The Parent Weekly for March 15th, Jesus Seeks and Saves
What we’re learning this week
Big Idea: Jesus Seeks and Saves
Zacchaeus. Luke 19v1–10. Jesus went to Zaccheaus’ house.
Where we’re headed next time
Big Idea: Jesus is Deliverer
Last Supper. Matthew 26v14–35. Jesus shared the passover meal with His disciples before His death on the cross.
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started.
God instituted Passover right before He freed His people from the worst and final of the plagues in Egypt—the death of the firstborn. The Passover meal reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness and pointed to a time when He would establish a new covenant with His people.
The traditional Passover meal included unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and roasted lamb. Unleavened bread, or bread without yeast, represented the hasty way the Israelites left Egypt during the Exodus; the bitter herbs symbolized the harshness of life as slaves; and the roasted lamb reminded the Israelites of how God “passed over” the homes with blood on their doorposts.
Jesus was the perfect and final sacrifice—the Lamb of God who takes away our sins.
Connect as a Family
Choose a time this week to enjoy a meal together as a family. Find a way to make the meal feel festive. You can set the mood for celebration just with your attitude, but if you have the time and means, add some other special elements, such as balloons, special dishes, candles, or a special dessert. Before you eat, read Matthew 26v14–35. Ask your children what they know about the meaning of Passover. Share with them about the foods in the Passover meal and the meaning of each item (from the Did You Know? section). Share with your children that Jesus became our once-and-for-all sacrifice when He died on the cross.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these thoughts together:
For what was Jesus preparing His disciples?
What did Jesus say the bread and the cup represented?
How is Jesus our Deliverer?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how Jesus is deliverer into your everyday life as a family.
Blessing
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you play and run and jump in the freedom that Jesus has won for you. May your heart rejoice because you know that Jesus is your Deliverer.
