YE2B.1 · Activity Page
Psalm 23:1-3
Isaiah 53:5-7
Isaiah 53:6
Ezekiel 34:11-12
Matthew 9:35-36
Matthew 12:11-12
Luke 15:1-7
John 10:4-5, 11-16
FLEECE - a sheep’s wooly coat
ASTRAY - wander off
Mary had a little lamb
whose fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went,
the lamb was sure to go.
It followed her to school one day,
which was against the rules.
It made the children laugh and play
to see a lamb in school.
This nursery rhyme helps us learn something about sheep. What did the lamb do that was against the rules? Sheep like to follow someone. That’s why they have a shepherd.
Have you ever visited the zoo or a farm and seen sheep up close? They have thick, wooly coats and skinny, little legs. Sheep do not have claws like a cat. They don’t have sharp teeth to bite with. They can’t run fast to get away from their enemies. A sheep doesn’t have anything to use to fight for itself. A sheep needs a shepherd to keep it safe.
The shepherd’s job is to take care of his sheep. He keeps the sheep safe from danger. He goes into the field before the sheep to make sure there is nothing to make the sheep sick. He builds a pen out of rocks or sticks. That’s where the sheep sleep at night. The shepherd lays down in the doorway of the pen. This lets him know if any sheep try to leave the pen. The shepherd can keep any other animals away from the sheep. A good shepherd loves his sheep. He knows each one by name.
One day Jesus was teaching a great crowd of people. Some of the people had been very bad. They told Jesus they were sorry for what they had done. Jesus loved them and forgave them. But, some of the religious leaders didn’t think Jesus should accept the sinners. So Jesus told a story about sheep to help them understand.
Jesus asked, “If you had 100 sheep, and one of them wandered off, what would you do?” He explained that a good shepherd would want to find his lost sheep. Shepherds know that sheep cannot take care of themselves. One might fall off a cliff and get hurt. It might go too far and not know how to get back. It might even meet a wild animal and become its dinner! A good shepherd first makes sure that the 99 sheep are safe. Then he goes looking for his lost sheep. He looks everywhere he thinks the sheep might go. He has to think like a sheep!
Pretend you are a lost sheep. What would you do? Would you “baa, baa” to call your shepherd? Would you try to find your way home? Would you be frightened?
A good shepherd doesn’t give up until he finds his sheep. Then he carries it where it will be safe. The mother of the little lost sheep will be so happy!
Jesus said, “You people are all like sheep. You need someone to look after you. Everyone goes astray sometimes. You need someone who will love you and bring you back home.” Sometimes the shepherd shows how happy he is. He invites his friends over to celebrate. Jesus said that He is like that good shepherd. He wants everyone to know He is happy when sinners come to Him. Even the angels are happy when we are sorry for our sins.
Dear Father, I am one of your sheep. Thank you for being my Shepherd. Teach me to stay close to you and not wander away from your teachings. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Luke 15:4-5
Monday - Isaiah 53:5-6
Tuesday - Matthew 12:11-12a
Wednesday - John 10:4-5
Thursday - Psalm 23:1-3
Friday - Ezekiel 34:11-12
Saturday - Matthew 9:35-36
2 Chronicles 7:14
Psalm 51:10-12
Proverbs 28:13-14
Matthew 11:28
Luke 15:7
Luke 15:11-32
John 14:2-4
1 John 1:8-9
WEARY - tired
BURDENED - carrying a heavy load, such as worries
TABBY CAT - common striped cat
Oscar, the family cat, was a plain looking tabby cat—nothing special. Oscar liked to sleep on Dad’s desk. Sometimes he messed up Dad’s important papers. He liked to play with and chew on Dad’s pencils. Every morning Dad had to straighten up his desk. It was getting harder and harder to put up with the family cat!
One day Dad came home from work with a box. The children were excited. They peeked inside. It was a puppy! Everyone spent time with the new puppy. The children took him for walks twice a day. Mom cleaned up his messes. Dad taught him to sit and stay. They were very busy with the new puppy. Oscar started getting jealous.
