Conversation Starters: Jesus Transforms
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Our world is full of many “brands” of Christianity, because individuals and groups pick and choose the parts of the Bible they want to follow or interpret in their own way. Biblical Christianity, though, is just that—biblical—and calls us to obey the whole of Scripture. Jesus calls us to a higher standard, a standard not grounded in ourselves, but grounded in His loving commands meant to transform us from the inside out.
Concept: Jesus Transforms
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 she could give to Jesus.
Students
Mark 7:5-15
THE POINT: Jesus calls us to a higher standard.
• What are a couple of your favorite family Christmas traditions?
• What are some factors that cause Christians today to neglect God’s commands?
• What might tempt people to twist God’s commands?
• How can we make sure our hearts are truly pure as opposed to only appearing to be pure? Discuss the following quote:
“You cannot make men good by law.”(1)—C. S. Lewis
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 you can each grow by showing a greater love for others this Christmas. Think beyond just actions and consider your heart, mind, and soul too.
• COMMUNITY: Loving God also means loving other people. Pray with your student for sincere hearts that love Jesus by serving others. Consider ways you can express his love to those in need this winter.
• CULTURE: God looks at our hearts. Discuss with your student ways that you can show lost people that pleasing God is a matter of the heart.
(1) C. S. Lewis, “C.S. Lewis Quote-Make Men Good,” Christian Quotes [online], [accessed 23 May 2017]. Available from the Internet: https://www.christianquotes.info/images/c-s-lewis-quote-makemengood/#axzz4iaobHv5i.
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