Children's Easter Devotion: Come to the Table (Day 16)

When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me."

They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, "Surely not I?"

"It is one of the Twelve," he replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with me.

The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.

"I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  Mark 14:17-26

Questions:

- What Jewish holiday were Jesus and His disciples celebrating?

- What did Jesus predict about one of His followers? How do you think that made Jesus feel?

- What represented Jesus body that would be crucified for our sins?

- What represented Jesus blood that would be spilled or our sins?

- What is this sharing of the bread and wine called in the Christian faith? Talk about the importance of communion. (If your children are believers, you may want to have communion with them at this time, to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us).

Thoughts: 

"The wine and the matzot, or unleavened bread, were a very important part of the Passover celebration. Passover was the celebration of God's deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. When Jesus identified Himself with the bread and the wine, He was telling His disciples, and us, that it would be by His death that we would be delivered from sin." Ann Hibbard from Family Celebrations at Easter.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice you made on the cross for my sins. Whenever I take communion, may I be reminded of how much You love me and may I commit my life to You. I love You Jesus.

Song: Come to the Table by Michael Card

Come to the table

And savor the sight,

The wine and the bread that was broken.

And all have been welcome to come

If they might

Accept as their own these two tokens.

The bread is his body,

The wine is the blood

And the one who provides them is true.

He freely offers

We freely receive.

To accept and believe him is all we must do.

Come to the table

And taste of the glory

And savor the sorrow

He's dying tomorrow.

The hand that is breaking the bread

Soon will be broken.

And here at the table

Sit those who have loved him,

One is a traitor and one will deny,

Though he's lived his life for them all

And for all be crucified.

Come to the table he's prepared for you

The bread of forgiveness the wine of release.

Come to the table and sit down beside him.

The Saviour wants you to join in the feast.

Come to the table and see in his eyes

The love that the Father has spoken.

And know you are welcome

Whatever your crime,

Though every commandment you've broken.

For he's come to love you

And not to condemn.

And he offers a pardon of peace.

If you'll come to the table

You'll feel in your heart

The greatest forgiveness,

The greatest release

Come to the table

And taste of the glory

And savor the sorrow

He's dying tomorrow.

The hand that is breaking the bread

Soon will be broken.

And here at the table

Sit those who have loved him,

One is a traitor and one will deny,

Though he's lived his life for them all

And for all be crucified.

Come to the table he's prepared for you

The bread of forgiveness the wine of release.

Come to the table and sit down beside him.

The Saviour wants you to join in the feast.

Children's Easter Devotion: Being a Servant (day 15)

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 

The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." 

Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!"

Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. 

"Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.

"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:1-17

"whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28

Questions:

When dinner was served, what did Jesus do that surprised the disciples?

Why did it surprise them...whose job was it to wash feet?

Why did Jesus do it?

What can we learn from Jesus' example?

Are there things that we are not willing to do, especially for members of our own family? What attitude does Jesus want us to have?

What's one way you can be a servant to others today?

Thoughts: 

Servanthood is not a popular idea these days. Everyone wants to be in charge...few want to serve. Yet Jesus' example is bold and strong. If the Son of God would stoop to wash the dirty, filthy feet of His disciples to show them His love, what is He asking us to do to show His love to the world? No act of service should be too small or too dirty for us to do when it is done in love. We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus. There is nothing more powerful than the lifestyle of love through humble service to others.

Prayer: 

Lord, make me a servant. Help me to be Your hands and feet to a world that is hurting. Show me one way, today, that I can serve other people. May I live a lifetime of service to You and those around me. Thank You Jesus for Your example.

Song: Make Me a Servant

Make me a servant

Humble and meek

Lord let me lift up those who are weak

And may the prayers of my heart always be

Make me a servant

Make me a servant

Make me a servant today

Children's Easter Devotion: For the Love of Money (Day 14)

Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people.

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.

And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.  Luke 22:1-6

Questions:

- What were the chief priests and teachers of the law wanting to do? Why?

- Who entered Judas?

- Who was Judas? Do we know anything about him? (see John 12:4-6 - But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,"Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.)

- What seems to be most important to Judas?

- What did Judas agree to do?