One day he thought, “I’ll show them— I’ll run away from home. They will be sorry!” So, off he went—out into the big wide world. The first day was wonderful! There were new things to see. He chased birds. He hid in boxes. Oscar was enjoying his new-found freedom. But one day things changed. It started to rain. Cats hate getting wet!
Oscar saw a little house nearby. He ran to it! But someone was in the little house—a great big dog! The dog growled and snapped at Oscar. He chased Oscar out of his house. Now Oscar was wet and scared. He was also getting hungry. He saw an open trash can. In he jumped. Surely he could find something to eat here. But the owner came out with a broom in her hand. She swatted at Oscar with it. She knocked him into the street. Poor Oscar —wet, hungry, scared, and a little banged up!
Then Oscar thought, “I would rather be in my nice warm house with my family. I could even learn to like the new puppy.” So, Oscar headed home. The family was happy to see him. Dad made a box for him. Mom put in a nice warm blanket for him to lay on. It was so nice to be home!
There was a young man in the Bible who felt a lot like Oscar. He got tired of his father telling him what to do. He was jealous of his older brother. One day he went to his father and said, “Give me my half of the inheritance.” That was the money his father planned to leave his sons when he died. He didn’t even say “please”! He just took the money and left.
At first he had a good time. He spent money on parties for his friends. But one day his money ran out. He didn’t have a place to sleep. He didn’t have food to eat. Finally he took a job on a farm. He took care of pigs. He even slept with them! Have you ever seen where pigs live? Pigs love mud. They roll in it. They sleep in it. Would you like to live like that? The boy was so hungry he thought he might eat some of the pig’s food. Yuck! The young man was cold, tired, and hungry. He thought about his father’s house. He had a warm bed at home. There was plenty of food to eat. Why, oh why, did he ever leave? Why was he sitting here in the mud with the pigs? He said, “I will go home and tell my father I’m sorry. Maybe he will let me be like one of his servants. They have it better than this!” So the young man cleaned himself up as best he could and started for home.
Every day the father hoped to see his son again. One day he looked down the road. What was coming? It looked like a man. He knew it was his son! He told his servants to cook his son’s favorite foods. He told them to bring fresh, clean clothes and a ring. The father grabbed his son and hugged him. The boy didn’t have a chance to ask to be a servant. His father put a ring on his hand and new clothes on him. They all ate a wonderful meal. He was so glad to see his son.
We all make mistakes sometimes, like Oscar and the young man. We do things that make our family sad. We even do things that make God sad. Our Heavenly Father knows everything we do. When we are sorry for doing bad things, we will be forgiven. God loves us. And He is ready to forgive us if we are sorry for what we do.
Thank you Lord, for being my Heavenly Father and for loving me. Help me learn from my mistakes. I’m so glad that you forgive me when I am sorry for my sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday - Luke 15:18-19
Monday - 1 John 1:8-9
Tuesday - Proverbs 28:13-14
Wednesday - Psalm 51:10-12
Thursday - 2 Chronicles 7:14
Friday - John 14:2-4
Saturday - Luke 15:7
Psalm 19:8-9
Psalm 126:5-6
Psalm 128:1-2
Psalm 144:15
Proverbs 3:11-13
Matthew 5:3-10
Luke 6:20-26
Luke 15:10
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
James 2:5
1 John 1:2-4
HIVE - a home for bees
CONTENT - happy
DEBT - money owed to another person
ATTITUDE - feelings or thought
Sammy and Grandpa were out in the back yard. It was a warm summer day. Sammy closed his eyes and listened. He could hear the bees as they buzzed from flower to flower. They seemed to know just what to do. They seemed happy!
Sammy thought about his morning. He and his sister had a fight. His mother sent them to their rooms. Sammy was mad at his sister and his mother. “Grandpa, why don’t people get along like the bugs and animals?”
Grandpa showed Sammy a bee hive. Hundreds of bees were busy working. “These bees know the sweetest flowers,” said Grandpa. “They know their way home. They do their job as they are supposed to.”
He said, “God made the bees to make honey. As long as they do what they are supposed to do, they are content.”
Grandpa pointed to the pond. “Do you see that bullfrog? What would happen if he tried to act like a bee?” Sammy laughed. That fat frog couldn’t get into the bee hive to make honey. “God made bees pretty smart. They do what God created them to do,” Grandpa said. We can learn a lesson from bees. We will call it the “Bee Attitudes.”
