The Parent Weekly for March 5th, God is Faithful
What we learned today
Big Idea: God is faithful
John the Baptist. Isaiah 40v3; Matthew 3. God prepares the way for Jesus through John the Baptist.
Where we're headed next time
Big Idea: God leads
Temptation in the Wilderness. Matthew 3v13–17; 4v1–11. Jesus faces temptations from Satan while in the wilderness and responds with Scripture.
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
In Jesus’ day, baptism was seen as nothing unusual. According to Jewish tradition, baptism was one of many ceremonial purification rites.
Unlike some Christian customs, where individuals may be baptized only once, those in Jewish society might be baptized many times depending on the circumstances.
John asked his audience to repent, turn from their sins, and be baptized. This led the way to a wholly new baptism, one that symbolized being formed into a new creation.
Connect as a family
Ask your children how they would feel if they didn’t eat for a day. Two days? How about 40 days? Read Matthew 3v13–17 and 4v1–11. Explain that Jesus fasted, which means He turned the time and energy He would have used to prepare and eat food into time to God. People today still fast to spend more time with God. Pray about something you could fast from this week. It could be food, but it may be television, video games, or something else that uses your time and energy. Ask God to reveal His power to your family through this time of fasting.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
What happened when Jesus was baptized?
Why did Jesus go out into the wilderness?
How did Jesus respond to Satan’s temptations?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God Leads 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 God fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit. May God’s Spirit lead you each day.
