul was one of those angry leaders. Saul didn’t believe that Jesus was God’s Chosen King. He thought the things Jesus and his followers said and did were wrong. So Saul tried to wipe out the groups of Jesus’ followers that seemed to be everywhere. He went into their houses, dragged out men and women, and put them in jail. Saul thought that he was doing the right thing and pleasing God. Many followers left Jerusalem to escape the danger. Some went to a city called Damascus. When Saul heard about it, he travelled to Damascus too. He wanted to arrest the believers there and bring them back to Jerusalem as prisoners. When Saul came near the city, a very bright light from heaven suddenly LIT UP everything around him! The light blinded Saul and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul! Why are you hurting me?” Terrified, Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice answered, “I am Jesus, the one you are hurting. Get up now and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what to do.” The men traveling with Saul just stood there, unable to speak. They heard the voice, but they saw no one! Saul got up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he still couldn’t see! So the men with him led him by his hand into Damascus. 

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Talk about it

1. Why was Saul so angry with the followers of Jesus? 2. What did Saul do when Jesus spoke to him? 3. When has someone told you that you were doing something wrong?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus came to Saul. And thank you that Jesus got Saul’s attention! Please help me pay attention to what you want. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Ananias helps Saul Acts 9:8–22

When has someone asked you to do something that scared you? See what a man named Ananias did when Jesus told him to do something he was scared to do. After Jesus spoke to Saul, his friends led him to Damascus. Saul couldn’t see at all for three whole days. He didn’t eat or drink either. A follower of Jesus named Ananias lived in Damascus at that time. While Ananias was praying, the Lord Jesus came to him in a vision. Jesus said, “Find the house of a man named Judas on Straight Street and ask for Saul. He is there now, praying. He has seen a vision in which a man named Ananias laid his hands on him so that he could see again.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, people have told me about the many bad things this man Saul did to your holy people in Jerusalem. Now he has come here to Damascus! He has the power to arrest anyone who trusts in you!” But Jesus insisted. “GO!” he said. “I have chosen Saul for an important work. I want him to tell other nations, their rulers, and the people of Israel about me.” When has someone asked you to do something important? So Ananias obeyed Jesus. He found Saul right where Jesus said he would be. He laid his hands on him so that Saul would see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell off Saul’s eyes! He could SEE again! Then he got up and was baptized. After he had eaten, he began to feel strong again. Saul stayed with the followers of Jesus in Damascus for a few days. Soon he began to go to the synagogues where Jewish people gathered to pray and study God’s Word. There he told people, “Jesus REALLY IS the Son of God!” All the people who heard Saul were amazed. They said, “This is the same man who was in Jerusalem trying to destroy the people who trust in Jesus!” But Saul was not that man anymore. Jesus had changed Saul’s heart and his whole life.

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Talk about it

1. Why was Ananias afraid to do what the Lord Jesus asked him to do? 2. How did Saul’s life change after Jesus spoke to him? 3. What do you think Jesus wants you to change in your heart and life?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Jesus changed Saul’s heart and life. Thank you that Saul told many people that Jesus is your Son. Please help me be bold to tell people about Jesus too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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The Good News comes to Antioch Acts 11:19–26

How many people do you know who came from other countries? Hear what happened in the city of Antioch, where people from many different countries lived. Antioch was a very big and busy city. Many different kinds of people filled its streets and marketplaces. They came from many different countries and spoke many different languages. They looked and dressed very differently from each other and ate different foods. Jewish followers of Jesus were also coming to Antioch at this time. Some of them started churches in their homes. They told the Good News to many of the non-Jewish people living in the city. Many of them happily accepted the Good News about Jesus. The house churches were soon filled with all kinds of different people! The followers were obeying Jesus’ command to tell people about him “in every part of the world.” But the Lord Jesus was bringing “the world” to Antioch! What a great city to live in! When have you been part of something new and exciting? News about the growing churches in Antioch spread quickly. The believers in Jerusalem heard about it. They couldn’t wait to learn more about what was happening in Antioch! So they sent Barnabas to visit them. Barnabas was a good man and a respected teacher. He was full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith. Barnabas was THRILLED when he saw how God had blessed the believers in Antioch! He told everyone to give themselves completely to the Lord and to always be faithful. Many more people became followers of Jesus. Barnabas was so excited that he went to find Saul (non-Jews called him Paul). Both men went back to Antioch and stayed for a whole year. During that time they met with all the house churches to teach the new believers about Jesus. It was here that Jesus’ followers were called “Christians” for the first time.

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Talk about it

1. What kind of a city was Antioch? 2. Why were the believers in Jerusalem so happy about the churches in Antioch? 3. Do you have friends who are different from you? How are they different?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for loving all kinds of people. And thank you that you make them part of your family. Please help me to love and respect people who are different from me! In Jesus’ name, amen.

