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STORY OF JESUS
Jesus is born in Bethlehem
Memory Verse
Hebrews 2:11
Jesus ... purifies people from their sins, and both he and those who are made pure all have the same Father ...
Wisdom for life
Proverbs 9:11
To be wise you must first have reverence for the LORD. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding.
MRead : Matthew 1:18-15, Luke 1:26-38 and 2:1-21
ary and Joseph were engaged to be married. They lived in Nazareth. One day God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary. The angel said, “The Lord has blessed you in a special way. He is with you. Don’t be scared! God is pleased with you. You are going to have a baby boy, and you must call him Jesus. He is the Son of God, and he will rule forever.”
Mary didn’t understand, but she said, “I serve the Lord. I’m happy to do whatever he wants.”
The angel told Joseph about the baby in a dream. The Holy Spirit had sent the baby, and he would save his people from their sins. Joseph promised to look after Mary and the baby.
The emperor wanted to count all the people in his empire. Everyone had to go to the town where their families had always lived. Joseph and Mary went from Nazareth to Bethlehem, because they belonged to the family of David. Bethlehem was full of people. Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a place to stay, but in the end, someone let them stay in their stable. The baby was born right there. Mary wrapped her little son in large strips of cloth and put him in a manger.
There were shepherds looking after their sheep in the fields nearby. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, “Don’t be afraid. I have good news; news that will bring great joy for all the people.
If you go to Bethlehem, you will find a baby in a manger. He is your Saviour. He is the Lord.”
The shepherds quickly went to Bethlehem. They found Mary, Joseph and the baby, and began to praise God. They also told everyone about the angels and the baby who was their Saviour.
Mary remembered everything that had happened on that wonderful day.
Psalm 103:11-12
As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our sins from us.
God’s Promise
John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.
Jesus, you are the Saviour. Thank you that you can take away my sins so that I can live with you forever. Amen
Wise men visit Jesus
TMemory Verse
Psalm 22:23
... Honor him, you descendants of Jacob! ...
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 21:8
Guilty people walk a crooked path; the innocent do what is right.
Read : Matthew 2
hree wise men arrived in Jerusalem from the east. They said. “At home we saw the star of your new king in the sky. Where is he? We want to worship him.”
King Herod heard about these men.
“What is this I hear about a new king?” he asked the chief priests and teachers of the law. “Is he the Messiah? The one who is going to free the Jewish people?”
The chief priests and teachers told him that the Jewish prophet Micah had written about a new king. He was going to be the Messiah, the one chosen by God. He was going to be born in Bethlehem.
King Herod told the wise men, “Go to Bethlehem. The new king is there. Go find him, and then come back and tell me all about him.”
The wise men left Jerusalem. The star went ahead of them and stopped over the place where Jesus and his parents were. They bowed down and worshipped Jesus and gave him the treasures they had brought of gold, frankincense and myrrh; special gifts that were only given to kings.
The wise men knew that God himself had sent this baby to be born in Bethlehem. He had chosen him to become his people’s Lord and King. That night God spoke to the wise men in a dream. He told them not to go back to Herod, because Herod wanted to harm Jesus. So they returned to their own country a different way.
Then the angel of the Lord spoke to Joseph in a dream. He told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because King Herod wanted to kill Jesus. Joseph and his family lived in Egypt until King Herod died.
Later the family lived in Nazareth, a small village in Galilee far away from Jerusalem. In this way, God kept Jesus and his family safe from harm.
Psalm 76:11
Give the LORD your God what you promised him; bring gifts to him, all you nearby nations. God makes everyone fear him.
God’s Promise
Matthew 2:9-11
... When they saw [the star], how happy they were, what joy was theirs!
It went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. They went into the house, and when they saw the child with his mother Mary, they knelt down and worshiped him ...
Lord God, please help me to remember that Jesus wants to be the King of my life. I want to give my life as a gift to him. Amen
Jesus in his Father’s house
WMemory Verse
Luke 2:52
Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favour with God and people.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 3:21-22
Hold on to your wisdom and insight, my child. Never let them get away from you. They will provide you with life – a pleasant and happy life.
Read : Luke 2:41-52
hen Jesus was 12 years old, the family went to Jerusalem for the Passover feast as usual. After the feast was over, everyone left the city to go back home. There were many people in the city, and the group in which they travelled was large. Jesus’ parents did not see him, but they thought he was somewhere in the group with his friends.
At the end of the day Jesus’ parents began to look for him. They looked among their relatives and friends, but Jesus was nowhere.
At last they realised he must have stayed behind and they went back to Jerusalem to look for their son.
Jesus was not at the place where they had stayed. His parents could not find him anywhere. Then, after three days, they went to the temple, and there they found Jesus in the courtyard.
He was with the teachers. He was listening to them and asking them questions. The teachers also asked him some questions and were amazed at his answers. This boy understood the scriptures very well indeed! They were all enjoying the conversation very much.
When Mary saw her son sitting there so happily, she was upset. She said, “Son, why did you do this to us? We were so worried about you! We looked everywhere for you and we could not find you!”
Jesus said, “You know how much I love my heavenly Father. You should have known I would be here in his house!”
His parents did not understand his answer. But Jesus immediately got up and went with his parents. They all went back to their home in Nazareth.
Jesus obeyed his parents. As he grew older, he became wiser and stronger. Everyone liked him, and God was pleased with him.
Psalm 84:1-4
How I love your Temple, LORD Almighty! How I want to be there!
I long to be in the LORD’s Temple. With my whole being I sing for joy to the living God ...
LORD Almighty, my king and my God. How happy are those who live in your Temple, always singing praise to you.
God’s Promise
Matthew 6:33
Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things.
Lord, when you were a young child, you listened and learned in the temple. Please give me a hunger to learn more about you too. Amen
Jesus is baptised
JMemory Verse
Matthew 3:17
Then a voice said from heaven, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased.”
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 15:9
The LORD hates the ways of evil people, but loves those who do what is right.
Read : Matthew 3:1-16, Mark 1-11, Luke 3:1-22 and John 3:31-34
esus and his cousin John were the same age. As an adult, John lived in the desert because he wanted to hear God’s voice.
John told the people to turn away from their sins. When people asked John how they should live, he told them to do what was right. He baptised everyone who felt bad about their sinful lives. The people began calling him John the Baptist.
John told them, “I’m only here to tell you about someone who will come after me. God himself will send him. God is going to give him a lot of power, much more than he gave me. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit. He will know who truly obeys God.”
One day, Jesus travelled from his home in Galilee to see his cousin John. John was at the Jordan River baptising people. Jesus asked John to baptise him. But John didn’t want to. He knew that Jesus was the one God had sent. He said, “I need to be baptised by you. So why do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Please baptise me. It’s the right thing to do, because it’s part of God’s plan for both of us.”
