John 10:9–10
Imagine a house without a door! We would have no way to get inside. When Jesus said that he is the door, it was a proverbial way of saying that through him we have access to the kingdom of God. The emphasis of this lesson is that Jesus keeps us safe, and that through him we have eternal life. Continue reading I am: The Door
Luke 17.11-19
In this story ten lepers were healed by Jesus, but only one comes back to express his gratitude. The emphasis of this story is not merely on gratitude as a virtue. Jesus gives us many good gifts, but God’s intention is that, as we encounter his loving kindness, it would ultimately bring us back to him so that we can totally be made whole.
Matt. 17:24–27
The leaders of Jerusalem required a temple tax from the people. Jesus knew however that he wasn’t obligated to pay God to be his father. He accepted that as a gift. We learn that we do not need to pay to be God’s children! If God provides his love as a free gift, we can trust him to also provide in other areas in our lives.
Luke 5.27–32
Jesus called Matthew to follow him and he responded by leaving his job as a tax collector and becoming Jesus’ disciple! Later Matthew hosted a feast at his house and he invited other tax collectors and sinners to eat with Jesus. It was his way of celebrating that Jesus was happy to be friends with them, even though none of them were perfect.
Isaiah says that the coming Messiah would be the Prince of Peace! God gave his son as a peace offering. God gave us his son as a gift that we should receive by faith. Wherever Jesus rules, he brings perfect peace! Continue reading Prince of Peace
Isaiah describes the Messiah as Everlasting Father! A good father loves and provides for his family. Jesus came to show us our Heavenly Father so that we can be children of God and experience love that will never ever run out. There are a number of attributes associated with the description of the Messiah as a father, but for the sake of this lesson we will focus on love that lasts forever! Continue reading Everlasting Father
Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor! It means that we can know him personally and not just know about him, so we can trust him to listen to our problems and guide us in the right direction. We know that Jesus is listening because the Bible tells us to pray to him about things that worry us. Continue reading Wonderful Counselor
1 Kings 6–9
When Solomon became king over Israel God had him build a beautiful temple in Jerusalem. The temple was double the size of the Tabernacle that the Israelites built in the wilderness! When it was finished, God’s glory descended on it like a cloud and the whole of Israel celebrated and worshipped God. Continue reading Solomon Builds the Temple
2 Samuel 6
David became king of Israel after Saul died but he knew that God was really in charge. David was ruling from Jerusalem, so he decided that the Ark of God’s Presence should also be in Jerusalem. This story is about David’s mission to please and honor God by bringing the Ark to it’s rightful place in Jerusalem.
1 Samuel 24
Saul was jealous of David and hated him, even though David had never done anything against Saul. When Saul came after David to try to kill him, David could have taken revenge. Instead David chose to trust God to deal with Saul, and he showed him forgiveness and honor!
