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.

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 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.

Jesus Is Promised

Jesus is Promised | Isaiah 9:6-7, Micah 5:2
Bottom Line: Jesus is good news for everyone.
Conversation Starter: What is the best news you’ve ever heard?

To start off the month, though, we’re hopping back in time to look at the most important prophecies of Jesus’ birth. Isaiah lived in a tumultuous time as the northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed and enemies closed in on Judah. But God gave Isaiah words of hope and peace for God’s people then… and for the whole world. “A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. His rule will be based on what is fair and right. It will last forever.” That news makes me want to cheer! Then Micah points to a ruler who would be born in Bethlehem. More incredible news.

Gabriel Visits Mary

Gabriel Visits Mary | Luke 1:5-66
Bottom Line: God always had a plan to send Jesus.
Conversation Starter: What are your plans this Christmas?

Week 2 brings us to the stories of Mary, Zechariah, and Elizabeth. After hundreds of years with no recorded word from God, the rescue plan was set in motion. God sent angelic messengers with amazing news to Zechariah and to an ordinary girl named Mary. While Zechariah couldn’t quite believe that he was part of God’s plan, Mary chose to humbly accept her role as the mother of God’s own Son. No matter how we respond, God’s rescue plan can’t be stopped.

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal | 1 King 18:16-45
Bottom Line: God can do the impossible.
Conversation Starter: What seems impossible to you?

We start off with Elijah on Mount Carmel. King Ahab had led the people far from God, and for three years, the land had received no rain. But Elijah was so confident in God that he challenged 450 prophets of Baal to a duel-by-fire-from-heaven. These prophets placed their confidence in a false god. But when Elijah called out to the one true God, the answer was explosive!

Jonah

Jonah  | Jonah 1–3
Bottom Line: God knows what’s best.
Conversation Starter: What keeps people from doing their best?

During week 2, we’ll meet a prophet known for his lack of confidence. God told Jonah to go preach to Israel’s enemies. But Jonah didn’t trust God to take care of him—so he hopped onboard a ship heading in the opposite direction. A storm blew up, and Jonah ended up in the belly of a giant fish. Jonah cried out to God and was spit up on dry land. But when he reluctantly traveled to Ninevah and the people actually repented, Jonah just about choked on sour grapes, unable to handle God’s mercy to his enemies.

Daniel and the Lions’ Den

Daniel and the Lions’ Den | Daniel 6
Bottom Line: God is always with you.
Conversation Starter: When have you felt alone?

In week 3, we discover that Judah was conquered and many Israelites taken to Babylon, including Daniel. But even though Daniel grew up in a foreign nation, he placed all his confidence in the one true God. Because of his wisdom from God, Daniel was given a position of authority by several kings. But as an old man, he faced an incredibly difficult choice—to pray to an earthly king or to continue placing his confidence in God alone… which would mean a trip to the lion’s den.

Esther

Esther | Esther
Bottom Line: God can help you stand up for others.
Conversation Starter: When has someone stood up for you?

Next up, in Week 4, we’re back in foreign lands with the story of Esther. After catching King Xerxes’ eye, Esther was made queen. But when a plot was set in motion that would destroy all the Jewish exiles in Persia, Esther knew that even her royal position couldn’t save her. So relying on her confidence in God, she went before the king to beg for the lives of her people.

Nehemiah

Nehemiah | Nehemiah 1–4 and 6:1-15
Bottom Line: God can help you do big things.
Conversation Starter: What do you need help with?

We wrap up with Nehemiah, who served as an advisor to King Artaxerxes. But when he received news that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, Nehemiah’s heart broke, too. He boldly asked the king for permission to return to his homeland and rebuild. Once Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he discovered the job was bigger than he imagined. But with confidence that God would be with them, Nehemiah rallied the people for an epic building project.

Samuel Anoints David

Samuel Anoints David | 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Bottom Line: God helps you make the wise choice.
Conversation Starter: What does it mean to be wise?

We’ll start off the month with God sending Samuel to choose Israel’s next king. Even though David was the youngest and least important of Jesse’s sons, Samuel listened to God and wisely chose to anoint David. We immediately see the wisdom of Samuel’s choice, as David relied on wisdom from God to defeat Goliath with only a slingshot and a stone.

David & the Psalms

David & the Psalms | Psalm 1:1-4 (Supporting: Psalm 23:1-2; 8:1; 18:2)
Bottom Line: If you want to be wise, focus on God.
Conversation Starter: How do you know what’s wise?

In week 2, we’ll take a look at David’s life, from his days in the fields as a shepherd to his reign as one of Israel’s best kings. We’ll focus on the Psalms that David helped to write and collect, including Psalm 1:1-4, along with Psalm 23:1-2; 8:1; and 18:2. In Psalm 1, we discover that wise people focus on and find joy in God’s laws. They soak up God’s Word like a tree rooted by the river draws up fresh water.