Then John baptised him. When Jesus came out of the water, heaven opened. They saw the Spirit of God coming down on Jesus. The Spirit was like a dove flying down. Then God said, “You are my Son, and I love you. I am very pleased with you.”
After he was baptised, Jesus went into the desert. He wanted to be alone to talk to God, and prepare himself for what God wanted him to do next.
Psalm 145:20
He protects everyone who loves him, but he will destroy the wicked.
God’s Promise
Luke 3:22
And the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you.”
Lord God, please help me follow Jesus’ example as your child. I also want you to be pleased with me. Amen.
Jesus chooses twelve disciples
JMemory Verse
Matthew 28:19
“Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples ... ”
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 19:8
Do yourself a favour and learn all you can; then remember what you learn and you will prosper.
Read : Matthew 4:18-22, 10:1-4, Mark 1:16-20, 3:13-19 and Luke 5:1-11, 6:12-16
esus was standing by the Sea of Galilee. The people crowded around him. Everyone wanted to hear his words. Jesus saw two boats at the edge of the water. He knew that they belonged to a man called Simon Peter. Jesus got into the boat and asked Simon Peter to go out a little way from the shore. Now everyone could see and hear Jesus.
When he had finished speaking, Jesus told Simon Peter, “Go out into deep water. Let down the nets so you can catch some fish.”
He answered, “Master, we worked all night and did not catch anything. But I will do what you ask.”
Simon Peter did not think they would catch anything, but when he let down the nets, there were so many fish that the nets began to break. Simon Peter called his friends and they came to help.
Simon Peter was afraid when he saw what Jesus could do, but Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be fishers of people.”
Then Simon Peter and his brother Andrew left their boats to follow Jesus.
Just then Simon Peter’s friends James and John were getting their nets ready to go fishing. Jesus called them, and they left their boat with their father Zebedee and followed Jesus.
Soon after this Jesus went to the mountain to pray. When he came back, he chose twelve men to be his special friends. He called these men his disciples. They were always with him and he told them all about God’s kingdom. They saw his miracles. They saw him helping people and healing them. They were with him to the end of his life.
The twelve men were Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, James and his brother John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
Psalm 119:105-106
Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path. I will keep my solemn promise to obey your just instructions.
God’s Promise
Matthew 28:20
... And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.
Lord Jesus, you chose the disciples to learn from you and to spread your message of good news. Thank you that you have chosen me too. Please help me learn and share your love with others too. Amen
Jesus at the wedding
JMemory Verse
Philippians 4:4
May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 17:22
Being cheerful keeps you healthy, it is a slow death to be gloomy all the time.
Read : John 2:1-11
esus did his first miracle at a wedding in a village called Cana in Galilee.
Jesus’ disciples and his mother went to the wedding with him. All the people in the village attended the wedding. It went on for several days.
The wedding guests were happy. They all enjoyed the celebrations. Everyone joined in the singing and dancing. The children were also an important part of the festivities. There was a lot of food, enough to feed everyone, but after a while the wine ran out.
Jesus’ mother found out about it. She went to tell Jesus about the wine. She knew he could help.
Jesus said, “Dear Mother, don’t worry about a thing. Everyone will soon see God’s power working through me.”
Jesus’ mother told the servants, “Do what Jesus tells you.”
There were six huge stone water jars in the house. The people used water from that kind of jar for special washings. They did that to make themselves pure and clean before they went to the synagogue to praise God.
Jesus told the servants to fill the jars with water. They didn’t understand, but they did what they were told. Then Jesus told them, “Now take some to the master of ceremonies, the bridegroom’s friend.”
When the master of ceremonies tasted the water, he was amazed. He was drinking some very good wine!
He went to the groom and said, “Everyone brings out the best wine first. They bring out the cheap wine at the very end once the good wine is gone. But you have saved the best wine until the end.”
This was Jesus’ first miracle. It showed that he was all-powerful, and that God was with him. When his disciples saw what he had done, they believed in him.
Psalm 68:3
But the righteous are glad and rejoice in his presence; they are happy and shout for joy.
God’s Promise
Romans 15:13
May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.
God, thank you for joyful moments. The miracle at the wedding showed your power and that you care for people and how they feel. Please help me see your blessings in everyday life and celebrate.
Amen
Jesus calms the storm
TMemory Verse
Psalm 46:1-3
God is ... always ready to help in times of trouble ... So we will not be afraid ... even if the seas roar and rage ...
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 19:23
Obey the LORD and you will live a long life, content and safe from harm.
Read : Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25
here were always large crowds around Jesus. They followed him everywhere. Jesus usually spent the whole day telling them stories about God’s kingdom and healing those who were sick. This often made him very tired.
Once, when Jesus was tired, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.”
They got into a boat and left. Some of the disciples were fishermen. They knew the lake very well. Jesus soon fell asleep.
Then a bad storm broke. The disciples had been on the lake during storms before. They knew how to keep the boat safe. But this storm was very bad. Waves crashed over the boat, and it quickly filled with water. The boat was going to sink! The disciples were very scared. They thought they were going to die. So they did the only thing they could. They went to Jesus and woke him.
“Lord! Save us! We’re going to drown!” they cried. Jesus immediately got up. He looked at the storm. Then he spoke to it. He said, “Quiet! Be still!”
The wind died down. The waves became calm. Everything was quiet.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Don’t you have any faith yet?”
The disciples looked at the calm water of the lake. They listened to the quietness. They knew Jesus was a man just like them. He got tired after a long day’s work and needed to rest. But he was also all-powerful.
When he spoke to the wind and the waves, they obeyed him. They knew he wasn’t an ordinary person like them. The disciples were amazed and frightened. They didn’t understand that he was the Son of God. But they did know that he was with them when they were afraid, and that he could help them when they were in danger.
Psalm 107:28-31
Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the raging storm, and the waves became quiet. They were glad because of the calm, and he brought them safe to the port they wanted. They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them.
God’s Promise
Isaiah 41:10
“Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God –let nothing terrify you!
I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.”
Father God, you calmed the sea, showing your power over the earth and your power to calm our fears. You are with me when I am afraid. Help me to trust in you through every storm in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Jesus and his friends in Bethany
LMemory Verse
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die.”
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 18:10
The LORD is like a strong tower, where the righteous can go and be safe.
Read : John 11:1-53
azarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, lived in a small village called Bethany. They were Jesus’ friends and when Lazarus was ill, they immediately sent a message to Jesus.
At first Jesus did nothing, and he said, “Lazarus’ illness will glorify God!”
But two days later Jesus told his disciples he wanted to go Lazarus. When they arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
Martha went out to greet Jesus. “Lord,” she said, “if you could have been here earlier, Lazarus would not have died! But even so, I know that God will give you whatever you ask!”