Thoughts: 

To betray a friend is one of the most hurtful things we can do. And for Judas, who was one of Jesus' twelve closest friends, to do this is hard to believe. His greed and love of money opened the door for Satan to actually enter him and whisper in his heart the thoughts of betrayal toward Jesus. Judas was willing to hand over the Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords for money. May we never do this! May we never turn our backs on Jesus and on our Christian faith in order to become rich and powerful. The Bible says: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10. Instead, we need to remember what Hebrews 13:5 says: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You will never leave us or turn Your back on us. Please help us to never leave You. Help us to be content and at peace with what You have given us and not be greedy for more. Thank You for Your love!

Song: Lord, You are More Precious than Silver

Lord, You are more precious than silver.

Lord, You are more costly than gold.

Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,

And nothing I desire compares to You.

Who can weigh the value of knowing You?

Who can judge the worth of who You are?

Who can count the blessings of loving You?

Who can say just how great You are?

Here is a link for the music: Lord, You are

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Children's Easter Devotion: Seeing through God's Eyes (Day 13)

While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.

He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 

"I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others.

All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; 

but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Luke 20:45-21:4

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.  2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Questions:

- What was the warning that Jesus gave about the teachers of the law?

- Describe what he saw at the temple.

- Which offering do you think the religious leaders, the teachers of the law and the people standing around would think was more important - the rich or the poor widow's

- Which did Jesus point out as showing more faith?

- What about the Church in Macedonia...what were they recognized for by Paul?

- Which is more important - how much we give or how much faith and trust in God we have when we give it?

 - What can we learn from the widow and the church in Macedonia?

Thoughts: 

The Bible says that "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7. God saw what it cost the rich to give to Him and what it cost the poor widow. He saw the level of trust that went behind each gift and He was more pleased with the widow's offering. But do we do the same when we look at those around us? Do we think highly of the celebrities of the world, the rich, the famous, the powerful yet turn away from the poor, the orphans, the widows? Who do we think about, pray for and admire? Our desire should be to see with God's eyes.

Prayer: 

Father God, help us to have your eyes...to see those around us for who they are on the inside and for their worth to You. Help us to give every bit of ourselves to you, no matter what it costs, knowing that You will take care of us. We love You Lord Jesus.

Poem: In the Bleak Mid-Winter (last verse)

What can I give Him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a wise man

I would do my part,

Yet what I can I give Him,

Give my heart.

Song to Listen to:  My Father's Eyes

Here is the link: My Father's Eyes

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*

Children's Easter Devotion: Stumbling Over Jesus (Day 12)

He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time.

At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty‑handed. He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty‑handed. He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

"Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.'

"But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?

He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others." When the people heard this, they said, "May this never be!"

Jesus looked directly at them and asked, "Then what is the meaning of that which is written: " 'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone'?

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed."

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.  Luke 20:9-19

Questions:

- What happened to the servants that the owner sent to collect some of the fruit?

- Then whom did the owner send? What did the tenants do to him?

- This parable was like a secret code. Who do you think the owner is? Who are the servants? Who is the son?

- What was the message that Jesus was trying to give through this story?

- Who understood Jesus' meaning and how did they react?

Thoughts: 

What made the Jewish leaders so angry was that Jesus was saying that He was God's son. Most of the Jewish leaders did not recognize that Jesus was God's Son because they were not pursuing God through faith but through works (but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the "stumbling stone." Romans 9:31-32). They did not want to believe that Jesus was the Son of God and they did not like that the people were following Him and listening to Him rather than listening to them. Today, if we tell the truth about Jesus, some will become very angry, just like the Jewish leaders. Many people do not want to believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. They want to think that they are good enough on their own and that they can earn their salvation.

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the faith to believe that You are the Son of God, that God sent You to earth to die for my sins and rise from the dead. Help me to tell others about you, in a loving and gentle way.

Song:   I Lay in Zion

I lay in Zion for a foundation, a Stone,

I lay in Zion for a foundation, a Stone,

A tried Stone, a precious Cornerstone,

A sure Foundation, a sure Foundation.

A tried Stone, a precious Cornerstone,

he that believeth shall, shall not make haste.

Wonderful, counselor, the Mighty God,

The everlasting Father;

Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace

Here is a link for the song: I Lay in Zion

For Further Study: 

There are many children throughout the world who are very bold in their faith in Christ, especially in nations where it is hard to be a Christian. Sharing their stories can encourage a bolder faith in your children. A wonderful resource is Kids of Courage

* Some of the content of this blog is based on the book Family Celebrations at Easter by Ann Hibbard.*