Easter 

Easter  | Matthew 26:31-32, 36,47-50; 27:1-2, 11-66; 28:1-8

Jesus eats a special meal with His friends, the disciples. He tells them He will die but that He come back to life. Even though Jesus is God’s Son, Jesus chooses to die on a cross to rescue everyone. On the third day, an angel rolls the stone away and tells His friends, “Jesus is alive!” They run to share the good news—Jesus is alive and Jesus wants to be my friend forever!

Breakfast on the Beach

Breakfast on the Beach  | John 21: 1-14 

Peter and some of the disciples go fishing, but they don’t catch anything. A man on the shore tells them to cast their nets again but on the other side of the boat, and then they catch tons of fish! The disciples realize the man on the shore is Jesus, and Peter jumps into the water and swims to the shore. Jesus cooks breakfast and eats with His friends on the beach. Jesus loves spending time with us, too, because Jesus wants to be my friend forever!

Great Commission

Great Commission   | Matthew 28:16-20

Jesus meets the disciples on a mountain, and He gives them a big job to do—go everywhere and tell people about Him, and teach them what He said. Jesus promises to always be with them. Jesus wants us to tell people about God’s love, too—and we never do it alone! Jesus wants to be my friend forever!

Heaven

Heaven  | John 14:3; Revelation 21, 22:1-5

Jesus promises to make a home for all of His friends, and He shows John what heaven is like—it’s God’s perfect home with no sadness, crying, or pain. We will live with God forever and never say goodbye! Jesus is preparing a place for everyone who loves and follows Him. One day we’ll live forever with Him in heaven—the most wonderful home ever—all because Jesus wants to be my friend forever!

John the Baptist Is a Witness About Jesus

John the Baptist Is a Witness About Jesus | John 3:22-36
Bottom Line: Jesus must increase. I must decrease.
Conversation Starter: How can I show others that Jesus is better?

Throughout the month, we take a look at humility in the life of Jesus, and in the lives of people He encountered. In Week 1, followers of John the Baptist are up in arms about all the people going to follow Jesus. He’s the competition, right? But John the Baptist is secure in his calling—that his whole purpose is to point people to Jesus, rather than to himself.

A Roman Commander Has Faith

A Roman Commander Has Faith | Matthew 8:5-13
Bottom Line: Remember God is most important.
Conversation Starter: How do you show that God is important?

In Week 2, meet a Roman commander who comes to Jesus for help. Instead of asserting his power and status, the man humbly asks Jesus to heal his servant. The commander even trusts that Jesus is so powerful that He only needs to speak and the boy will be made well.

Be Humble/Love Your Enemies

Be Humble/Love Your Enemies | Matthew 5:38-48
Bottom Line: Love like Jesus even when it’s hard.
Conversation Starter: How can you show kindness to someone who makes you mad?

We follow up in Week 3 with Jesus’ teaching to “turn the other cheek” and “go the extra mile.” Rather than paying back our enemies in kind, we show they can’t control us when we choose to love like Jesus … and trust God to make things right. Bottom Line: Love like Jesus even when it’s hard.

Mary and Martha

Mary and Martha | Luke 10:38-42
Bottom Line: Make time for Jesus first.
Conversation Starter: How can you make time for Jesus?

Week 4 brings us to the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha whips up a frenzy of activity to prepare for their guests, Mary simply sits at the feet of Jesus. When Martha finally explodes about her sister, Jesus doesn’t send Mary to work. Instead, Jesus affirms that what Mary has done in spending time with Him is even more important than doing things for Him.

Palm Sunday/Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

Palm Sunday/Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet | John 12:9-16, 13:1-17
Bottom Line: Jesus showed us how to be humble.
Conversation Starter: When has someone put you first?

We wrap up the month as Jesus approaches Jerusalem during Passover week. Days after entering Jerusalem on a donkey, to the cheers of a multitude, Jesus celebrates the Passover meal with His closest friends. Instead of demanding that He be served, Jesus takes on the role of the lowliest servant by washing His disciples’ feet … even those of Judas, His betrayer.

Water to Wine 

Water to Wine  | John 2:1-11 

Jesus, His disciples, and his mother, Mary, are at a wedding when the family hosting the wedding runs out of wine. Mary goes to Jesus, because she knows He can help. Jesus tells some people working at the wedding to fill six large stone jars with water. When the person in charge of the wedding tastes the drink, he knows it is the very best wine. Jesus turned water into wine! Nothing is too hard for Jesus because Jesus is God’s Son. Jesus is amazing!