Jesus said, “Lazarus will rise again.”
Martha thought he was talking about the day of judgement, but Jesus said, “Anyone who believes in me will live even though they die. They will have everlasting life. Do you believe this?”
Martha said, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Son of God.”
Then Martha fetched her sister Mary. Mary went to Jesus, who was still outside the village. She fell at his feet and said, “I wish you had been here! Then Lazarus would not have died.”
Jesus also became very sad. Jesus wept.
The people took him to the tomb. He asked them to take away the stone in front of the entrance. Then Jesus prayed, “Father, thank you for always hearing me when I speak to you.”
Jesus stood in front of the tomb and said loudly, “Lazarus, come out!”
Lazarus came out, still wrapped in linen cloths. He was alive and well. Some of the people who had seen the miracle immediately went to Jerusalem. There they told the priests what had happened. These men hated Jesus and were also afraid that everyone would soon be following Jesus. They began to make plans to kill Jesus. But many people who were in Bethany when Jesus raised Lazarus believed that Jesus was the Son of God.
Psalm 40:1-2
I waited patiently for the LORD’s help; then he listened to me and heard my cry. He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure.
God’s Promise
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in me will never die.”
Lord, when you came to earth in human form, you shared special times with your friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Thank you that you are my friend, and that when I am sad, you are sad with me. Please help me to be a good friend too. Amen
The Good Samaritan
OMemory Verse
Matthew 22:39
... Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 11:25
Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped.
Read : Luke 10:25-37
ne day, a person wanted to test Jesus to see how well Jesus knew the laws. He asked Jesus, “What must I do to receive eternal life?”
Jesus answered with a question, “What does the law say?”
The man replied from the Jewish laws, “You must love the Lord your God, and you must love your neighbour as much as you love yourself.”
Jesus answered, “You are right! Do this and you will receive eternal life.”
The man had one more question. He wanted to know who his neighbour was. Who must he love?
Jesus answered his question by telling him a story. A man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho. Robbers attacked the man, took his clothes, beat him and ran away. The man lay there, thinking he was going to die. Then a priest walked past. He was an important man. He pretended not to see the wounded man and crossed to the other side of the road. Everything was quiet again. Then a Levite came past. He was also an important man. He also chose to pass the man without looking at him.
Finally, a Samaritan came down the road. Jews and Samaritans didn’t like one another. They didn’t even speak to one another. But this Samaritan felt sorry for the wounded man. He went to him, washed and bandaged the man’s wounds, then he took him to an inn.
The next day the Samaritan had to leave. He gave the innkeeper money and said, “Please take care of this man until he is well. If you need more money, I’ll pay you when I come this way again.”
After Jesus had told the story, he asked, “Which of the three men loved his neighbour?”
The man said, “The one who felt sorry for the wounded man and helped him.”
Jesus told him, “That’s what you must do. Everyone who needs help is your neighbour.”
Psalm 146:8-9
... He lifts those who have fallen; he loves his righteous people.
He protects the strangers who live in our land; he helps widows and orphans, but takes the wicked to their ruin.
God’s Promise
Romans 13:10
If you love someone, you will never do them wrong; to love, then, is to obey the whole Law.
God, I want to be kind like the Good Samaritan. Please teach me to love and help other people, especially those in need, and to show kindness every day. Amen
Zacchaeus in the sycamore tree
ZMemory Verse
Luke 19:10
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 22:11
If you love purity of heart and graciousness of speech, the king will be your friend.
Read : Luke 19:1-10
acchaeus was a wealthy tax collector. The Jews hated the tax collectors because they worked for the enemy, the Romans. Everyone also knew that the tax collectors cheated the people when they collected tax.
One day Zacchaeus noticed a large crowd in Jericho and he heard that the people had come to see Jesus.
He wanted to see this man Jesus that everyone was talking about. But Zacchaeus was a very short man. He could not see over the people’s heads. Then Zacchaeus ran ahead of the crowd to a large tree that was right next to the road. He quickly climbed into the tree. Now he could see everything!
At last Jesus was right under Zacchaeus on his tree branch. And then Jesus stopped! Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, please come down at once. I must stay at your house today.”
Zacchaeus came down and welcomed Jesus into his house. He was very happy because he had a chance to get to know Jesus.
But the people who knew who Zacchaeus was and saw Jesus going with him to his house began to grumble, “How can Jesus do that?” they said. “Doesn’t he know Zacchaeus is a cheat and a sinner who works for the enemy? Jesus should not do that!”
But Zacchaeus knew that his life would never be the same again. He had met Jesus and he was going to follow him from that day on. He stood up and said, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of what I own to those who are poor. And if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay it back. I will pay back four times the amount I took.”
Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today I have come to the right house. It is my job to look for everyone who is lost, and to save them. Today I found you and saved you. From now on you are a child of God.”
Psalm 32:1-2
Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the one whom the LORD does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit.
God’s Promise
2 Corinthians 5:17
When anyone is joined to Christ, he is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.
Lord Jesus, thank you that you saw Zacchaeus and changed his heart with your love. Please help me see others in the way that you see them. Show me how to be kind to everyone. Amen
Jesus is the good shepherd
JMemory Verse
John 10:28-29
I give them eternal life ... No one can snatch them away from me ... and no one can snatch them away from the Father’s care.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 3:26
The LORD will keep you safe. He will not let you fall into a trap.
Read : Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 15:1-7 and John 10:11-18, 26-29
esus liked to tell stories. One day he told a story about a sheep that got lost.
Jesus said, “Shepherds have to take good care of their sheep. What happens when a shepherd has 100 sheep and finds out that one of them isn’t with the others? The shepherd leaves the 99 sheep in a safe place and goes to look for his lost sheep. He doesn’t stop looking until he finds the sheep. It doesn’t matter how far the shepherd must go. He will continue to search for his sheep even after the sun goes down and it becomes dark.
When the shepherd finds his sheep, he is very happy! He lifts the sheep up and carries it home on his shoulders.
Then he says, ‘Let’s all be glad! My sheep was lost, but I found it and brought it home!’”
On another occasion, Jesus said. “I am like a good shepherd. A good shepherd knows his sheep’s names. When he calls their names, they follow him. They know that he will take them to good grazing and water. The sheep know he will protect them against thieves and wild animals. A good shepherd gives his sheep a very good life.
A good shepherd will never leave his sheep. He will die for his sheep. This is what I will do. I am the good shepherd, and I have sheep all over the world. They all listen to my voice. I love them all. And I will die for them all.”
Some of the people didn’t understand what Jesus was saying. They didn’t realise he was telling them that he was the Saviour, and that he was going to die on the cross.
He would do this so that his followers could become friends with God again and be with him forever.
Psalm 23:1-4
The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.
Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.
God’s Promise
John 10:27-28
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never die. No one can snatch them away from me.
Father God, when I do things that hurt you and other people, you always look for me and love me. Please help me to stay close to you, and to trust in your guidance and care. You are my Shepherd. Amen
The son who came back
JMemory Verse
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God ... he will forgive us our sins ...
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 28:13
You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.
Read : Luke 15:11-32
esus liked to tell stories to explain how much God loves us. One story was about a man and his two sons.
The younger son wanted to see the world. He said to his father, “Give me my share of my inheritance.”
So the father divided his property between his two sons. The younger son took his inheritance and went to a country far away. He spent his money on wild living until he had nothing left.
The son had to find work. He worked for a man who sent him to feed his pigs. He was so hungry that he wished he could eat the pigs’ food. Then he began to think about his life and about his father and his home. He thought, “I’m dying of hunger while my father’s servants have more than enough food. I will go back to my father.
I will ask him to forgive me. And I will ask him to make me one of his servants, because I know that I don’t deserve to be his son.”
So he got up and went back to his father’s house.
The father missed his younger son very much. Every day he looked out towards the road, hoping to see his son coming back. One day he saw his son in the distance.
The father ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
The son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I don’t deserve to be called your son.”
But the father said, “You are my son. We must celebrate that you have come home.”
When the elder son saw the celebration, he got angry. He had worked faithfully for his father while his brother wasted his money. He complained to his father, “Why did you never give me a party? It isn’t fair!”
The father said, “I would have given you whatever you wanted. You only had to ask. Be glad that your brother has come back.”
Psalm 5:7
But because of your great love I can come into your house; I can worship in your holy Temple and bow down to you in reverence.
God’s Promise
Ephesians 4:32 ... forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.
Father God, thank you for your life-changing forgiveness. You are the father who welcomed his lost son home with open arms. Please help me to understand that I am forgiven through your love that you showed us on the Cross. And help me to forgive others too. Amen
Jesus helps people who need him
JMemory Verse
Psalm 72:13
... he saves the lives of those in need.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 23:10-11
Never move an old boundary mark or take over land owned by orphans. The LORD is their powerful defender, and he will argue their case against you.
Read : Luke 17:11-19, 18:35-43
esus always felt sorry for people who were forced to leave their communities because they were sick or disabled. Jesus often helped them.
Once, Jesus and his disciples passed a small village where they saw ten men coming towards them. The men had a skin disease. In those days, people with this disease had to live apart from other people. The men pleaded with him, “Jesus! Master! Please help us!”
Jesus said, “Go to the priests. They will see that you are healed and allow you to go home.”
When people were healed from a skin disease, the priests looked at their skin to see if they were really healed.
The men decided to go to the priests. On the way, they saw that they were healed. They immediately ran to the priest. They couldn’t wait to go home.
One of the men was a Samaritan. When he saw that he was healed, he turned back to Jesus, praised God, then he threw himself down at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.
Jesus looked around and asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Why has only one returned to give praise to God?”
Jesus was glad to see this man. He told him, “Go home now. Your faith has healed you.”
Then Jesus and his disciples continued their journey to Jerusalem. On their way, they went through the city of Jericho. A blind beggar was sitting by the side of the road. He began to shout, “Jesus! Help me!”
Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” the man said.
Jesus healed his blindness immediately. Then the man followed Jesus, praising God all the way. When the other people saw the man and heard his words, they also praised God.
Psalm 107:19-21
Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. He healed them with his command and saved them from the grave. They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them.
God’s Promise
Psalm 34:17
The righteous call to the Lord, and he listens; he rescues them from all their troubles.
Jesus, you healed the sick and comforted those who were hurting. Please show me how I can help others and show love to those in need around me. Amen
Five loaves and two fish
TMemory Verse
John 10:10
I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 30:8-9 ... So give me only as much food as I need. If I have more, I might say that I do not need you. But if I am poor, I might steal and bring disgrace on my God.
Read : Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-14
he crowds continued to follow Jesus wherever he went. One day Jesus told the disciples, “Let’s go to a quiet place. You need to get some rest.”
They got into a boat to go to a place that was peaceful and quiet. But when Jesus and his disciples came ashore, a large crowd had followed and was waiting for them.
Jesus felt sorry for the people. He began teaching them, and healed the sick people they brought to him.
Later in the day the disciples said, “It’s getting late. It’s time to send the people away so that they can buy food in the villages and farms nearby.”
But Jesus answered, “You give them something to eat.”
Philip said, “There are thousands of people here! We will need more than half a year’s pay if we buy food for them! Is this what you want us to do?”
Jesus said, “Let’s find out what we have. Go and see what you can find.”
Andrew brought a little boy to Jesus. He said, “Here is a boy with five small loaves of bread and two small fish. That’s nothing for all the people who need food.”
But Jesus wasn’t worried. He told the disciples to get the people to sit down . There were 5 000 men in the crowd and also many women and children. Then Jesus took the boy’s food. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He broke the loaves and fish into pieces and gave them to his disciples to pass around to the people.
The people ate until they were satisfied. The disciples gathered the food the people hadn’t eaten. They filled twelve baskets with leftovers!
The people began to say that Jesus was a great prophet. Jesus knew they wanted to make him their king, so he left quietly.
Psalm 145:15-16
All living things look hopefully to you, and you give them food when they need it. You give them enough and satisfy the needs of all.
God’s Promise
Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
Prayer
Father God, thank you that you provide us with what we need. Please help me trust you to meet my needs. Give me the bravery that I need to share what I have, even when I have only a little. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus and the children
JMemory Verse
Mark 10:15
... whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 22:6
Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life.
Read : Matthew 18:1-4 and Mark 10:13-16
esus loved people. He was sad when he saw that they were unhappy. He loved joining in their celebrations. He was always helping people and healing those that were ill. And Jesus loved children.
Parents brought their children to Jesus when they were ill, and Jesus healed them. One day the disciples were quarrelling among themselves. Each one wanted to be the most important disciple. Then Jesus asked a little child to come to him. Jesus said, “You must not try to be important. You must be like children if you want to be part of God’s kingdom. If you are willing to be like a child, you will be important in God’s kingdom. Children know that their parents love them and will give them what they need. That is how you must believe in God and trust him.”
On another day parents brought their children to Jesus. They wanted him to bless them. The disciples did not want the children to bother Jesus. They thought he had more important things to do. They thought he had to talk to the important people, such as the religious leaders.
Children were not important!
So the disciples told the parents to take away their children.
Jesus saw what they were doing, and he was angry. Jesus said, “Don’t keep children away from me! God’s kingdom belongs to people like them. It belongs to people who are not important in the eyes of other people. It belongs to people who believe in me without demanding proof that I am the Son of God. It belongs to people who are humble and love my Father in heaven.”