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John Mark tries again Acts 12:25–13:13; 15:36–41

When have you quit something because it was too hard? A man named John Mark once quit on his two friends. See how he grew stronger and tried again. The Holy Spirit spoke to some church leaders in Antioch while they were praying and fasting. He said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for me.” (Saul was also called Paul.) So the two men left on a long journey to teach God’s message in places where non-Jewish people lived. John Mark (also called Mark) went along to help them. But the work was harder than Mark imagined. The group travelled far away and faced many dangers. Many people were against their message. Then Mark quit and went back to Jerusalem. It was all too hard for him. Later on, his decision to quit caused a BIG argument between Paul and Barnabas. About a year later, Paul was preparing to go on another trip. Barnabas wanted to take Mark again. But Paul didn’t want him to go. Paul and Barnabas had a BIG argument about it! It was so bad that they split up and went different ways. Barnabas took Mark with him. Paul chose a man named Silas to go with him. It is sad when good friends go their separate ways. But it was also good! Why do you think it was good that they decided to split up? Now there were TWO teams going out to tell people about Jesus! Yes, it is sad when friends disagree and argue. It is even sadder when friends split up because one or both are angry. Yet there is always hope that they will get back together again. When they do, this makes God happy! And that is what happened to Paul and Mark. Mark tried again by going on the trip with Barnabas. Mark must have done well because Paul later asked him to travel with him again. Mark became a trusted helper to Barnabas, Paul, and later to other followers of Jesus. He even went on to write one of the four Gospels (the Gospel of Mark). Mark did not let his earlier failure stop him from trying again and again.

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Talk about it

1. What did Mark do that made Paul angry? 2. What did Mark do that made Paul want to travel with him again? 3. What is something that you should try again and try to do better?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that Mark tried again after he quit something hard. Thank you that his friends gave him another chance. Please help me to keep on trying again when something is hard for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Paul and Silas in Jail Acts 16:16–40

When have you been in trouble for helping someone? See what happened to Paul and Silas when they were thrown in jail for helping a young girl. A man named Silas was traveling with Paul to teach people about Jesus. One day a servant girl started following them. She had an evil spirit in her that gave her the power to tell the future. She kept shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God! They are telling you how you can be saved!” After many days this bothered Paul, so finally he turned and said to the evil spirit, “By the power of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” Immediately the spirit came out of the girl. The men who owned the servant girl did not like what Paul did. People paid them money for the girl to tell their futures. Without the evil spirit in her, the girl could no longer make money for them. So they GRABBED Paul and Silas and DRAGGED them to the public square! A big crowd turned against them! The Roman officials TORE off their clothes, ordered them to be BEATEN with sticks, and THROWN in jail! They told the jailer, “Guard them very carefully!” What do you think Paul and Silas did when they were in jail? About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs of praise to God! The other prisoners listened. Suddenly, a strong earthquake shook the whole jail so hard that the doors opened. And the chains on all the prisoners fell off! The jailer woke up thinking that the prisoners had escaped! He was scared that the officials would kill him, so he took out his sword to kill himself. Paul shouted, “Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here!” Then the jailer ran inside and, shaking with fear, dropped down in front of Paul and Silas. He begged them, “Men, what must I do to be saved?” They told him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and all who live in your house.” Paul and Silas told the jailer and everyone in his house about Jesus. Then they were all baptized.

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Talk about it

1. What happened when Paul and Silas began to sing praises to God? 2. What did Paul and Silas tell the jailer about how he could be saved? 3. What would you tell someone so that they can be saved?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for setting Paul and Silas free from jail. Thank you that they told the jailer how to be saved. Please help me to tell people how Jesus can save them too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Paul is shipwrecked Acts 27

