Conversation Starters: Jesus Cares
Posted by Karah
CONNECTION POINT: The worship of God brings healing to the wounded.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: When we experience pain or hurt, we turn to doctors and pharmacists. After all, they have remedies for much of what ails us. But we all experience pain and hurt—physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual—that are beyond the scope of science. We need Jesus. In all things, we are to come to Jesus, because He brings healing we can’t imagine. We can trust Jesus to take care of us.
Conversation Starters: Jesus Cares
Preschool
Matthew 2:1-12
LIFE POINT: Wise men watched the stars. They saw a new star shining brightly. This new star meant that God’s Son had been born. They wanted to see the special child and give Him gifts. The wise men followed the star to Jerusalem. They asked about the special baby. King Herod was not happy to hear about Jesus. The prophets wrote a long time ago that a special baby would be born in Bethlehem. King Herod told the wise men to go to Bethlehem. He told them to tell him where they found the baby, because he wanted to see Jesus, too. The wise men followed the star to the house where Jesus and His family lived. They bowed down and thanked God for sending Jesus. The wise men gave Jesus gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The wise men returned home a different way.
LIVE IT OUT: Remind your preschooler that the wise men knew that Jesus was a special child. With your child, talk about what makes Jesus special. Say the Bible Verse: “Thank You, God, for Jesus. Luke 2:38.”
Kids
Matthew 2:1-12
LIFE POINT: After Jesus was born, wise men came to Jerusalem. They asked,
“Where is the new King of the Jews? We saw His star. We want to worship Him.” King Herod called the priests and asked them where the Messiah would be born. The priests reported that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. King Herod sent the wise men to Bethlehem. He said, “When you find the child, tell me. I want to worship Him.” The wise men followed the star until it stopped over the house where the child was. They were filled with joy! The wise men went in the house. They saw Mary and Jesus. They dropped to their knees in worship. Then the wise men gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Later, the wise men took a different way back to their country.
LIVE IT OUT: Does your family worship Jesus at home? The wise men worshiped Jesus by bowing down to Him and presenting Him gifts. Discuss with your child what gifts they could give to Jesus.
Students
Mark 5:22-24, 35-43
THE POINT: Jesus brings healing to our lives.
• What are some home remedies you rely on when you’re sick?
• What are some alternatives we typically pursue before turning to Jesus with our needs?
• How can we express trust in God even when problems get worse instead of better?
• What situation in your life is requiring you to trust in God and wait on His timing? Discuss the following quote:
“Health is a good thing; but sickness is far better, if it leads us to God.”(1)
—J. C. Ryle
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: Discuss with your student ways that he or she can cultivate a closer relationship with Jesus. How is he or she demonstrating trust in Him?
• COMMUNITY: Meet with a student leader in your church to discover how your student can become more involved and ways he or she can meet the needs of others.
• CULTURE: Following Jesus takes courage and for our students standing against a worldly culture may come with costs. Pray with your student for the strength to stand in the face of criticism and doubts.
(1)“20 Quotes About Illness,” Christian Quotes [online], [accessed 23 May 2017]. Available from the Internet: https://www.christianquotes.info/quotes-by-topic/quotes-about-illness/#axzz4iaLtd8kc.
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