Psalm 127:3-5
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a real blessing. The sons a man has when he is young are like arrows in a soldier’s hand.
Happy is the man who has many such arrows. He will never be defeated when he meets his enemies in the place of judgement.
God’s Promise
Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Lord God, thank you that you love children and that we are important to you. Please help me to always know that you love me. And please help me to be kind and love others like Jesus does too. Amen
A woman anoints Jesus
Memory Verse
Mark 14:9
Now, I assure you that wherever the gospel is preached all over the world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 23:17-18
Let reverence for the LORD be the concern of your life. If it is, you have a bright future.
Ashort while after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus visited Bethany again. He was on his way to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Simon, a man who had a skin disease, gave a special meal for Jesus. A follower of Jesus wanted to honour him. She took a jar of very expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head. The house was filled with the sweet smell of the perfume.
Some of the people there were upset. They felt that the woman had wasted money by pouring the perfume over Jesus’ head. They said, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold? Why wasn’t the money given to poor people? It was worth a year’s pay.”
One of the twelve disciples, Judas Iscariot, was especially angry. But he didn’t really care about the poor. He was a thief. He wanted the money for himself.
“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She did it because she loves me. She also knows that I won’t always be here. The perfume is meant for the day when I am buried. That day is coming soon. And in the future, when my followers tell other people about me, they will also tell them how this follower of mine poured perfume on my head. People will always remember her beautiful gift to me.”
Then, Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests. He was willing to tell them where Jesus was so that they could arrest him. They were pleased and promised to pay him well if he betrayed Jesus.
Many people believed that Jesus was the Messiah, the one chosen by God to be their king. They also thought that he would make the Jews a free and independent nation again. These people were excited because they thought it would happen during the Passover feast.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for acts of love and appreciation. Please show me things that I can do to also show love and gratitude to Jesus. Amen
Psalm 66:1-2
Praise God with shouts of joy, all people!
Sing to the glory of his name; offer him glorious praise!
God’s Promise
Matthew 26:13
“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached all over the world, this woman’s deed will be talked about, and people will remember her.”
Jesus enters Jerusalem
TMemory Verse
Revelation 19:16
On his robe and on his thigh was written the name: “King of kings and Lord of lords”.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 28:12
When good people come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad people rule, people stay in hiding.
Read : Matthew 21:1-17, Mark 11:1-11, 15-19, Luke 19:29-48 and John 12:12-19
he day after the dinner in Bethany, Jesus and his disciples walked to Jerusalem. He sent two disciples to a village nearby. He said, “You will find a donkey there. If someone asks about it, tell them the Lord needs the donkey.”
The disciples found the donkey and Jesus rode into the city on its back.
A large crowd that had come to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. The people were excited because they thought Jesus was going to free them from the Romans. They took palm tree branches and laid them on the road and praised God, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!”
The Pharisees and chief priests didn’t like to see the people honouring Jesus. It made them hate him even more.
Jesus’ disciples didn’t understand what was happening. Later, they realised that Jesus was their King, and that the prophets from the past had written about how Jesus would enter the city.
Jesus went to the temple. The people weren’t worshipping God. They were selling animals for sacrifices. Jesus turned over the tables of the people who were exchanging money. He turned over the benches of those who were selling doves. He said, “The temple is the house of God. It’s supposed to be a peaceful place where people come to pray. Instead you have made it a den of robbers!”
Jesus healed the sick people who came to him at the temple. He taught the people, and they were amazed when they heard his words. That made the chief priests and the teachers of the law even more determined to kill Jesus. That evening, Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem and went back to Bethany.
Psalm 118:26-28
May God bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD! From the Temple of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God; he has been good to us. With branches in your hands, start the festival and march round the altar. You are my God, and I give you thanks; I will proclaim your greatness.
God’s Promise
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion! Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you! He comes triumphant and victorious, but humble and riding on a donkey ...
Lord God, when you entered Jerusalem, you knew that you would die on the cross for our sins. Thank you, Jesus, that you loved us so much that you did this for us. I want to praise you as the King of the World. Amen
The last Supper
IMemory Verse
1 Corinthians 11:26
This means that every time you eat this bread and drink from this cup you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Wisdom for Life
Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go ahead – eat your food and be happy; drink your wine and be cheerful. It’s all right with God.
Read : Matthew 26:17-20, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7-38 and John 13:1-34
t was the day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and time for the Passover meal. Jesus knew that he was going back to his heavenly Father soon. This was going to be his last meal with his disciples. He had some important things to tell them.
Before the meal, Jesus took a bowl of water and began to wash his disciples’ feet. He said, “You must follow my example. I am your leader, but I just did the job of a slave. In my kingdom, the leaders are the people who serve others.”
Jesus also said, “I am going away, but I will send the Holy Spirit to you. He will help you and teach you how to follow me. Always remember to love one another. You show your love by helping and serving one another.”
Later, Jesus told them, “One of you is going to betray me to my enemies.”
The disciples were sad and upset. Who would do such a thing? Jesus knew it was Judas. He told him, “Go and do what you must do.” Then Judas left the room.
Jesus took the bread. He thanked God for it Then he gave each of his disciples a piece of bread and said, “Eat the bread. Every time you eat bread together, you must remember that I gave my life for you.”
Then he took a cup of wine. Again, he thanked God for it and handed it to them and said, “Every time you drink wine together, you must remember that I gave my blood so that your sins can be forgiven.”
Jesus was telling them why he was going to die. Today, his followers all over the world still eat bread and drink wine together to remember that Jesus gave his life so that their sins would be forgiven.
After the meal, Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem. There he was arrested.
Psalm 111:4
The LORD does not let us forget his wonderful actions; he is kind and merciful.
God’s Promise
1 Corinthians 11:23-25
... the Lord Jesus ... took a piece of bread ... and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in memory of me.”
In the same way ... he took the cup and said, “This cup is God’s new covenant, sealed with my blood. Whenever you drink it, do so in memory of me.”
God, thank you for communion with you. Help me to remember your sacrifice; help me to live in your grace. You are my Saviour. Amen
Peter disowns Jesus
AMemory Verse
1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear ...
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 28:13
Confess [your sins] and give them up; then, God will show mercy to you.
Read : Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75, Mark 14:27-31, 53-54, 66-72 and Luke 22:31-34, 54-65
fter Jesus was arrested, John and Peter followed the crowd from a distance. They went to the house of the high priest. John knew someone in the house and he helped Peter to get into the courtyard. They wanted to see what was happening.
It was cold and everyone was standing around a fire. Peter hoped nobody would notice him, but one of the servant girls said, “I know you! You were with Jesus!”
Everyone was looking at Peter. And then he said, “You are wrong! I don’t know Jesus!”