Coin in the Fish’s Mouth 

Coin in the Fish’s Mouth  | Matthew 17:24-27 

Some men ask Peter if Jesus pays the temple tax. Peter says “Yes!” and then he quickly goes to ask Jesus about paying the tax. But before Peter can even ask Jesus about it, Jesus tells him what to do. Jesus tells Peter to go fishing and he will find a silver coin inside the first fish he catches. So, Peter goes fishing. And when he catches a fish and looks inside its mouth, he sees a silver coin—just like Jesus said! Jesus did something no one else can do. Jesus is amazing!

Centurion  

Centurion   | Matthew 8:5-13

An important soldier called a centurion goes to Jesus for help because he KNOWS Jesus can make a young man in his house all better. Jesus is ready to go to the young man, but the centurion believes Jesus’ power is so great that Jesus doesn’t need to come to his house. Jesus is amazed at his faith and says: “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened” (Matthew 8:13 NLT). And right then, the young man was healed. Jesus is SO powerful that all He has to do is speak! Jesus is amazing!

Jesus Walks on Water

Jesus Walks on Water  | Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-21

Jesus’ friends, the disciples, are on a boat in the middle of a storm, and they see someone walking on the water! They are so afraid … until Jesus says it is Him! Peter asks if he can walk to Jesus on the water, and when Jesus says yes, Peter steps out on the water and walks toward Jesus. But Peter becomes afraid and begins to sink, so Jesus reaches out and saves him. When they get into the boat, the fierce storm stops, and the disciples are amazed. Jesus can do anything because Jesus is amazing!

Palm Sunday 

Palm Sunday  | Matthew 21:1-11, John 12:12-15

Jesus and His disciples are going to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. Jesus tells two of His disciples to find a donkey and its colt. They bring them to Jesus, and Jesus rides the little donkey into the city. Crowds make a special path for Jesus with coats and palm branches. They shout, “Hosanna! Hosanna! which means “Please, save us!” God gave us Jesus to show us how much God loves us, and we can celebrate Jesus because Jesus is amazing!

What Is Theology?

Lesson: What Is Theology?
Bottom Line: Theology is learning what is true about God from the Bible.

Memory Verse: What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13

This week, we introduce theology as simply knowing and understanding who God is. Kids will learn that everyone believes something about God, but theology helps us build our beliefs on what is true. We’ll explore why it matters that what we believe shapes how we live, and we’ll begin laying a foundation for a faith that is thoughtful, confident, and rooted in Scripture.

What Is God Like?

Lesson: What Is God Like?
Bottom Line: God is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present.

Memory Verse: Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2

This week, we explore the attributes of God — who He is and what He is like. Kids will discover that God is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly loving. Rather than imagining God however we want, we’ll learn that God reveals Himself to us through His Word, and what He reveals is bigger and better than we could ever invent.

God the Father

Lesson: God the Father
Bottom Line: God the Father is Creator and King who loves us and calls us His children.

Memory Verse: See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

This week, we focus on God as our Father, creator, judge, and Father who calls us his children. Kids will see that God made everything with purpose, lovingly cares for His creation, and rules with righteousness and fairness. We’ll help them understand that God’s fatherhood is strong, wise, and trustworthy.

God the Son

Lesson: God the Son
Bottom Line: Jesus is fully God and fully man — our Redeemer, Intercessor, and Lord.

Memory Verse: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

This week, we turn our attention to Jesus, fully God and fully man. Kids will learn that Jesus didn’t just teach about God — He is God the Son who came to rescue us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus makes a way for us to be forgiven and brought into a relationship with God.

God the Spirit

Lesson: God the Spirit
Bottom Line: The Holy Spirit is God with us, helping us follow Jesus every day.

Memory Verse: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

This week, we discover who the Holy Spirit is and what He does. Kids will learn that the Holy Spirit is not a force, but a Person — fully God — who lives with us and in believers. He teaches us, guides us, comforts us, and helps us grow to become more like Jesus.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus | John 3:1–21
Bottom Line: God loves the whole world.
Conversation Starter: Where have you seen God’s love?

