Based on the story of when Jesus Returns To Heaven -in Mark 16 or Luke 24.
This is partially a repost. Our church is meeting strictly online right now so the comments from our preschoolers are from a couple of years ago.Thinking back through the years of my life so far, I can think of a lot of amazing things such as the birth of each one of my kids and grandkids. Times when I’ve experienced the miraculous as I’ve seen people healed or answers to prayers in such ways that I absolutely knew that it was God’s doing and not anything I could have ever even hoped to do. I love seeing God answer a prayer in a way that completely baffles. This week, though, I want to share something amazing from the perspective of the preschoolers at my church.
Repost from a couple of years ago: This whole month at church, we have been talking about Jesus being with us all the time. He is alive. He didn’t stay in the tomb and because He is alive, He is always with us. The fact that Jesus is alive is incredibly amazing. I hope we are amazed year after year; day by day knowing that He loved us enough to die and that He conquered death to bring us life. Just think, no matter where you are or what you are doing or what kind of mood you are in, Jesus is with you!
Here’s some thoughts from my incredible preschoolers as we have talked about what Jesus did this whole month. When talking about Jesus rising from the dead, they said, “How did He do that anyway?” When talking about heaven, one child said “My dad’s friend is in heaven?” Another said, “If Jesus is in heaven, how can He be with us?” When talking about sharing good news, they said, “Jesus loves me.”, “Jesus is alive!” and “The best news is Jesus is alive.” Of course a few shared such good news as, “I learned to ride a big bike!” and “My owie is better.”
Preschoolers tend to live in the here and now. Owies and accomplishments are big things to them. When an owie gets better, that’s good news worth sharing. I think God likes to hear about those things too! When talking about who loves us, the kids said, “Jesus! Yes, Jesus! Jesus loves me and He loves other people too.” When talking about who is with us all the time they said, “Jesus is with me all the time.” I wish I could have written down everything they said. It was really fun getting their simple and yet somehow profound thoughts on these things. One thing I know, God does love preschoolers and they are getting it.
Back to the present: If we could get back to the basics of realizing that God loves us and is always with us no matter what we are going through – yes, even now through the social distancing, quarantined to our homes and away from our church family except of course, through online services, God is with us. If we knew with the certainty of a preschooler that God is always with us; if we simply trusted God with everything, now that would be truly amazing! Give your little ones a hug and thank God for teachable moments this week, then share some of those amazing moments with a friend – virtually of course, but do share. God loves you and He is amazing!
PARENT OR GRANDPARENT PRAYER:
God, I wonder what would happen if I tried less to fix things and more to leave things in your hands? What if I spent more time on my knees crying out to you on behalf of those who desperately need your touch and your grace? What if I simply shared your love with others by offering an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on and a hug – even if that’s virtual hug right now? What if instead of talking about how to fix things, I continued praying even when the situation looks hopeless? God, I know you can change children who are deeply angry and hurting. I know you can heal those whom the doctors have given up on and I know you can change hearts and attitudes and learning disabilities and relationships. I know you can provide for those without jobs and keep us safe in the midst of this Covid crises. Nothing is too hard for you. Why do I not spend more time in prayer over these things? Teach me Lord, to look to you, the God who is able to work miracles, the God who extends grace and redeems every situation that we bring to you. Lord, thank you for your amazing grace. Oh that your church might look to you as never before. Amen
PS – Take some time this week to list some of the things that are amazing about Jesus. Here’s my list:
* Jesus loves me. That’s something that I learned and sang about as a kid, but yet it never ceases to amaze me that Jesus love me, He loved me as a shy little girl, as a crazy teenager, when I feel alone, afraid or unloved or am having a pity party – guess what? Jesus still loves me.
- Jesus does the miraculous – yes still today, He does the miraculous. He has answered my prayers again and again.
- He heals, transforms, guides, is always with us.
- He is my friend forever and ever.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH YOUR CHILD THIS WEEK?
KNOW: I can tell others about Jesus.
TALK ABOUT: Share some good news with a friend.
ASK: Who wants to be your friend? Jesus
AND DO: I can tell others that Jesus is alive!
THEN SHARE A STORY:
Jesus’ friends were very happy. Jesus was alive and well! They knew He was alive because they had seen Him.
One day, Jesus’ friends went up on a mountain with Him. (Climb, climb, climb.) Jesus said, “I am going back to heaven now, but I will send my Spirit to be with you all the time. My Spirit will help you tell people about me all around the world.” (Show inflatable globe.) Jesus wanted everyone to know that He loved them and wanted to be their friend.
After Jesus talked to His friends, He lifted up His hands and rose right up into heaven. (Stand up and slowly raise hands.) Jesus’ friends were happy that Jesus was alive. They went everywhere telling people about their friend, Jesus. They said, “Jesus is alive! He loves you!“
We can share good news too. We can say, “Jesus is alive!“ That’s very good news! I like sharing good news with my friends and the news about Jesus is the best news of all.
AND A PRAYER:
Dear Jesus,
I’m glad that you are alive and that you are my friend forever. Thank you for loving me. Thank you that you are with me. Amen
MEMORIZE TOGETHER:
Matt. 28:6 NIrV – (Hold hands open as though holding a book.)
He (Jesus) is – (Point up.)
Not here – (Make tomb with fist.)
He has risen – (Jump up and raise hands.)Just as He said – (Hands by mouth.
HAVE FUN:
* Share some good news with a friend on the phone or via FaceTime. You can tell them, “I prayed for you.” or “Jesus loves you. Jesus is alive!”
* Answer this question as a family, “What’s amazing about your friend, Jesus?” Make a megaphone out of a rolled up piece of paper – decorate as you wish and share some good news, tell someone why Jesus is amazing.
Faith Steps and More 