Solomon Chooses Wisdom

Solomon Chooses Wisdom | 1 Kings 3:4-15 (Supporting: Proverbs 15:1; 3:5-6; 17:17)
Bottom Line: You can ask God for wisdom.
Conversation Starter: When do you need wisdom?

In week 3, we take a look at David’s son Solomon. Israel was a mighty nation when Solomon became king as a young man – and he knew that he couldn’t lead the people well on his own. So instead of fame or riches, Solomon asked God for wisdom. And wow, did God deliver! Solomon became known as one of the wisest men to ever live, in spite of later mistakes he made. During his life, Solomon collected wise sayings, many of which are recorded in Proverbs. We’ll take a look at Proverbs 15:1; 3:5-6; and 17:17.

The Kings

The Kings | 1 & 2 Kings
Bottom Line: Be wise because your choices matter.
Conversation Starter: Why do your choices matter?

We’ll wrap up the month in First and Second Kings. Yes, you heard that right – we’re taking a high-level roller coaster ride through all the kings of Israel and Judah! We’ll land on a few kings, like Rehoboam and Ahab, who led the people far from God with their foolish choices. And we’ll highlight several more, like Hezekiah and Josiah, who made wise choices, leading the people back to God.

Moses

Moses | Exodus 3-6:12, 7-12:42, 13:17-14:31
Bottom Line: God can give you courage when you don’t feel ready.
Conversation Starter: When have you tried something new?

Though he’s a larger-than-life figure to us now, Moses actually didn’t feel prepared for any of the challenges he faced. When God called to Moses out of a burning bush and told him to go to Pharaoh, Moses protested—even when God gave him signs. But God was patient with Moses and gave him the courage and help he needed to go before Pharaoh and order the release of God’s people. God helped Moses to brave the ten plagues and the flight from Egypt. And God helped Moses to stand firm when God’s people were trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army.

Joshua and the Spies

Joshua and the Spies | Numbers 13–14:35
Bottom Line: God can give you courage when others are afraid.
Conversation Starter: What are people afraid of?

After a long journey through the wilderness, Moses and God’s people neared the land that God had promised to them. But when Moses sent out twelve spies to survey the land, they came back with mixed reports. While the spies all agreed the land was full of good things, ten of the spies were fearful of the people who lived there in strong, walled cities. Joshua and Caleb alone encouraged the people that God was with them and would help them take the land. But when God’s people gave in to panic instead of listening to Joshua, God told Moses the people must now wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Only Joshua and Caleb would live to enter the Promised Land.

Rahab Helps the Spies

Rahab Helps the Spies | Joshua 2
Bottom Line: God can give you courage to help someone in need.
Conversation Starter: When has someone helped you?

Nearly forty years later, it was at last time for God’s people, now led by Joshua, to enter the Promised Land. But the strong-walled city of Jericho guarded the entrance to the new land. So Joshua sent two spies into the city, where they met a woman named Rahab. Instead of reporting the men, she risked everything to hide them from danger. Because of this, Rahab and her family were saved when God’s people conquered Jericho.

Ruth

Ruth | Ruth 1
Bottom Line: God can give you courage when you don’t know what’s next.
Conversation Starter: What is the bravest thing you’ve ever done?

When Naomi returned home to Bethlehem from Moab, after losing her husband and sons, she expected to go back alone. But her daughter-in-law Ruth chose to give up her homeland and everything she knew to make the long journey to Bethlehem with Naomi… even though she had no idea what would happen to her there. Once they arrived, Ruth continued to help her mother-in-law. Because of Ruth’s courage, God gave her a new family, and Ruth even became part of the family line of Jesus.

Creation and the Fall

Bible Story: Creation and the Fall | Genesis 1–2:3
Bottom Line: You can trust God no matter what.
Conversation Starter: How do you know you can trust God?

In the beginning—the very beginning… God created everything, including people! We were made to live in perfect friendship with God forever. But when people turned away from God, sin entered the world. Everything was broken, including our relationship with God. But God already had a plan to rescue us and restore that relationship… and everything else in the whole world.

Noah

Bible Story: Noah | Genesis 6–9
Bottom Line: You can trust God even when you don’t understand.
Conversation Starter: When is it hard to trust God?

After Adam and Eve left Eden, few people loved God. But Noah did. When God told Noah to build an enormous boat, Noah trusted and obeyed, even though the ark likely took decades to construct. Noah continued to trust, even when God instructed him to go into the ark with animals of every kind. He trusted even through 40 days of rain and many long months on the flood waters. And in the end, God delivered Noah and his family.

God Chooses Abram

Bible Story: God Chooses Abram | Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-6
Bottom Line: You can trust that God has a plan.
Conversation Starter: What does it look like to trust God?

From the beginning, God had a plan to restore us—and this rescue started with a man named Abram. God called Abram to leave his home and travel to an unknown land, where God would make him into a great nation. God promised that the entire world would one day be blessed through Abram’s family. And though Abram was already old he trusted God’s plan and set out into the unknown.

