QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU DIG DEEPER INTO THE MAIN MESSAGE FOR YOUR FAMILY DEVOTIONS OR SMALL GROUPS:
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Name 5 things that you are thankful to the Lord for. Why do you think ‘being thankful’ is the Lord’s will for us?
Joel 2:12-13 states, “Even now — this is the Lord’s declaration — turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster.” Name some of the things the Lord is declaring for His people to do in this verse. What would these look like practically? What did it mean when God said, “Tear your hearts, not just your clothes”?
Read Deuteronomy 25:18. What was the consequence of lagging behind, and how does this relate to those who try to go-it-alone in their Christian walk today?
The word for ‘give thanks’ in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is the Greek word, ‘eucahristeo’, and one of its meanings is ‘an expression of joy Godward’. Pastor Michael stated that giving thanks is not only saying, ‘thank You, Lord’… it is also an expression of joy Godward… it is REJOICING! How is this possible in times of chaos, turmoil or disaster? What other Scriptures come to mind concerning this?
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Family Discussion Questions for “JESUS CALLED HIS DISCIPLES”
Have a volunteer read Matthew 4:19-20.
- Why do you think Jesus picked fishermen and tax collectors to be His disciples instead of kings or religious leaders? Invite kids to share their ideas. Share that the Bible says God uses people who have nothing to offer to show His power and strength through them. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 Cor. 1:26-31.)
- What does it mean to follow Jesus? Prompt kids to recognize that following Jesus means trusting Him, obeying Him, and telling others about Him. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read Matt. 16:24.)
- What do you think might keep someone from following Jesus? Help kids understand that everyone follows something, and we follow what we value the most. Some people live for family and friends, for themselves, for popularity, or for money. The Bible says we must follow Jesus and nothing else. We can pray that God will soften the hearts of those who do not follow Jesus so that they would come to know and love Him. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 Cor. 1:18.)
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY PAGES:
Circle the Differences Activity