Peter went out to the gate. He was trying to leave, but another servant saw him and said, “You are one of Jesus’ followers!”
Peter said, “I tell you, I don’t know him!”
A little while later some of the people in the courtyard said, “You know, you talk just like the people from Galilee. You must be one of them!”
Peter said for the third time, “I do not know Jesus!”
And then he heard a rooster crowing, and he realised what he had done. He remembered Jesus words: “Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you do not know me.”
Peter knew that he was not as brave as he had thought. He felt terrible. Although he loved the Lord Jesus very much, he had disowned him.
He went outside and he began to cry.
Psalm 55:12-14
If it were an enemy that mocked me, I could endure it; if it were an opponent boasting over me, I could hide myself from him. But it is you, my companion, my colleague and close friend. We had intimate talks with each other and worshipped together in the Temple.
God’s Promise
1 John 1:9
But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.
Prayer
Lord God, Peter denied Jesus but later found forgiveness and strength. Please help me to stay faithful and seek forgiveness when I make mistakes. Thank you that your love restores us into a good relationship with you again. Amen
Jesus is crucified
AMemory Verse
John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.
Wisdom for Life
Ecclesiastes 3:2 He sets the time for birth and the time for death ...
Read : Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23 and John 18-19
t dawn the next day, the chief priests and teachers of the law got together.
“Are you the Son of God?” they asked Jesus. “Yes,” Jesus said.
The people were horrified, because they thought he was telling them he was like God. They wanted to have Jesus killed, so they took him to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. He was the only one who could give a death sentence.
They told Pilate that Jesus was turning the people against him, although it wasn’t true. Pontius Pilate questioned Jesus and found that Jesus had done nothing wrong.
But the chief priests and the teachers told the crowds in the streets that Jesus should be killed. They began to shout, “Crucify him!”
During the Passover Festival, the Roman governor always freed a prisoner. So Pilate asked the crowd, “Whom shall I free? Jesus or Barabbas?” Barabbas was a murderer and a rebel.
The people shouted, “Let Barabbas go!”
Pilate didn’t want to sentence an innocent man to death. So Pilate said he was going to have Jesus whipped.
But the crowd kept on shouting, “Crucify him!”
Eventually, Pilate gave in to the crowd.
The soldiers gave Jesus a red robe and put a crown of thorns on his head. They made fun of him. Then they took the robe off him and whipped him. After that, they
gave Jesus one of the heavy beams of his cross to carry, and they took him to a place called Golgotha. There they nailed him to a cross with two criminals.
Jesus prayed for his enemies, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.”
Jesus hung on the cross for many hours. At noon, the sky turned dark. It stayed dark for three hours.
Then Jesus cried out, “Father, I give my life to you.” And then he died.
Some of Jesus’ friends were watching from a distance. They were very sad.
Psalm 22:1-2, 17-18
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come. During the day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer; I call at night, but get no rest ... My enemies look at me and stare. They gamble for my clothes and divide them among themselves.
God’s Promise
Isaiah 53:5
But because of our sins he was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did.
We are healed by the punishment he suffered, made whole by the blows he received.
Lord God, thank you for Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross where he died to save me from my sins that separated me from you. I believe that Jesus was the Son of God. Help me to remember your love and to live a new life with you close to me always. Amen
Jesus rises from the grave
JMemory Verse
Romans 6:8
Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Wisdom for Life
Ecclesiastes 4:12
Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.
Read : John 20:1-20
esus’ followers wrapped his body in clean linen cloths. Then they put him in a tomb that was cut out of the rock, like a cave, and rolled a big stone in front of the entrance.
The day after Jesus died was the Sabbath day, so everyone stayed home. Early the next morning, Mary Magdalene and some of the other women went to the tomb. It was still dark, but Mary could see that the stone wasn’t in front of the entrance. Mary was frightened and ran back to the city and told Peter and John. They ran to the tomb. When they went in they saw that Jesus wasn’t there. They were sad because they didn’t understand that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Peter and John went home again, but Mary stayed near the tomb. She was so sad that she began to cry. Then she looked into the tomb again and saw two angels sitting on the bench where Jesus’ body had been.
They asked her, “Why are you crying?”
“I don’t know where to find Jesus,” Mary answered. Then she turned around and saw a man standing there. She thought he was the gardener. The man asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
Then the man said her name, and she recognised him. It was Jesus!
Jesus told her, “Go to the disciples. Tell them that I have risen from the dead, and that I am going to ascend to my Father in heaven.”
Mary was very happy. She had seen Jesus. He was alive! She went back to the disciples and told them what Jesus had said.
That same evening the disciples were all together. They had locked the doors because they were afraid. Suddenly Jesus stood there with them.
“May peace be with you!” he said. Then he showed them his hands and his side. It was really Jesus. And he was alive!
Thank you, God, for your victory over death. When Jesus rose from the grave, he brought new life and hope. Help me live in joy and freedom because you promise victory over death to me too. Amen
Psalm 16:8-10
I am always aware of the LORD’s presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.
God’s Promise
Romans 6:9
We know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again. Death will no longer rule over him.
Jesus ascends to heaven
AMemory Verse
John 14:2
There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for you.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 19:23
Obey the LORD and you will live a long life, content and safe from harm.
Read : Luke 24:50-53 and Acts 1:1-11
fter Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples saw him often, and he showed them that he really was alive. He spoke to them about God’s kingdom.
One day they were eating together when Jesus said, “Do not leave Jerusalem to go back to your homes in Galilee. Stay here. Wait here because the Holy Spirit is going to come to you. He will help you to follow me, and he will also teach you everything you need to know.”
The disciples gathered around Jesus and asked, “Lord, are you going to be Israel’s king now?”
Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is not like a kingdom in this world. His kingdom is wherever he rules in people’s hearts. You are going to be part of his kingdom. You will need the Holy Spirit to help you. When he comes, you will not be afraid anymore. You will tell people about me, first of all here in Jerusalem, and then further away in Judea and Samaria. Later you will travel to faraway places to tell people about me. At last, after many, many years, everybody on earth will know about me.”
Jesus led his disciples to the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem. Then he lifted up his hands and while he was blessing them, he was taken up into heaven.
The apostles watched until a cloud hid him from their sight. Then two men dressed in white clothing suddenly stood beside them. They asked, “Why do you stand here looking at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. But he will come back in the same way you saw him go.”
The disciples were full of joy. The Holy Spirit was always going to be with them, wherever they were. The disciples worshipped Jesus and then went back to Jerusalem. They knew something very good was going to happen.
Psalm 47:5-7
God goes up to his throne. There are shouts of joy and the blast of trumpets, as the LORD goes up. Sing praise to God; sing praise to our king!
God is king over all the world; praise him with songs!
