MARCH: JESUS IS OUR FRIEND!
"Jesus is the center of our faith,
Christ-centered community is the center of our life,
and reconciliation is the center of our work."
Palmer Becker, August 5, 2005
Christ-centered community is the center of our life,
and reconciliation is the center of our work."
Palmer Becker, August 5, 2005
Concept:
Jesus is the center of our faith - and Jesus is our friend! Jesus is beside us as we work and play. He wants to know us, he wants us to talk to him. And when we need a friend, Jesus always shows up. This month, we take a look at how Jesus befriended a woman in Samaria.
(Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash)
Concept:
Jesus is the center of our faith - and Jesus is our friend! Jesus is beside us as we work and play. He wants to know us, he wants us to talk to him. And when we need a friend, Jesus always shows up. This month, we take a look at how Jesus befriended a woman in Samaria.
(Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash)
Read It: John 4:4-30 Shine On pg 40, The Peace Table 50
The woman in this story is going about her everyday life, doing her daily chore of getting water from the well. Jesus meets her in the middle of her ordinary life. He asks her for help - he’s thirsty! He knows her, and he lets her know him. He gives her hope. It’s an unlikely friendship, because they are from different groups of people that weren’t expected to mix with each other very much. But Jesus surprises and Jesus finds a way.
The woman in this story is going about her everyday life, doing her daily chore of getting water from the well. Jesus meets her in the middle of her ordinary life. He asks her for help - he’s thirsty! He knows her, and he lets her know him. He gives her hope. It’s an unlikely friendship, because they are from different groups of people that weren’t expected to mix with each other very much. But Jesus surprises and Jesus finds a way.
Pray It
Hi Jesus. Here’s something from my day that was really good (name it). And here’s something that was hard/something I wish would have been different (name it). I have a question (ask it). Thanks for being my friend. Amen.
Hi Jesus. Here’s something from my day that was really good (name it). And here’s something that was hard/something I wish would have been different (name it). I have a question (ask it). Thanks for being my friend. Amen.
Do It:
- Unimaginary Friend: Children have fantastic imaginations, and often have imaginary friends. Harness that imagination to help them sense their unimaginary friend Jesus. Model and initiate an ever-present, playful, caring Jesus. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Set a place at the table for Jesus. As you eat together, share about your days, and imagine together how Jesus responds to each person. How would he listen and respond with compassion? What questions might he ask?
- In moments that might hold anxiety for your child, invite Jesus to come along. For example, on the way to get immunization shots at the doctor, tell Jesus to get his shoes on and hop in the car with you.
- When your child has a big emotion, hold them and tell them Jesus is right here with them. Say what you think Jesus is saying to your child - or ask the child what Jesus is saying to them.
- Approach prayer at the end of the day a little differently. Sit with your child and say, “Jesus wants to hear about our day. What shall we tell him?” Let that friendly conversation with Jesus be your prayer.
Explore it: A Note from Tami
God is almighty! But God/Jesus is also our friend! Jesus said, “You are my friends.” (John 15:14) And that dichotomy can be difficult to comprehend both for children and for adults. I found this article helpful.
God is almighty! But God/Jesus is also our friend! Jesus said, “You are my friends.” (John 15:14) And that dichotomy can be difficult to comprehend both for children and for adults. I found this article helpful.
- Jesus on Friendship
- Kids Can Be Friends With Jesus shares several ways to teach your kids to be friends with God.