Jesus went to the mountains around Galilee. He began to teach His followers how they could be happy. Jesus knew that these followers loved God. They wanted God to bless them.
Bee Needy! Do you want to be with God in His Kingdom? You can’t get there by yourself. You need God’s help. You can’t earn a place in God’s Kingdom. We all do things that are wrong. We need Jesus who died for our sins.
BeeSorry! Tell God you are sorry for doing bad things. He will not scold you, or send you to your room. He wants to love you.
Bee Gentle! Don’t demand your own way. Sometimes life just isn’t fair. Learn to give and share with others instead of always grabbing and taking. Be gentle and kind. Someday Jesus will give us everything we want.
Bee Dudley-Do-Right! Be “hungry” to do what is right. Search for the right thing to do. Do good, even when people treat you badly. Don’t get even! God will take care of that. You will feel better for doing what is right.
Bee Forgiving! There was once a man who owed his boss a lot of money. The boss wanted his money back. The man didn’t have the money. He begged his boss not to put him in prison. His boss forgave the debt. But when the man’s servant owed him money, he wasn’t so nice. The man put his servant in prison. Who do you think God will forgive? If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive others.
Bee Pure! Would you want to drink water from a dirty glass, with things floating in it? Don’t put anything into your body that is dirty. Jesus wants us to put clean things into our minds and bodies. Keep your minds and bodies pure and clean.
Bee a Peacemaker! A peacemaker will do all he can to stop a fight. He wants those who are fighting to be friends again. Have kind words to say to others, not hateful words. Bee a peacemaker super-hero!
Bee God’s Soldiers! We are in God’s army. Be strong, like soldiers. Someday God will take us to live in His Kingdom.
Dear Father, Thank you for all the wonderful things you have created—especially the bees! Please help me remember the lessons they taught me today. And help me have the right attitudes. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 128:1-2
Monday - Proverbs 3:11-13
Tuesday - 1 John 1:2-4
Wednesday - Luke 15:10
Thursday - Psalm 126:5-6
Friday - 2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Saturday - Psalm 19:8-9
Psalm 27:1
Psalm 27:1-4
Psalm 119:105
Matthew 5:14-16
Luke 2:30-32
Luke 8:16
2 Corinthians 4:5-7
Ephesians 5:6-8
1 John 1:5-7
Revelation 21:22-23
SNOWDRIFT - a heap of snow piled up by the wind
Living on the farm was a lot of work and a lot of fun! There were trees to climb and new baby animals born. Bobby and Charlie loved to swim in the pond with their friends. They loved to climb the apple trees. They ate red apples and helped their dad take them to market. But they loved winter best of all.
One night there was a big snow. The next morning, Bobby and Charlie hurried through their chores. They put on coats, boots, and mittens. They met their friends on the big hill. They were ready for an afternoon of fun.
All the children had a great time sledding down the hill. They built a snow fort. They made snowballs and then rolled them into larger balls. They stacked them on top of each other. They made the fort big enough to hide in. They played and laughed and slid down the hill all afternoon.
Snow started falling again. Some of the children headed for home. Charlie and Bobby wanted one more ride down the hill. The snow was packed down hard. The sled went very fast. They hit a bump and the sled turned over. Bobby and Charlie fell into a deep snowdrift. They were covered from head to toe with snow.
The boys were getting cold and hungry. And it was getting dark. It was hard to see as they walked through the woods. Were they going the right way? Both boys were scared. Why hadn’t they started for home sooner?
Off in the distance they saw a light. It was a wonderful sight! Bobby and Charlie followed the light to their own back door. They were glad to be safe at home. Mother had supper on the table. It was warm inside. They were thankful for the light that led them home.
The Bible says that Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus shows us the way to get to our Kingdom home. He will lead us safely, like a light. But we must follow Him. There is no need to be scared, as long as we follow in the way He leads us.
The Bible, God’s Word, is also a light for us to follow. God shows us in His Word how He wants us to live. He tells us that we are to obey our parents. We are to love one another. We must love God with all of our hearts. We must obey His Word. The path that leads to the Father is found In His Word. If we obey God’s Word, we will find the path. It will be like carrying a flashlight to light up your path.
