This week was our second week in our seven week study in the book of Jonah and it also began our Jonah sermon series in our gathering. Since parents and kids are learning from the same story this is a perfect time to engage your kids with discussion about what God is teaching you through the story of Jonah.
Read the story of Jonah from The Gospel Story Bible or The Jesus Storybook Bible (kindle version). With older kids you might find it appropriate to open your bible and read through the book of Jonah throughout the week.
This week's lesson focused on God's heart for the lost city. This is the exchange between God and Jonah:
God had a job for Jonah. But Jonah didn't want it.
"Go to Nineveh," God said, "and tell your worst enemies that I love them."
"NO!" said Jonah. "Those are bad people doing bad things!"
"Exactly," said God. "They have run far away from me. But I can't stop loving them. I will give them a new start. I will forgive them."
"NO!" said Jonah. "They don't deserve it!”
We talked about how Nineveh was such and awful place because of sin. Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes (not what God says is right) and it caused a lot of problems; mean people, bullies, thieves, and people that were downright "bad". The reason that people were like that was the product of them forgetting how much God loves them. We also learned that we aren't much different from the people of Nineveh. Sin has made us "bad" (unrighteous) people and we need to be saved by God's love just as much of the people of Nineveh. The Gospel is that God sent Jesus to save us from the problems of our sin while we didn't deserve it and he show us how awesome it is to be loved by God.
Use the following questions to engage your kids in discussion.
Why was Nineveh such a bad place? People were mean, rude, thieves, and bullies.
What is it called when we do "bad" things? It is called sin.
How does God feel about the people of Nineveh? He loves them!
Does God love people even when they sin? Yes! His love is unconditional and we cannot earn it or lose it.
How can we tell others about God's love?
For catechism, scripture memory verses and more questions click here for this week's Family Worship Guide.
Comments
Login/Register to leave a comment