God’s Promise
John 14:3
And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
Prayer
God, thank you for preparing a place for me with you. When you ascended to heaven, you promised to be with us always. Please help me to trust your promise and to seek your presence every day. Amen
The Holy Spirit comes
AMemory Verse
Acts 1:8
“But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 15:8-9
The LORD is pleased when good people pray … loves those who do what is right.
Read : Acts 1:14-15 and 2:1-21
fter Jesus had gone up to heaven, the disciples came together regularly to pray. The women joined them, as well as Jesus’ mother Mary and his brothers. After a while there were about 120 people who regularly came to the room to pray.
Jesus had been crucified on the day of preparation for the feast of Passover. Fifty days after Jesus rose from the dead was the feast of Pentecost. On that day the Jews offered the first grain of the new season to the Lord. Jews from every country came to the feast, and there were many people in Jerusalem.
On the day of the feast of Pentecost Jesus’ followers were in the room where they usually met, praying together and waiting for the Holy Spirit. Suddenly they heard a sound like a strong wind blowing. It filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw something that looked like fire in the shape of tongues. The flames separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in languages they had not known before. The Spirit gave them the ability to do this.
A crowd soon gathered outside the house where the believers were. They wondered what was happening there. Suddenly they heard the men who were gathered in the house speaking to them in their own languages. They were amazed. They asked, “Aren’t all these people from Galilee? And yet we understand every word they say. How can they speak in our languages? What is going on?”
But some of the people in the crowd started laughing. “They drank too much wine!” they said.
Then Peter stood up and explained that God had sent his Spirit to them. That was why they were not afraid anymore. They knew that the Holy Spirit was with them, helping them and showing them what to do and what to say. It was a wonderful day!
Psalm 96:2-3
Sing to the LORD, and praise him!
Proclaim every day the good news that he has saved us.
Proclaim his glory to the nations, his mighty deeds to all peoples.
God’s Promise
Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, “Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God’s gift, the Holy Spirit.”
Lord Jesus, thank you that the Hoy Spirit enabled your followers to speak about you in the languages that other people could understand. Help me to also speak about you to my friends. Amen
The beginning of the church
TMemory Verse
1 Corinthians 12:27
All of you are Christ’s body, and each one is a part of it.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 13:14
The teachings of the wise are a fountain of life; they will help you escape when your life is in danger.
Read : Acts 2:14-47
his is what Peter said to the crowd on the day that the Holy Spirit came.
“What is happening here is not something new. The prophets of Israel spoke about it long ago. The prophet Joel said that God was going to pour his Spirit on everyone who believed in Jesus. And everyone who believed in Jesus, would be saved.”
Then Peter told them about Jesus. God had sent Jesus to live among his people and he had done many miracles through Jesus. Jesus helped many people. Then he was betrayed and the Roman governor ordered him to be crucified. Jesus died on the cross. However, that was not the end. God raised him from the dead. He appeared to the disciples and to many other people before he went to heaven to be with God. Then God had sent his Holy Spirit to the believers. That was why the disciples were not afraid anymore. The Holy Spirit was in them.
Many people were convinced that Peter was speaking the truth. They asked, “What should we do?”
Peter replied, “Turn away from your sins and believe in Jesus. Be baptised in the name of Jesus. Then your sins will be forgiven. You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
About 3 000 people accepted Peter’s words and they were baptised that very day. They were the very first church.
Every day the believers met together in the temple courtyard. They listened to everything the apostles taught, and praised God. They often gathered together to pray and they shared everything they had. They sold property and other things they owned and gave the money to the disciples to give to those in need. Everyone was amazed at what God was doing. They saw how the disciples healed people, just as Jesus had done. Everyone respected the believers. And every day the Lord added new members to their group.
And that was how the church began.
Psalm 96:1-3
Sing a new song to the LORD!
Sing to the LORD, all the world!
Sing to the LORD, and praise him!
Proclaim every day the good news that he has saved us.
Proclaim his glory to the nations, his mighty deeds to all peoples.
God’s Promise
Matthew 16:18
And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it.
Father God, thank you for the church as my family in Christ. Help me to be part of this family and to learn and grow in faith and love with your people. Amen
Peter and John heal a beggar
TMemory Verse
Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that he will forgive your sins ...
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 19:17
When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the LORD, and the LORD will pay you back.
Read : Acts 3:1-16
he new church was growing. More and more people began to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. Their hearts were joyful and they loved meeting together. They often went to the temple to praise God.
One afternoon Peter and John decided to go to the temple for the time of prayer. On their way they passed a beggar. This beggar could not walk. He had been like this from the day he was born. His friends used to carry him to one of the temple’s gates, the Beautiful Gate. There he sat and begged from the people who went to the temple. In the evenings his friends fetched him and took him home.
The man called out to Peter and John and asked for money.
Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold. But I’ll give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.”
Then Peter took him by the right hand and slowly helped him up. Suddenly the man’s feet and ankles felt strong.
He could stand! The beggar stood up straight and tall for the first time in his life, and then he began to walk. He walked all on his own into the temple courtyard. Then he got so excited that he soon began jumping up and down and praising God.
Everyone saw that the happy man was the beggar who used to sit at the gate, the one who could not walk. They were amazed at what had happened to him. What a wonderful thing God had done through his followers Peter and John!
Everyone came running over to see this miracle, but Peter said, “You should not be surprised. God did this. He raised his Son Jesus from the dead. He can heal a beggar, too.”
Psalm 103:2-5
Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.
God’s Promise
James 5:15
This prayer made in faith will heal the sick; the Lord will restore them to health, and the sins they have committed will be forgiven.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your healing power. Help me to bring hope and care to those in need around me.
Amen
Stephen dies because of his faith in Jesus
SMemory Verse
John 16:33
The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!
Wisdom for Life
Job 2:10
... Even in all this suffering Job said nothing against God
Read : Acts 6-7
oon there were so many believers that the apostles could not take care of all of them. The apostles gathered all the believers together and asked them to choose seven men to serve as deacons. One of the seven men chosen was called Stephen.
Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He did many miracles among the people. Many people praised God for Stephen, but others were jealous. The teachers of the law arrested Stephen and found witnesses who were willing to tell lies about him. They said, “This man speaks against the temple and against the law.”
The teachers of the law looked at Stephen while the witnesses were speaking. They saw that his face was shining like an angel’s face.
The high priest asked him, “Are these people telling the truth?”
Stephen stood up and began to speak to the people. He told them the story of the Israelites. He told how God had led the Israelites from Egypt to the promised land. He also reminded them how they had often disobeyed God. This made the priests and teachers of the law very angry. Stephen looked up to heaven and said, “Look! I see heaven.
I see Jesus standing at God’s right hand. He is God’s Son.”