Did you ever think of yourself as a light? The Bible says that you are. Jesus wants each of you to be like the light in the window and show others the way to Him. He wants you to obey God. Other people can learn about God by watching you. They will learn to love God from watching how you love Him. They may never have read the Bible. You will be the light for their path.
What happens if you put a basket over a light? It hides the light! We won’t be able to see if we hide the light. God wants us to keep our light shining—not hide it. He wants us to live for Him so that others will know that we love Him. He wants us to Keep the Lights On!
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Jesus to be my light. I do not have to be afraid. He shows me how to live now and how I can live with you someday in your Kingdom. Help me let my light shine for others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 27:1-4
Monday - 1 John 1:5-7
Tuesday - 2 Corinthians 4:5-7
Wednesday - Luke 2:30-32
Thursday - Matthew 5:14-16
Friday - Ephesians 5:6-8
Saturday - Revelation 21:22-23
Psalm 11:3-5
Isaiah 28:16
Matthew 7:24-27
Luke 6:46
Luke 6:46-49
Acts 20:32
1 Corinthians 3:10-13
Ephesians 2:19-22
2 Timothy 2:19
FOUNDATION - a hard base upon which houses are built
INSTRUCTIONS - words that teach us how to do something
Do you remember the story of the Three Little Pigs? One of the pigs built his house out of straw. One built his house out of sticks. The third little pig built his house out of bricks. The pigs were happy in their houses. Then one day the big bad wolf came along. He knocked on the door of the straw house. The little pig wouldn’t let him in. Then he blew really hard on the house. All at once, the straw house fell down flat! Next he went to the house made of sticks. He knocked on the door. He shouted for the pig to let him in. The second little pig wouldn’t open his door. So, the wolf huffed and puffed on that house. Down it fell. Finally he went to the house built out of bricks. Once more he knocked for the pig to open the door. Again the pig said no. So the wolf huffed and puffed. Nothing happened. He huffed and puffed some more. Still nothing! The wolf could not blow that house down. What important lesson do we learn from the pigs? It matters how a house is built!
Jesus had been up on the mountain teaching His disciples. Many other people came to hear Him teach. Soon there was a great crowd of people gathered. Jesus often used stories when He was teaching. Some people came just came to hear His stories. Others came because they wanted Jesus to heal them. Jesus wanted the people to understand how important it was for them obey His words, not just hear them. He used the story of the wise builder to help them understand the difference.
Jesus said that the person who hears and obeys His words is like a wise builder. The wise builder does not just put a house up anywhere. He checks the ground to make sure it is solid. Then to make it even more solid, he digs a hole and pours a concrete foundation. That will make his house strong and ready to face storms and hard winds. It will not be harmed.
Jesus also told about a man who built his house on the sand. He didn’t bother about a foundation. He just put the house right on the beach. Storms came to that house, too. The house on the sand began to move when it started raining. The wind soon completely destroyed the house. Have you ever built a sand castle on the beach? The castle fell flat when the tide came in and got it wet. That is what happened to the foolish builder’s house. Which one of these two houses would you rather live in?
We are like the builders of these two houses. We are all building our lives. Every year we learn new things to help us become more like Jesus. Our Bible is like the strong foundation of the house. God has given us instructions for how we should live. We want our lives to be strong like the house with the foundation. That is why we should follow His instructions and obey His words. Troubles may come in our lives. We may get sick, but Jesus is the Great Healer. He tells us to bring our problems to Him in prayer. You may need help studying for a test in school. The Bible says that if we don’t understand something, we should ask God to help us. Everyone has problems, but they will not hurt us. We will be wise because we have built our lives on the strong foundation of God’s Word. We can trust God to love us and take care of us.
The person who doesn’t read and obey God’s Word is like the foolish builder. His life will not have a strong foundation. He will not know what to do when trouble or sickness comes to him. He will be frightened and angry. His life will end up in a mess, just like the house built on sand.