How well can you swim? Paul and the others with him might have asked this same question during a big storm on the sea. Let’s see what happened! The apostle Paul was a true adventurer. During his long ministry he made three long journeys from Antioch. He traveled to many places to tell people the Good News about Jesus. Paul was now a prisoner on a ship sailing to Rome. Paul had been arrested when some Jews saw him in the Temple area and started a riot. They claimed he was speaking against the law of Moses and their traditions. God had shown him through a prophet that he would go to Rome to tell people about the gospel. So Paul asked for Caesar, the Roman king, to hear his case. Now he was on his way. A Roman officer and some soldiers were on the ship guarding Paul and other prisoners. They sailed for many weeks. Then a strong wind pushed the ship in the wrong direction. To keep the ship from sinking, the men threw some heavy things off the ship! But it didn’t help. They all thought they were going to DIE! Suddenly Paul stood up! He told the men, “Last night an angel came to me from God, the God I worship and belong to. The angel said not to be afraid. God has promised to save everyone on the ship! So men, there is nothing to worry about. I trust God. But we WILL crash on an island.” How do you think the men felt about what Paul said? The sailors thought they were closer to land, but the storm was still raging! They were afraid that they would hit the rocks, so they threw four anchors into the water. Later they cut the ropes to the anchors, raised the front sail into the wind, and sailed toward the beach. But the ship SLAMMED into a sandbank! The front of the ship STUCK there and couldn’t move! Then the waves began to smash the back of the ship to PIECES! It was terrifying! The soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners to stop them from escaping. But Julius the army officer wanted to let Paul live. He told everyone to jump in the water and swim to land. Others floated on pieces of the ship. EVERYONE made it safely to land, just as the angel said.

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Talk about it

1. Why was Paul on the ship sailing to Rome? 2. How did Paul know that no one would die in the shipwreck? 3. What is one promise of God that you believe?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for saving Paul and all the other men from the shipwreck. Thank you that Paul trusted what your angel told him. Help me to trust what you tell me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Paul on the island of Malta Acts 28

Do you know anyone who has been bitten by a snake? What happened? You’ll be surprised to learn what happened to Paul when a poisonous snake bit him. Paul’s ship had just crashed on an island. When everyone was safe on land, they learned that the island was called Malta. It was raining and very cold, so the people who lived there built a fire and welcomed all the survivors from the ship.  As Paul placed a pile of sticks on the fire, a poisonous snake came out of the pile and bit him on the hand! When the people living on the island saw the snake hanging from Paul’s hand, they said, “He must be a murderer!” But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and was not hurt. The people were sure that he would swell up or fall down dead. They waited and watched him for a long time, but nothing bad happened to him. They changed their minds and said, “He is a god!” After that, the father of a Roman official there was very sick. Paul went to him and prayed for him. Then he laid his hands on the man and HEALED him! Then ALL the other sick people on the island came to Paul. He healed them too! The people on the island were very thankful. They honored Paul and the group in many ways. After three months the group was able to leave on another ship going to Rome. The island people told them good-bye and gave Paul’s group everything they needed to finish their journey. What kinds of things do you think the group needed to finish their journey? Paul stayed in Rome for two full years. He was able to stay in his own house, but he was still in chains because he was a prisoner of Rome. Many people came to visit him, and he welcomed every one of them. While he was a prisoner, Paul used his time to tell people about God’s kingdom. Paul used the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets to help the people believe in Jesus. Paul taught very boldly, and no one tried to stop him from speaking.

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Talk about it

1. Why did the people on the island think that Paul was a god? 2. What did Paul do when he finally got to Rome? 3. What do you say when you talk to people about Jesus?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you for saving Paul from the snake. And thank you that he got to Rome just like you said he would. Help me to speak boldly about Jesus like Paul did. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Jesus is coming again! Revelation 1; 7:9–10; 20–22

Have you ever had a dream about what might happen in the future? When the apostle John was alone on an island, God gave him visions about the future. Nearly 60 years after Jesus died, a prophet and follower of Jesus named John was a prisoner on an island called Patmos. He was very old. At that time, many people still hated the followers of Jesus. This made John and all the believers very sad and afraid. So Jesus sent an angel to John. The angel told John some wonderful news for all believers! The angel said that Jesus will defeat Satan and all the forces of evil in a great battle. The angel also said Jesus would come back one day! It could be today, tomorrow, or many years from now. But God is going to make the world right! The angel showed John everything that is to come in visions. The visions were like dreams with many strange pictures and creatures. What is the strangest dream you have ever had? The visions that the angel gave John showed what will happen when Jesus comes back again. John wrote down what he saw and heard to give hope to all believers everywhere. John tells the story of Jesus’ return in Revelation, the last book of the Bible. A revelation is something hidden, like a secret, that gets uncovered. The angel said that when Jesus comes back again, he will make everything new. He will begin a new kingdom that will last forever. He will rule his new kingdom from his throne that is beside God’s throne. He will separate the good from the bad. All his followers will rule the earth with him. Believers from every tribe and nation on earth will worship him together. God will be with his people. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. What a wonderful day that will be! And Jesus is the one who says that all of this is true! He says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” This is why everyone who loves the Lord can say, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

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Talk about it

1. How did Jesus send his messages to John? 2. What will happen when Jesus comes back? 3. What do you look forward to the most when Jesus comes again?

Pray about it

Dear God, thank you that you will make the world right when Jesus comes again. When I am sad, please help me to remember everything that Jesus will do. In Jesus’ name, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”

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