MEASURE UP - Week 1
God guides us to safety!
“When I’m older!” “When I’m taller!” Every kid is excited to grow up — even if it’s just to finally ride that big kid roller coaster they’ve had their eye on. This four-week series is about another kid who grew up — Jesus! Through stories from Jesus’ early life and ministry, our kids will learn five important truths to help them continue growing: God guides us to safety, we can love God with our actions, we can follow Jesus, and God makes us ready at the right time.
READ: The Escape to Egypt: Matthew 2:13–23; Isaiah 63:7–9
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: I Believe in Jesus
COLORING: Escape to Egypt
DISCIPLE: Have your kids write or tell you a time that someone did something to keep them safe. Have the kids tell you how they felt when that moment happened. Here are some helpful examples:
When your parents keep an eye on you when you're swimming
When your uncle fixes your bike and gives you a helmet to wear
When your grandma reminds you to put on your seatbelt
When your coach reminds you to drink water
How did you feel when that moment happened?
Did you feel loved, warm, or safe? Did you feel comforted?
How does it feel to be important to someone else? Just like you felt cared for when someone did something to keep you safe, you can experience the love and kindness of God because God is always caring for you. God does good things for us for our good . . . like sending us Jesus! Even if we haven't always felt safe, we are safe because God is always with us. God guides us to safety.
Read Matthew 2:13–23 to your family. God sent an angel to keep Jesus and his family safe when they didn't even know they were in danger! In the same way, God watches over us and can guide us to safety and protection when we're scared, in danger, or confused.
Pray: Dear God, you are my guide and my protector. You led Jesus and his parents to safety in Egypt, keeping them from harm until the time was right. Thank you for watching over me, guiding me to safety, and putting people in my life who do that for me, too. Amen.
DISCUSS:
How did Joseph know where his family was supposed to go?
Why did Jesus need to escape with his family?
When did Jesus and his family know it was safe to return to Israel?
Read Isaiah 63:7. What words does the author use to describe God?
Can you think of a time when you felt safe?
When might be a time that you would need to remember that God is with you?
Who are the people in your life who keep you safe?