When the Sanhedrin heard this, they began to yell at the top of their voices. They all rushed at Stephen and dragged him out of the city. They began to throw stones at him to kill him.
When the people began to take off their coats, they put them at the feet of a young man named Saul. He was a very clever young Pharisee and he hated the followers of Jesus.
Stephen began to pray. He said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord!
Please forgive them their sins.” And then he died. He was the first one of Jesus’ followers who died because he believed in Jesus.
Psalm 31:14-15
But my trust is in you, O LORD; you are my God. I am always in your care ...
God’s Promise
Matthew 10:22
Everyone will hate you because of me. But whoever holds out to the end will be saved.
Prayer
Father God, thank you for Stephen’s courage. He stood firm in faith, even in the face of danger. Please help me to be brave and to stand strong in my beliefs like him. Amen
A
man from Ethiopia becomes a follower of Jesus
AMemory Verse
Ephesians 2:14
For Christ himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people ...
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 25:25
Finally, hearing good news from a distant land is like a drink of cold water when you are dry and thirsty.
Read : Acts 8:26-40
fter Stephen was killed, the other believers were also attacked and treated badly. One of the worst attackers was Saul. He went from house to house to find the believers and arrest them. Many of the believers left Jerusalem and went to other towns. Now they could tell even more people about Jesus.
During this time, an angel told the apostle Philip to go south and to walk on the road through the desert between Jerusalem and Gaza. Philip obeyed and on the way he met a man travelling in a chariot. He was an important man from Ethiopia. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship in the temple and was now on his way back to Ethiopia.
Philip heard the Holy Spirit speaking to him. “Go to that chariot. Stay near it,” he heard.
Philip heard the man reading aloud from the prophet Isaiah. “Do you understand what you’re reading?” Philip asked.
“No!” the man said. “I wish someone could explain it to me.”
The man was reading about someone who was treated badly and then killed. He did not know that he was reading about Jesus. Philip explained that part of scripture to him and told him that it was about Jesus. Then he told him that Jesus had died on the cross and that his heavenly Father had raised him from the dead.
The Ethiopian man wanted to become a follower of Jesus. When they came to some water they stopped, and Philip baptised him.
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away. The official did not see him again. But he went on his way full of joy. He had become a follower of Jesus.
And Philip? He was seen next at a place called Azotus. From there he travelled all around the area, telling people about Jesus. More and more people were hearing the good news and becoming believers.
Psalm 67:1-4
God, be merciful to us and bless us; look on us with kindness, so that the whole world may know your will; so that all nations may know your salvation.
May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you!
May the nations be glad and sing for joy, because you judge the peoples with justice and guide every nation on earth.
God’s Promise
Romans 10:13
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Lord, thank you for the Bible. The Ethiopian man found joy and truth in your Word. Please help me learn from the Bible and follow you with joy. Amen
Saul becomes a follower of Jesus
IMemory Verse
Romans 5:10
We were God’s enemies, but he made us his friends through the death of his Son ...
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 10:27-28
Obey the LORD, and you will live longer. The hopes of good people lead to joy.
Read : Acts 9:1-22
n Jerusalem, Saul , the young Pharisee, went to the high priest and asked permission to arrest the Lord’s followers who had gone to Damascus.
On his way to Damascus something happened that changed Saul’s life. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground. Then he heard a voice that said, “Saul! Why are you against me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus,” he heard. “Now get up and go into the city. There, someone will tell you what to do.”
The men who were travelling with Saul just stood there. They could not say a word. They had seen the light and heard the sound, but they did not know what was happening. At last Saul got up from the ground. He opened his eyes, but he could not see. The others had to take his hand and lead him to Damascus.
Saul was blind. He stayed in his room for three days. He did not eat or drink anything.
One of the believers in Damascus was called Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision and told him to go to a house and ask for a man called Saul who would be praying. The Lord said, “You must put your hands on him so that he can see again.”
Then Ananias went to the house and put his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “you saw the Lord Jesus on the road. He has sent me so that you will be able to see again. You will be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Right away Saul could see again. He also believed in Jesus and he was baptised.
When Saul got his strength back, he spent the days with the believers in Damascus. Soon he began to preach in the synagogues. He said that Jesus was the Son of God. Everyone was amazed to hear that Jesus’ great enemy was now his follower.
Psalm 30:10-12
Hear me, LORD, and be merciful! Help me, LORD!”
You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance; you have taken away my sorrow and surrounded me with joy. So I will not be silent; I will sing praise to you. LORD, you are my God, I will give you thanks for ever.
God’s Promise
Acts 26:18
You are to open their eyes and turn them from the darkness to the light and from the power of Satan to God, so that through their faith in me they will have their sins forgiven and receive their place among God’s chosen people.
God, thank you for changing hearts. Help me be open to change and share your love with others. Amen
Paul travels to spread the Good News
SMemory Verse
Acts 28:31
He ... taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking with all boldness and freedom.
Wisdom for Life
Proverbs 16:3
Ask the LORD to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.
Read : Acts 17:10 – 18:1 and 28:31
aul was also known as Paul, and is called Paul in the Bible. Paul travelled to many cities and countries to spread the good news that Jesus was the Saviour. When Paul was travelling through Greece, he visited Athens. He was upset to see how many statues of gods there were in the city.
The Greeks loved to debate, and they had different groups who used to discuss various topics. They became interested in Paul’s words. They said, “Please explain the strange things that you are talking about. We have never heard anything like this before!”
Paul began by telling them about the Lord God who made the world and everything in it. He gives life to everything on earth and he does not live in temples. He is not a statue. He is almighty and all-powerful, but he loves people and wants them to believe in him. God also raised his Son, Jesus, from the dead.
Some of the people listening to Paul believed his words and became followers of Jesus. Others did not believe at all. They laughed at Paul.
Those who believed became followers of Jesus and started a church. Paul taught them about Jesus and how to follow him. Then he left and went to Corinth, another important city in Greece.
This was Paul’s life, travelling from one place to the next. In every city he also worked so that he could earn enough money to keep on travelling. He was a tentmaker, and wherever he went he repaired people’s tents. He got to know many people in this way.
Paul also wrote many letters to the new believers he left behind in the cities. Many of those letters were kept and became part of the New Testament.
Psalm 96:2-3
Sing to the LORD, and praise him!
Proclaim every day the good news that he has saved us.
Proclaim his glory to the nations, his mighty deeds to all peoples.
God’s Promise
2 Timothy 2:9
I suffer and I am even chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not in chains ...
Prayer
Lord, thank you for Paul’s journeys. He travelled far and wide to share Jesus’ message of hope. Help me to be a messenger of your love wherever I go. Amen
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Scripture taken from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version –Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
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Author: Thea Brink Illustrations: Chris Venter Layout: Zelda Botha
