Glow in the dark - Week 4
In the dark, a world of neon colors comes to life. Whether it’s the soft green of glow-in-the-dark stars or the bright colors of bioluminescent creatures, light can break through the darkness. When the world needed some light, God sent Jesus because he glows in the dark, and he can teach us how to shine with God’s light, too! In this five-week series through the Gospels, we’ll follow Jesus’ life leading up to Easter to see some of the ways he can shine bright in our lives. As we explore, we’ll see Jesus is the light in the darkness. We’ll also learn how we can choose Jesus and know God hears our cries while celebrating how Jesus died and rose again!
BIG IDEA: God hears our cries.
BIBLE: Luke 23:32–49; Psalm 31:9–16
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "The Lord is my light and salvation- whom shall I fear?" Psalm 27:1a (NIV)
Toddler Twist: "God is with me- I am not scared." Psalm 27:1
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, and Light of the World
DISCIPLE:
Use your smart phone or computer to look up various emojis. Have your family match the emoji with the feelings below...
Angry?
Happy?
Scared?
Tired?
Excited?
Sad?
Doubt?
Pain?
God doesn't mind it when we show our emotions, every single one of them. God is always listening to us and wants us to share how we are feeling.
When are some times when you might feel these types of emotions?
We were created to have all kinds of emotions. God is with us all the time, when we are happy and when we're sad. And we can go to God with everything. God hears our laughter. God hears our screams. God hears our questions. God hears our yawns. And God hears our cries.
Pray: God, thank you for sending us Jesus, even though that meant letting your own son go through incomparable pain, suffering, and sadness. Because of this, we know you understand the tough things we experience, too. Thank you for hearing us when we cry out to you. Amen.
DISCUSS:
Who cried out to Jesus things like, "Save yourself if you're really the king?" Soldiers, rulers, people watching
Who cried out to Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom?" One of the criminals beside Jesus
Who cried out to God, "Into your hands I commit my spirit?" Jesus
Psalm 31:14–16. How can you tell the writer of this psalm knew God hears our cries? The verse says things like "I trust in you," "my times are in your hands," and "save me in your unfailing love."
When are times that you feel sad, worried, or any other big emotion?
What are some words you can use to cry out to God when you are feeling these things?
How do you think crying out to God can help when things are tough?