2018-2021 Cycle
“Jesus the Messiah”: Weekly Leader Training—Unit 20, Session 1: “Jesus is Baptized”
Matthew 3:13-17 says, Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?” Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Preschool & Kids Leader Training for Unit 20, Session 1—Jesus’ Baptism
When I was a kid, I loved to watch war movies. But one part of those movies that I didn’t enjoy was what I considered to be the painfully slow build-up to the action. As a kid, I didn’t care about the context; I just wanted the action. Now, I see why the context is …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Weekly Leader Training—Unit 19, Session 5: “Jesus at the Temple”
We all need reminders of who God is and what His purposes are. The mother of Jesus wasn’t any different. When Mary found Jesus in the temple after searching days for Him, she stated, “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Note that Mary spoke to Jesus as a child and referenced …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Preschool & Kids Leader Training for Unit 19, Session 5—Jesus as a Child
One of the big take-aways from this week’s session is that even as a child, Jesus wanted to honor the Father. Jesus was drawn to the temple—His Father’s house—and He apparently delighted in engaging with the religious leaders in talking about God. As a quick note, Jesus was not being disobedient in this encounter. That …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Weekly Leader Training—Unit 19, Session 4: “Jesus is Dedicated”
One may find it odd that Luke includes a mention of Jesus’ circumcision in the narrative of His childhood, even if in passing. However, modern readers must understand that during the Old Testament period, it was customary for males among God’s people to be circumcised on the eighth day according to the law as a …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Preschool & Kids Leader Training for Unit 19, Session 4—Jesus Was Dedicated
One important truth about the Messiah, a truth that many in Israel missed, was that He would be provided for all humanity. Jesus did not come to be the Savior just for Israel, or just for the religious, or just for males, or just for the wealthy. He came to be the Savior of all …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Weekly Leader Training—Unit 19, Session 3: “Jesus, the Deliverer, is Born”
As the next generation gets older and our society drifts faster and faster away from any semblance of biblical morality, we can’t help but worry. The thought of what our kids will face when they step out into this world is understandably paralyzing to some parents. But in Luke 2:1-7, we see names of rulers …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Preschool & Kids Leader Training for Unit 19, Session 3—Jesus Was Born
The universe J.R.R. Tolkien created for The Lord of the Rings is amazing, full of mighty and majestic humans, elves, dwarves, and other creatures. Consider who is part of the Fellowship of the Ring: Gandolf, a powerful wizard. Aragorn, the king of the men Boromir, a fierce warrior Gimli, a brave dwarf Legolas, a skilled …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Weekly Leader Training—Unit 19, Session 2: “John, the Herald, is Born”
In Luke 1:57-66, we read: Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she had a son. Then her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her his great mercy, and they rejoiced with her. When they came to circumcise the child on the eighth day, they were going to name him Zechariah, …
Continue Reading“Jesus the Messiah”: Preschool & Kids Leader Training for Unit 19, Session 2—John Was Born
Think of the barren women we encounter in Scripture. Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel in Genesis, Hannah in 1 Samuel, and here, in Luke 1, Elizabeth to name a few. Have you ever wondered why God chose to use so many barren women in the story of Scripture? He did so because He wanted to make …
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