We start off as Nicodemus visits Jesus at night. While Nicodemus struggles to understand how a grown-up could be born again, Jesus challenges him to see with new eyes. John, recording this scene, interprets for us: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”

The Most Important Commandment

The Most Important Commandment  | Matthew 22:34–40 (Exodus 20:1–21)
Bottom Line: Love God. Love others.
Conversation Starter: How have others shown love to you?

During Week 2, we explore the Most Important Commandment. Several religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a trick question: basically, choose your top commandment so everyone can take you down for picking the wrong one. Just how many rules are we talking here? We revisit the original Ten Commandments in Exodus, as well as the additional 603 laws and the extras added around them by the religious leaders. Instead of debating, Jesus rolls them all into two simple commands.

Daniel and the Lions’ Den

Zacchaeus | Luke 19:1–10
Bottom Line: The love of Jesus can change things for the better.
Conversation Starter: How can love change things?

In Week 3, Jesus singles out Zacchaeus, a tax collector who has scrambled up a tree for a better view. Instead of scolding Zacchaeus for stealing from his neighbors, Jesus invites himself over to the tax collector’s house for a party. Profoundly changed by Jesus’ love and acceptance, Zacchaeus offers to pay back anyone he has cheated—four times as much!

Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter and a Suffering Woman

Jesus Heals Jairus’ Daughter and a Suffering Woman | Mark 5:21–43
Bottom Line: Show the love of Jesus to people in need.
Conversation Starter: How can you show love to others?

We wrap up the month with Jairus, a synagogue leader, who begs Jesus to come heal his gravely ill daughter. While Jesus is on the way, a desperate woman with a chronic illness pushes through the crowd to touch his robe… and is instantly made well. Jesus doesn’t discriminate between the wealthy and the outcast; instead, he responds to anyone in need.

Jesus and the Children

Jesus and the Children | Mark 10:13-16

People bring children to see Jesus, but the disciples try to stop them, thinking Jesus doesn’t want to spend time with children. But Jesus corrects them and says, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them!” Jesus takes the children in His arms and blesses them. He shows the disciples—and everyone—that children are important to Him. They are important to God’s kingdom! And Jesus loves them.

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Sheep | Luke 15:3-7

Jesus tells a story about a shepherd who has 100 sheep … until he loses one. The shepherd leaves the 99 and searches until he finds the lost one. Then he joyfully carries it home and celebrates. Jesus tells this story to show that He loves everyone like the shepherd loves his sheep. He sees us—no matter where we are or what we’ve done—and He seeks us out to bring us close to Him.

Mary and Martha 

Mary and Martha  | Luke 10:38-42

Martha welcomes Jesus into her home and busies herself with preparations, while her sister Mary sits and listens to Jesus teach. Martha is upset and asks Jesus to tell Mary to help her, but Jesus gently tells her that Mary has chosen what is better—spending time with Him. Jesus reminds Martha—and us—that being with Him is more important than doing things for Him.

Jesus Forgives a Woman 

Jesus Forgives a Woman  | John 8

Jesus is teaching when a group of people brings Him a woman who was caught doing something wrong. The people want to know if Jesus will keep God’s rules or show God’s love. Jesus tells them that anyone without sin can punish the woman, and one by one, they all leave. Jesus tells the woman to do what God wants her to do, but He does not punish her. Jesus shows us that God sent Him to love and forgive us, because Jesus loves us no matter what!

Young Jesus

Young Jesus | Luke 2:41-52

The Bible teaches us that we can talk about God with others, and young Jesus at the temple is a great example of it! When Mary and Joseph realized that young Jesus was not with them, they hurried back to Jerusalem to look for Him. Meanwhile, Jesus was right where He knew He should be, in His Father’s house talking with important teachers. The Bible teaches us that everyone who heard Jesus was amazed. Jesus talked about God to others, and we can talk about God to others, too.

Philip

Philip | Acts 8:26-35

The Bible teaches us that we can hear from God through Philip’s story. Philip was a follower of Jesus, and he understood God’s Word. So, when God told Philip to go and help a man sitting in a chariot understand God’s Word, that’s exactly what Philip did. Philip ran up to the chariot and explained what the man was reading from God’s Word. The man was so happy, and he followed Jesus, too! Philip heard from God, and we can hear from God, too.