Dear Father, Thank you for giving me your Word to build my life on. Help me to not only hear your words, but to obey them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 7:24-27
Monday - Ephesians 2:19-22
Tuesday - Acts 20:32
Wednesday - Isaiah 28:16
Thursday - 2 Timothy 2:19
Friday - 1 Corinthians 3:10-13
Saturday - Psalm 11:3-5
Psalm 4:8
Psalm 29:2-4
Psalm 107:24-31
Psalm 120:1
Proverbs 3:23-26
Isaiah 26:3-4
Matthew 8:23-27
Mark 4:35-41
2 Peter 1:2-4
FAITH - complete trust or confidence
AUTHORITY - the power and right to command
It started out to be a great day. Pete, Jimmy, Mom, and Dad drove up into the mountains. They ate their lunch right next to a little stream. They watched fish jump and splash. Pete and Jimmy couldn’t wait to go fishing. The boys picked up their poles and ran off ahead of Mom and Dad.
The boys picked a spot and threw their lines in the water. They sat and waited. . . and waited. Nothing was biting. Dad said they could move upstream a way. They tried again. They sat for an hour, waiting. They were bored. They thought it would be more fun to go exploring.
The boys saw some large rocks to climb on. They played on the rocks all afternoon. They pretended they were in a fort, fighting Indians. They climbed to the very top of the rocks. They could see all the way to where Mom and Dad were fishing. They were having lots of fun. They didn’t notice the dark clouds gathering. They didn’t hear the rumble of thunder.
Crash! All at once the storm was upon them. Lightning flashed, thunder boomed. The wind blew hard. Crash! Now rain started to fall in great, big drops. The boys were in the middle of a very bad storm. Jimmy was scared. The rocks were slippery. They were afraid they might fall if they tried to climb down. Jimmy started crying.
Pete and Jimmy were in trouble. They prayed and asked the Lord to help them. After prayer, Jimmy felt better. He knew that God was with them. God could take care of them, even in a storm. Soon it stopped raining. The sun came out again. They were safe!
One day Jesus and His disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee. They were not fishing on this day. They spent the whole day teaching, and healing people who were sick. Finally it was time to go home. Jesus went to the back of the boat and fell asleep.
The disciples were talking about Jesus’ miracles. All at once waves started pounding the little boat. The wind was blowing very hard. The boat was tossed back and forth. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed. Rain poured down on the disciples. A large wave splashed over them and filled the boat with water. They thought their boat would sink and they would all die. They were very scared!
One of the disciples saw Jesus sleeping. He woke Jesus and said, “Lord, save us! We are going to drown!” They couldn’t understand how Jesus could sleep while they were in trouble. They thought He didn’t care what happened to them.
Jesus woke up and saw the storm. He stood up and asked, “Why are you afraid? Why do you have so little faith?” Then Jesus talked to the wind and the waves. What do you think Jesus said to them? He commanded them, “Peace, be still!”
The disciples couldn’t believe their eyes! They had never seen anyone talk to the wind and waves. And the storm obeyed Jesus! What kind of man was He? He was God’s Son. God gave Him power and authority over even the wind and the waves.
The disciples were afraid because they forgot who Jesus was. They forgot how much He loved them and how Jesus healed the sick. He had power that the disciples didn’t understand. All they had to do was tell Jesus about their trouble, and He took care of the storm.
Jesus is just as loving and powerful today as He was back then. He cares about you when you are in trouble. He knows when you are sick. He is with you when you are afraid. He just wants you to believe in Him. Talk to Him when you need help. Remember our verse for today, “I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.”
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me and caring for me when I am in trouble. Help me to remember to call on you instead of being afraid. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Matthew 8:25-27
Monday - Psalm 107:28, 29, 31
Tuesday - Isaiah 26:3-4
Wednesday - 2 Peter 1:2-4
Thursday - Proverbs 3:23-26
Friday - Psalm 29:2-4
Saturday - Psalm 4:8
Psalm 122:1
Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Isaiah 46:6-7
Mark 11:15-17
Mark 11:17
Luke 19:45-46
1 Timothy 2:7-8
1 Timothy 3:14-15
BLEATING - the sound that a sheep makes
It was the Sabbath day. Sandy was up and dressed early. She was excited about going to church with her parents. “Hurry, Daddy,” she said. “I don’t want to be late.” She picked up her Bible and YEA book. Sandy loved to go to Sabbath School to be with her friends. It was her favorite day of the week. She wanted to go to class by herself. She felt very grown-up with her own Bible and her own book. Sandy was six years old!
