Conversation Starters: Our Banner
Posted by Karah
CONNECTION POINT: Through Jesus’ death and sacrifice we are covered by God’s protection.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: “We stand better when we stand together.” “There’s strength in numbers.” We generally agree with those statements, but sometimes life can feel so insurmountable that no amount of help and support makes a difference. Thankfully, God stands over the world, and He stands over every single issue we face. As the Israelites discovered, God is a banner over us, covering us with His protecting presence.
Concept: Our Banner
Preschool
Exodus 17:8-16
LIFE POINT: The disciples knew it was time for a special celebration called Passover. They asked Jesus, “Where do You want us to prepare the supper?” Jesus sent them into the city. He said, “Tell the man you will meet that I want to celebrate at his house.” Jesus’ disciples prepared for the special supper. During the supper, Jesus took some bread. He thanked God for it. Jesus tore the bread into pieces. He gave bread to each disciple. Jesus took a cup and thanked God for it. Jesus shared the cup with each disciple. Jesus told His disciples to remember the things He did and to remember this special supper. Jesus and the disciples sang a song before they left the special supper.
LIVE IT OUT: Use the tune “London Bridge” to sing the following words with your preschooler: Jesus said, “Remember Me, Remember Me, Remember Me.” Jesus said, “Remember Me.” I love Jesus.
Kids
Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
LIFE POINT: Paul wrote a letter to the believers in Corinth. He told the people in Corinth about Jesus’ last supper with the disciples. The disciples were together for the Passover feast. At this feast, the people ate lamb. They ate flat pieces of bread. This was the last time the disciples would eat together. The disciples had questions about what was to happen. During the feast, Jesus took some bread. He thanked God for the bread. He shared the bread with His disciples. Jesus said, “This is My body which is for you. Remember Me when you eat this.” Then Jesus picked up a cup. He said, “This cup is the new promise in My blood. When you drink this, do it to remember Me.” Jesus and the disciples sang. Later Jesus was arrested.
LIVE IT OUT: Explain to your child how the Lord’s Supper helps us remember that Jesus died for our sins. Ask your child to tell things she remembers from Bible stories about Jesus.
Students
THE POINT: We are always covered by God’s protection.
• What are some things we rely on for protection?
• When have you felt like you were under attack?
• How do you make sure you’re relying on God when the battle is long?
• What does God’s banner of protection look like in your life? Discuss the following quote:
“It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.”(1) —George Washington
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to take practical steps to take his or her faith and Live It Out. Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live out their faith with Christ personally, in community, and in their culture:
• CHRIST: How does your student see you living by faith and trusting in Jesus? Talk with your student about ways you can each grow in trusting Jesus more.
• COMMUNITY: Reach out to friends and neighbors that are experiencing difficult times and minister to them. Make sure they know God is their protector.
• CULTURE: Consider ways you and your student can share God’s goodness with those that do not know His love.
“Thanksgiving Proclamation, 3 October 1789,” National Archives [online], [accessed 27 August 2017]. Available from the Internet: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091.
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