Conversation Starters: Saved by God’s Son
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: It’s not always easy to determine the purpose of some things. Maybe you’ve even questioned your own purpose. One person who never questioned His purpose was Jesus. The gospels of John and Luke begin their account of Jesus’ life by making sure their readers had a clear understanding of Jesus’ purpose. Simply put, Jesus’ purpose was to rescue us.
Concept: Saved by God’s Son
Preschool
Luke 2:1-20
LIFE POINT: The king ordered all people to be counted. Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted. While in Bethlehem, the couple had to stay in a place with animals. Mary had Baby Jesus. She wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger (feeding box for animals). In the fields, shepherds watched their sheep. An angel appeared. The shepherds were afraid. The angel told the
shepherds to not be afraid. The angel told the shepherds about the baby. More angels appeared and praised God. The shepherds left for Bethlehem and found the baby, just as the angels said. When the shepherds left, they told everyone about the baby. The shepherds returned to the fields, praising God for what they had seen and heard.
LIVE IT OUT: Use time driving in the car or waiting in line to sing simple Christmas songs. Enjoy the tunes and words that make the Christmas season special. Tell your child that God sent Jesus because He loves us.
Kids
Luke 2:1-20
LIFE POINT: The king ordered that all the people be counted in the home town of their families. Joseph was from the family of David. He and Mary traveled to Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph discovered that there was no place for them to stay. Mary gave birth to Baby Jesus. She wrapped Him in soft cloths. She laid the baby in a manger. Nearby shepherds watched over the sheep. An angel appeared and told the shepherds about the baby. More angels appeared and praised God. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem. They found Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus, just as the angel said. The shepherds left, telling everyone they saw about the baby.
LIVE IT OUT: Help your child memorize Isaiah 9:6. Focus on the names of Jesus used in this prophecy. Talk about how your child thinks these names apply to Jesus.
Students
John 1:1-5, 9-14
THE POINT: Jesus came to earth to rescue us. What’s your favorite movie about a rescue mission? Why What’s the difference between following Jesus and believing in God? Discuss the following quote:
“Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”1 —John Newton
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Rescued:
• Discuss with your student the relief that comes with being rescued.
• Talk about different times that he or she has felt rescued. Then, discuss how he or she has been rescued by God.
If he or she plans to do Rescue Plan:
• Guide him or her to walk you through a “rescue plan” of sharing with their friends and peers who need to be rescued by Jesus.
• Encourage and pray for your student while he or she is trying to show Jesus’ love to friends and peers.
1. “John Newton > Quotes,” Goodreads [online], [accessed 11 June 2015]. Available from the Internet: www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/60149.John_Newton
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