Sandy was the first one in class. She helped her teacher put chairs in a circle. She got out crayons and put them on the table. Sandy saw a table with boxes and cages on it. The teacher said they were animal cages and bird cages. Sandy wondered why they were in her classroom.
When everyone was there, the teacher asked if someone wanted to lead in prayer. Sandy said she would, but she wasn’t sure what to say. The teacher helped Sandy. Then everyone joined in the singing. This was Sandy’s favorite part. She loved to sing songs about Jesus. The teacher led them around the room as they sang, “Come and go with me to my Father’s house.” Their lesson was about going to church. She led them to their chairs. They sat in front of the table with the cages.
It was springtime—time to celebrate the feast of the Passover. Jesus went to the Temple in Jerusalem. The Temple was a beautiful building where people went to worship God.
God made very special rules for His house. He wanted people to know what they should and should not do. God’s rules are for our good. If we follow them, they make everything work better. Some people could go into certain rooms of the Temple. But, there was a room where no one except the High Priest could go. And he only went there once a year. God wanted people to come to the Temple to pray and to worship Him. They couldn’t see God, but they knew He was there.
Jesus knew people should be praying in the Temple. Why was it so noisy? He looked around at all the people. Instead of heads bowed in prayer, there were men waving money. They were not singing songs of praise. People were yelling, “Come buy my birds.” Bird feathers were floating in the air. There were sheep and cattle everywhere. The place smelled like animals!
Jesus was very upset. This was not right! He walked to one of the tables and turned it over. Money scattered all over the floor. He told the men to get the animals and birds out of the Temple. Sheep and goats were bleating. Doves went flying out of their cages. Can you imagine the noise? This was God’s house, not a market. They were to keep it clean, not make a mess.
Would you like your church building to be all dirty and full of animals next Sabbath? Is it right to sell things at church? God’s house should be a place where people come to sing and worship. It is where we learn about the Bible and the wonderful stories it contains. It is where we pray and thank God for the things He gives us. Jesus said when even a few people come to worship Him, He will be right there with them. We want to remember that when we come to Sabbath School and church. And act right when you come, because Jesus is here and it is His house.
Sandy thought about her Sabbath School lesson. She joined in singing the songs. She bowed her head when it was time to pray. She sat quietly listening to the message. She knew why Jesus had been angry when He went to the Temple. It is hard to listen and pray and sing with people doing the wrong things in church.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for our church. Please help us learn how to act in your house. Thank you for being here with us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 122:1
Monday - Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Tuesday - Luke 19:45-46
Wednesday - Mark 11:15-17
Thursday - 1 Timothy 3:14-15
Friday - Isaiah 46:6-7
Saturday - 1 Timothy 2:7-8
Psalm 147:1-3
Proverbs 18:24
Proverbs 27:10
Jeremiah 17:13-14
Matthew 4:24
Matthew 9:1-8
Mark 2:1-12
Mark 2:10
Luke 5:18-26
CAPERNAUM - a large, important city on the shore of the Sea of Galilee
CRIPPLED - not able to walk
How do you get to school or to church? Do you walk? Do you ride in your dad’s car? Do you ride your bicycle? There are many different ways to get from one place to another. Can you think of some more ways?
How would you get to the hospital if you were in an accident? Would your mom take you in her car? Would you ride in an ambulance? Some people even go to the hospital by helicopter.
Today’s lesson is about a man who was crippled. He needed to get to see Jesus. He heard that Jesus could make sick people well again. The man didn’t go by car. He didn’t go by ambulance or helicopter. Let’s see how he got to Jesus.
Jesus was in the city of Capernaum. It wasn’t long before people found out where He was staying. People followed Jesus everywhere He went. Soon the house was full of people. Some people even had to stand outside. Many came to hear what Jesus was teaching. Some came to see if He would perform a miracle. But, some people came to spy on Jesus. They were looking for something that would get him into trouble with the rulers.