Paul and Silas

Paul and Silas | Acts 16:16-40

The Bible teaches us that we can pray to God. Paul and Silas were sitting in a dark jail cell, and they began singing and praying to God! Paul and Silas knew that they could talk to God anytime, anywhere, about anything, so that’s what they did. They had no idea that their prayers would end up changing the life of the jailer who was guarding them as well as his entire family. They all ended up following Jesus! Paul and Silas prayed to God, and we can pray to God, too.

Tabitha and Timothy

Tabitha and Timothy | Acts 9:36-39; Timothy 4:12

The Bible teaches us that we can live for God. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, God wants you to live for Him. Tabitha loved Jesus. She was always doing good and making clothes for people who needed them. Timothy was a young man who loved Jesus, too. He didn’t let his age keep him from living for God. Timothy taught others about God and showed others how to love like Jesus. Timothy lived for God and helped a lot of people follow Jesus. Tabitha and Timothy lived for God, and we can live for God, too.

The Angel and Mary

The Angel and Mary | Luke 1:26-33, 38

God loves us so much that He sends an angel to a young woman named Mary with amazing news. The angel tells her not to be afraid, because she will have a baby—God’s Son—whose name will be Jesus. Mary is surprised but listens, and God’s great gift of love begins with this promise. How do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus.

Jesus is Born

Jesus is Born | Luke 2:1-7

Mary and Joseph travel a long way to Bethlehem, where Mary gives birth to God’s Son, Jesus. Mary wraps baby Jesus in cloth and lays Him in a manger. God loves us so much that God gave us Jesus! How do we know God loves us? God gave us Jesus.

Jesus at the Temple

Jesus at the Temple | Luke 2:41–52
Bottom Line: Practice talking about God.
Conversation Starter: Who can you talk to about God?

We start off the month meeting Jesus as a 12-year-old. As usual, Jesus traveled with his family to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. But on the way home, NOT as usual, Mary and Joseph discovered that Jesus was missing! They raced back to Jerusalem and, at last, discovered Jesus in the Temple, talking with the teachers and asking questions. Everyone was amazed at His understanding. And here’s a little Easter egg for you: after Jesus went home with His parents, we read in Luke 2:52 that “Jesus became wiser and stronger. He also became more and more pleasing to God and to people.” That’s where “252 Kids” comes from!

The Lords Prayer

The Lords Prayer  | Matthew 6:9–13
Bottom Line: Practice praying to God.
Conversation Starter: What do you pray about?

In Week 2, we follow Jesus to a mountainside where he taught what’s known as The Sermon on the Mount. At the heart of the sermon, we find the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus shared this simple, but profound, way for His followers to talk to God—acknowledging who God is, asking for God’s Kingdom to come and requesting what we need, like forgiveness and provision and protection. It’s both a beautiful link to the church throughout the ages and a template that kids can use to talk to God in their own words.

The Wise and Foolish Builders

The Wise and Foolish Builders | Matthew 7:24–27 (supporting: John 10:27–28)
Bottom Line: Practice hearing from God.
Conversation Starter: How can you hear from God?

We’re staying in The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus wraps up his teaching with the story of the Wise and Foolish Builders. Anyone who hears Jesus’ words and actually DOES them is like a wise man who built his house on a solid foundation of rock. When a wild storm whipped up, that house stood strong. But people who hear Jesus’ words and don’t follow through are just like a foolish man who slaps together a home on the sand—one that collapses when the wind comes. Truly hearing from God means putting what you hear into action. Kids can be confident that God does speak to them because, as we read in John 10:27–28, Jesus is the good shepherd and we are His sheep. And a sheep KNOWS the shepherd’s voice.

Jesus Chooses Levi

Jesus Chooses Levi | Luke 5:27–32
Bottom Line: Practice living for God.
Conversation Starter: What does it look like to live for God?

We wrap up the month with Jesus calling Levi, also known as Matthew, to follow Him. Levi was a tax collector, and no one liked tax collectors. They were seen as traitors to their people since they collected taxes for the Roman government… and skimmed plenty off the top for themselves. When Jesus showed up, Levi suddenly faced a huge decision: stay in his lane and live for comfort—or step out in faith and follow Jesus. As we know, Matthew made the leap. He even welcomed Jesus to his house for dinner and invited other tax collectors and outcasts to share this new freedom. From that point, Matthew spent his entire life following Jesus and sharing the story of Jesus.