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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: "My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Mark 15:33-34
MAIN POINTS: 1) The Pain, 2) The Purpose, and 3) The Power of this question on the cross
This week’s Word from the Cross was Jesus’ cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus’ physical pain on the cross was excruciating, but the pain of being forsaken by the Father was beyond our comprehension. And yet, Jesus willingly endured this pain for YOU. Jesus endured being forsaken by God so we wouldn’t have to. Our salvation is a reality because Jesus took the punishment for our sins on the cross. And through Jesus’ resurrection, the power of God for salvation is revealed and sealed for those who believe.
Family Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage? (Look back at your Sermon Notes for help remembering!)
- Explain in your own words what the pain of being forsaken by the Father might have felt like to Jesus.
- How does thinking about the pain Jesus endured help you understand your salvation in a different way?
- Read Psalm 22. How does this Psalm speak to you in your current season of life?
- Say a prayer of thanksgiving for what Jesus endured on your behalf.
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your normal routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose one night a week to go over all five, do a couple questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter. Model for your children how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Other Scriptures:
- John 1:1-2, 18; 17:5
- Isaiah 53:5-6
- 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Psalm 22:1-2, 24, 27-31
- Deuteronomy 31:8
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. These are also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
SAVIOR: Jesus saved sinners from the punishment of death by taking that punishment on himself through his death on the cross.
Parent Tip:
We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
CHURCH: This week, pray for all the new people who are attending our church. Pray for ways and opportunities to welcome and bless them.
Parent Tip:
Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
Blessed Assurance
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O what a foretaste, of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of his spirit, washing in his blood
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior, all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior, all the day long
Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture, not burst on my sight
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love
Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy at rest
Watching and waiting, looking above
Filled with his goodness, lost in his love
Parent Tip:
Each month we highlight a different song for you to sing together. Singing is an integral part of worship! Singing as a family helps teach the kids how to worship at church, and as they learn more songs, they will be able to participate more on Sunday mornings. You can practice your songs in the car, at the dinner table, when you wake up, or at bedtime! You can also check out our playlist on Spotify and sing along with your favorite worship songs.
Memory Verse:
Isaiah 53:6
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one-to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Parent Tip:
This is the same memory verse that the whole church is learning and it rotates monthly. Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
New City Catechism:
Questions 14: Did God create us unable to keep his law?
Answer: No, but because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve we are all born in sin and guilt, unable to keep God’s law.