There was a crippled man who lived in Capernaum. He wanted to see if Jesus could make him well again. But the man couldn’t walk. How would he get to Jesus? The man had four friends. They picked up him up on his mat and carried him.
They got to the house where Jesus was teaching. But, the house was full. They couldn’t get inside. They walked around and looked in the windows. There was no way they could get their friend inside. Then they saw some steps leading to the roof. The house had a flat roof like a porch. The friends had an idea. They carried the crippled man up the stairs and set him down. He watched as his friends made a hole in the roof.
All eyes were on Jesus inside the house. The people listened to everything Jesus had to say. All of a sudden, pieces of the ceiling started falling. People looked up and saw a hole. As the hole got bigger, they could see four men looking down from the roof. Then the four men tied ropes to the crippled man’s mat. They carefully lowered him down through the hole in the roof—right in front of Jesus.
Jesus saw the crippled man. He knew the man and his friends believed He could help. It took a lot of work to get this man to Jesus. Everyone waited to see what Jesus would do.
Jesus didn’t touch the man and heal him. He told the man that his sins were forgiven. This made the men who were spying on Jesus very angry. They said that only God could forgive sins. Who did Jesus think He was, anyway!
Jesus knew what these men were thinking. How could Jesus prove He was God’s Son? Jesus looked at the crippled man. He told him to get up and walk. Then he told the man to pick up his mat and go home. It was a miracle! The crippled man could walk! He was so happy he told everyone what Jesus did for him. All the people were happy. They praised God for giving Jesus such power.
What a wonderful Savior we have! He can make us well when we are sick. He gives us friends to help us. He gives you a mom and dad to take care of you. But most important, He can forgive our sins.
Dear Father, Thank you for being there for me when I am sick. Thank you for giving me friends, and thank you for forgiving my sins. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Mark 2:9-11
Monday - Jeremiah 17:13-14
Tuesday - Psalm 147:1-3
Wednesday - Proverbs 27:10
Thursday - Proverbs 18:24
Friday - Luke 5:18-20
Saturday - Matthew 4:24
Psalm 51:12-13
Matthew 9:9-13
Mark 2:13-17
Luke 5:27-32
Luke 5:32
Luke 18:13-14
Romans 5:6-11
Ephesians 1:6-8
Colossians 1:21-22
REPENTED - turned from sin; being sorry for doing wrong
Jenny’s birthday was coming. She would be six years old. She was having a birthday party. Who should she invite? Pam was her best friend. She was first on Jenny’s list. Jason was Pam’s little brother. He could come too. Chrissy and Kathy were twins. They were in her class at school. She would invite them. Then there were her cousins, Shelbie, Breanna, and Todd— they were always fun! Was there anyone else?
Paula was a new girl who lived down the street. Jenny wasn’t sure if she liked Paula. Jenny’s Barbie doll was missing. She was sure that Paula took it from the porch. Why should she invite her to the party? Mother said, “Maybe Paula is lonely. She really needs a friend. You could help her meet some of your friends. Jenny still didn’t like the idea. But she knew her mother was right. She added Paula’s name to her list.
It was a great party! Mom made chocolate cake with white frosting. There was a clown face on top. And there was ice cream too! They played lots of games. They played in Jenny’s new swimming pool. Jenny got lots of nice presents. Everyone had a good time.
The kids were all leaving. Jenny saw Paula standing by herself. She wanted to talk to Jenny. Paula thanked Jenny for inviting her to the party. She handed Jenny a paper bag. Was this another birthday present? Jenny opened the bag. Inside was her Barbie. Paula said, “I’m sorry, Jenny. I shouldn’t have taken your doll. I just wanted you to play with me. Will you forgive me?” What would Jesus want Jenny to do?
Many of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen. One day Jesus was walking down the road. He saw a man sitting in a booth. The man was a tax collector. He was collecting money for the king. Some tax collectors were not honest. They collected more than they should, then kept part of the money for themselves. They were cheating the people. Jesus didn’t scold the tax collector. He asked the man to be one of His disciples. Why did Jesus want someone who cheated to be a disciple?
