Glow in the dark - Week 5
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: Jesus died and rose again!
BIBLE: John 20:1–18; 1 John 1:1–2:2
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:
Read 1 John 1:1–2:2- Then turn out the lights and have your family sit in a half-circle around a lantern or a flashlight facing up.
Say; Sin is everywhere, just like darkness is everywhere. Anytime we go to a place without light, we are in darkness. Anytime we make choices without God, we are in sin. Sin is choices that hurt us or others, or actions that harm our relationship with God or others.
This passage tells us that when we sin, we walk away from God and instead walk with darkness. (Instruct your family to take one step at a time away from the light.)
Pray: God, thank you so much for always being close to us. Even when we feel far away from you, you are always near. Your love is never-ending and the light we need in dark times. Help us to keep walking in the light of Jesus. We celebrate that Jesus is alive today! Amen.
DISCUSS:
What do you think Mary, Peter, and John expected to see at the tomb? They expected to see Jesus' body laid inside the tomb.
What did they see instead? They saw an empty tomb, the stone rolled away, and strips of linen lying there.
When did Mary realize that Jesus was alive again? After she saw Jesus in person, she realized he was alive.
Read 1 John 1:7. What do you think it means to walk in the light? It means to obey and follow God and to turn to God for forgiveness when we sin.
What is something you can do to remind yourself to keep walking in the light rather than giving in to sin?
Try telling the Easter story of Jesus in your own words.
Who can you share this story with to spread the light of Jesus?