5/19: The Gospel Project, God wants us to know Him
Session 1: Jesus appeared to the disciples
Session 1: Jesus appeared to the disciples
Step 1: Read the Scripture
Read all or parts of Luke 24:36-49
Step 2: Read a devotional
If you’re ever in Ozark, Missouri, you should check out Smallin Cave. For a small fee, you can explore the miles of dark tunnels and wade in the pools of frigid water. The cave’s darkness would scare the world’s bravest man. The only light in the pitch black is the very dim, battery operated lamp attached to your helmet. Sounds fun, right?
The tour of Smallin Cave is a frightening experience, yet people continue to sign up. Why? Because they know they are not alone in the dark; they have an experienced guide to help them through the cave.
After Jesus was crucified, His disciples were afraid and confused. Some had heard Jesus was alive but doubted, and then Jesus appeared. In the middle of this frightening experience, Jesus came to them with a message of hope and peace! He showed them the wounds on His hands and His feet. He ate with them. He taught them. Their faith was strengthened by Jesus’ presence. In return, they couldn’t wait to share the message that Jesus is alive!
For 40 days, Jesus presented Himself to at least 500 people and proved that He is alive. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Jesus is still alive today. He sends out believers to tell others about Him.
The tour of Smallin Cave is a frightening experience, yet people continue to sign up. Why? Because they know they are not alone in the dark; they have an experienced guide to help them through the cave.
After Jesus was crucified, His disciples were afraid and confused. Some had heard Jesus was alive but doubted, and then Jesus appeared. In the middle of this frightening experience, Jesus came to them with a message of hope and peace! He showed them the wounds on His hands and His feet. He ate with them. He taught them. Their faith was strengthened by Jesus’ presence. In return, they couldn’t wait to share the message that Jesus is alive!
For 40 days, Jesus presented Himself to at least 500 people and proved that He is alive. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Jesus is still alive today. He sends out believers to tell others about Him.
Step 3: Reflect and respond
FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS
PRAY
Jesus, we worship You because You are alive! When we have doubts, please remind us that You are with us. Help us tell others the good news that You are alive!
- What can we do to remind ourselves that Jesus is with us? How does this knowledge help us face challenges? Ask Jesus to remind you of His presence as you go throughout the day.
- What are some of the doubts that you need faith to overcome? How can we encourage others who may have doubts about Jesus? Ask God to increase your faith in Jesus and your courage to share Him with others.
PRAY
Jesus, we worship You because You are alive! When we have doubts, please remind us that You are with us. Help us tell others the good news that You are alive!
Step 4: Review from class
BIG PICTURE QUESTION
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Preschool: How do we know God wants us to know Him? We know God wants us to know Him because He shows Himself through the Bible.
- Elementary: How do we know that God wants us to know Him? We can know that God wants us to know Him because He has revealed Himself through His Word.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to our unit emphasis. Encourage your kids to memorize the verse.
UPPER ELEMENTARY:
**Next Week: Jesus appeared to Thomas
This is a Bible verse that relates to our unit emphasis. Encourage your kids to memorize the verse.
- Preschool: People who know the only true God and Jesus will live forever. John 17:3
- Early Elementary: And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3
UPPER ELEMENTARY:
- Lesson: Haggai overview by the Bible Project and Haggai 2:1-9
- Tools for Bible learners: Prophecy Perspectives.
- Sometimes Old Testament prophecies have layers of meaning and fulfillment, with a near fulfillment that foreshadows a greater fulfillment in Christ's coming or in the restored New Heavens and New Earth. See Haggai 2:6-9 and then read Ezra 6:5 and Hebrews 11:26-28. Together as a family, can you trace how God keeps other prophecies or promises throughout the story arc of the Bible?
**Next Week: Jesus appeared to Thomas