This tax collector was named Levi—some called him Matthew. Matthew asked Jesus and His disciples to his home for dinner. Some of Matthew’s friends were there, too. They were also tax collectors.
The religious leaders heard that Jesus ate with tax collectors. They were upset. They asked, “Why would you do such a thing? Are you friends with men who cheat the people?”
Jesus told them that people who aren’t sick don’t need a doctor. You go to the doctor when something is wrong. These men needed Jesus’ help. Jesus knew they were sinners. He showed them that cheating was wrong. He would forgive them if they repented and did what was right.
Paula learned to do what was right. She was sorry for stealing Jenny’s Barbie and gave it back. Jenny forgave her. Jesus wants us to learn to do what is right. Are you sorry for doing bad things? Jesus will forgive you when you tell Him you are sorry.
Dear Father, Thank you for loving me. Help me learn to do what is right. Forgive me when I do things that make you unhappy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 51:12-13
Monday - Matthew 9:11-13
Tuesday - Luke 18:13-14
Wednesday - Romans 5:6-8
Thursday - Ephesians 1:6-8
Friday - Colossians 1:21-22
Saturday - Romans 5:10-11
Matthew 9:18-26
Mark 5:22-43
Mark 5:36
Luke 8:41-56
Romans 4:20-21
Romans 5:1-2
Romans 10:6-10
I Corinthians 15:54-56
2 Corinthians 4:13-15
2 Timothy 1:12-13
Hebrews 2:14-15
MIRACLE - a wonderful thing only God can do
It was the first day of school. The halls were crowded with parents and students. Everyone was looking for his classroom. Parents held the hands of kindergarten children. Older kids talked to friends and last year’s teachers. It was very noisy. Kids pushed and shoved.
It was like that when Jesus walked through Capernaum. The people heard that Jesus was in town. They pushed and shoved, just like in school. Everyone wanted to get close to Jesus. They wanted to see Him and hear Him teach. Jairus lived in Capernaum with his wife and daughter. His daughter had been sick for a long time. There were no hospitals as we have today. The doctor did all he could do. But the little girl didn’t get any better. Her parents worried as she got worse and worse.
Jairus heard that Jesus was in town. Jesus had made blind men see and crippled men walk. Could Jesus make Jairus’ daughter well? “Yes, I must believe,” thought Jairus. He had no other choice. He hurried to join the crowd in the street and pushed his way through the people. He could see Jesus. He wanted to speak to Him. Jesus just had to come and see his daughter.
Finally he got to where Jesus was. The man bowed to the ground. “Master, my daughter is very sick,” he said. “I believe she is dying. Please come and make her well again.”
Jesus saw Jairus was worried. He knew the man loved his daughter. Jesus said, “I will come.” But it was hard to get to Jairus’ house. Everyone wanted to talk to Jesus. They had questions for Him. Some wanted Him to heal them. Some just wanted to be near Jesus. What would it be like to be so close to Jesus?
Jesus stopped to heal a very sick woman. Then a servant said that it was too late for Jesus to come. Jairus’ daughter was already dead. Poor Jairus! Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” He told Jairus that his daughter would be okay.
Many people were at Jairus’ house. They were all crying because the little girl was dead. But Jesus said, “She is not dead—she is just sleeping.” He sent everyone away except her parents. Jesus went to the little girl’s bed. He told her to get up. How could she get up if she was dead? She started moving. She sat up in bed. Jesus said, “Bring her something to eat.”
Everyone was very happy. Jairus believed in Jesus and trusted His power. Now his little girl was alive again. It was a miracle! News like this spreads fast. Soon everyone knew that Jesus had healed the little girl.
Have you ever been afraid or worried? Jesus wants to help you during those times. He says He will never leave you. He says that He is stronger than our enemies. Jesus is ready to help you if you will just ask Him.
Dear Father, Thank you for loving me and helping me when I am in trouble. Help me to believe your Word and trust in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sunday - Romans 4:20-21
Monday - Romans 5:1-2
Tuesday - Romans 10:6-10
Wednesday - 2 Corinthians 4:13-15
Thursday - Hebrews 2:14-15
Friday - I Corinthians 15:54-56
Saturday - 2 Timothy 1:12-13
