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SUNDAY MAY 10THELEMENTARY
Bible Passage: Hebrews 12-13
Memory Verse: Hebrews 13:20-21
Bible Truth:
We should focus on following Jesus.
This is a picture of Nero. Nero was a Roman Emperor who was not known for his kindness towards Christians. The Book of Hebrews was most likely written while Nero was in power, and the author of Hebrews wanted to encourage Christians. People who followed Jesus were being treated cruelly and harshly simply because of their faith, so this letter was written to encourage them to keep growing in their faith.
| Lesson Introduction:
We’ve talked before about what it means to trust God and have faith in Him. However, trusting God is not always easy. We like to understand things and do things our own way. There will always be distractions and obstacles to overcome when we try to live for God. That is why Hebrews 12–13 are so helpful. These chapters challenge us to carry on. They give us encouragement to focus on what is most important. It makes sense that Jesus is our priority. After all, He is our Savior. Worshiping Him is our only response.
Watch Joel’s video, and then continue below!
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Discuss these questions together as a family:
Who did Joel visit today?
Who also worked out with Joel?
Why do we want to be healthy? (So we can do all the things God wants us to do.)
How can we be healthy in our faith?
Read Hebrews 12:1-3 together as a family. If you have younger children who are struggling to pay attention or understand, try telling the Bible story in your own words or use the Bible Story Picture below.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus! When the writer talks about us running a race, he does not mean a 5k or a fun run. He means that life is like a race that we have to keep running, and when we keep our eyes, our focus, and our thoughts on Jesus, we won’t become so tired in the race. Ask your child to give an example of a time when someone might become really tired in life? Not just tired like they need a nap, but a time when things in his life might be really hard. (a lot of school work, arguments at home, losing a loved one, kids in class being mean) When it’s hard to keep running the race, we should focus on following Jesus. That doesn’t mean that we have to ignore our problems, though. If someone in school is being mean to you, talk to an adult about it. If something or someone is hurting you, find someone you trust and tell them. If you are sad about something, you can talk to someone about it. The writer of Hebrews also said that God will always be with you and take care of you! And that should definitely be encouraging to us!
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Use these questions for more Bible study together as a family!
- What should we do with anything that keeps us from following Jesus completely? (Put it aside, Hebrews 12:1)
- How do we keep “running the race” of life every day? (We keep our eyes on Jesus, Hebrews 12:1-2)
- How do we not grow tired while we follow Jesus? (Remember what Jesus did for us, Hebrews 12:3)
- What are two things the write of Hebrews says we should pursue? (Peace and holiness, Hebrews 12:14)
- When is Jesus the same? (Yesterday, today, and forever; Hebrews 13:8)
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PRE-KUse the bible story picture to engage your child as you tell them the story about things to know and do
Focus in on these Bible Story Nuggets as you are telling the story:
God helps people know what to do.
Be kind. Show love.
Do what is good.
BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS
- To help your child connect the Bible story: Say-“Let’s pretend we are doing some things that please God.” Read the bulleted list of ways to be like Jesus. (See Bible story.) Pause after each statement and guide children to pretend they are doing that action.
- Ask your child what are some ways they can please God and be like Jesus.
- Lead your child in prayer. Ask God to help you know how to live like Jesus.