Jacob’s Dream

Bible Story: Jacob’s Dream | Genesis 28:10-22
Bottom Line: You can trust that God is with you.
Conversation Starter: What helps you remember that God is with you?

Abram, later Abraham, had a son named Isaac, who had twin boys named Jacob and Esau. Though Jacob was younger, he tricked his brother out of both a birthright and a blessing. Afraid that Esau would kill him, Jacob ran away from home. In the wilderness, God appeared to Jacob in a dream of angels ascending and descending a stairway to heaven. And even though Jacob was a deeply flawed man on the run, God renewed the promise that he had given to Abraham.

Joseph

Bible Story: Joseph | Genesis 37; 39–45
Bottom Line: You can trust God when things get tough.
Conversation Starter: When has something bad turned into something good?

Though Jacob had twelve sons, he chose a favorite: Joseph. When Joseph’s dreams got him into hot water with his brothers, they sold him to be enslaved in Egypt. There, Jacob gained the respect of Potiphar and was put in charge of his household—until he was lied about and thrown in prison. Still, Joseph trusted God. He worked hard and put in charge of the other prisoners. At last, Joseph was called to interpret a dream for Pharaoh, who was so impressed that he elevated Joseph to second in the kingdom. Years later when Joseph’s brother came to Egypt for food during a famine, Joseph forgave them and invited the whole family to Egypt.

Life Like Jesus

Bible Story: Forgive One Another (Jesus Forgives Peter) | Colossians 3:13
Bottom Line: Forgive one another
Key Question: What makes it hard to forgive?

This week, we explore the concept of forgiveness by examining the relationship between Jesus and Peter. Although it’s not always easy, we are called to forgive one another, just as Jesus forgives us. The story focuses on Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, who made a big mistake. Even though Peter messed up, Jesus chose to forgive him. This serves as an example of how we can show Jesus’ love to others.

Live in Peace with One Another

Bible Story: Pray for One Another (The Church Prays for Peter) | 1 Timothy 2:1
Bottom Line: Pray for one another
Key Question: Why is it important to pray?

This week’s lesson centers on the power of prayer, highlighting how we can support one another through prayer. The Bible story tells of Peter’s arrest and the early church’s response. When Peter was in trouble, the other believers prayed for him. Their prayers were answered in a miraculous way, demonstrating that God hears our prayers and wants us to connect with Him.

Look Out for One Another

Bible Story: Care for One Another (The Good Samaritan) | Galatians 6:2
Bottom Line: Care for one another.
Key Question: How can you show someone you care?

In this lesson, kids will learn about caring for one another through the story of the Good Samaritan. We are called to care for our neighbors, which means showing love and compassion to anyone in need, even those who are different from us. The story emphasizes that caring for others involves action and going above and beyond what is expected.

Encourage One Another

Bible Story: Teach One Another (The Great Commission) | Romans 15:14
Bottom Line: Teach one another.
Key Question: Who taught you to live like Jesus?

This week’s lesson focuses on teaching others about Jesus and sharing our faith. Just as Jesus sent his disciples to teach others, we are also called to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. The lesson encourages kids to reflect on their own faith journey and consider how they can teach and show God’s love to others.

Life Like Jesus

Bible Story: Live Like Jesus | Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:1-8
Bottom Line: Live Like Jesus
Key Question: How can we live like Jesus?

Jesus heals a woman who had been suffering for a long time after she touched his clothes. Jesus showed kindness and love to her, providing healing and peace. This story teaches us how to love others by stopping for them and showing kindness.

Live in Peace with One Another

Bible Story: Saul and Barnabas | Roams 12:18
Bottom Line: Live in Peace with One Another
Key Question: What does it mean to live in peace?

Barnabas acts as a peacemaker between Paul and the other disciples who were afraid of Paul because he used to persecute Christians. Barnabas’s love and peacemaking allowed Paul’s ministry to flourish. This story shows us how to love others by being a peacemaker.

Look Out for One Another

Bible Story: Jesus Heals on the Sabbath | Philippians 2:4, Luke 6:6-11
Bottom Line: Look Out for One Another
Key Question: Who’s looking out for you?

Jesus was in a place where people were resting. There was a man there whose hand didn’t work right. Some people thought Jesus shouldn’t help the man because it was a day for resting, not working. But Jesus knew it was important to help the man, so He healed his hand! Jesus showed us that helping someone is more important than following rules that don’t really help people.

Encourage One Another

Bible Story: Encourage One Another | Hebrews 10:24-25
Bottom Line: Encourage One Another.
Key Question: When has someone encouraged you?

The transformation of Paul’s life and his efforts to encourage other believers. Paul demonstrated how to love others by encouraging them through letters and visits, following Jesus’s example. This week emphasizes loving others through encouragement.

Accept One Another

Bible Story: Peter and Cornelius | Romans 15:7, Acts 10
Bottom Line: Accept One Another.
Key Question: How does it feel to be accepted?

The meeting between Peter and Cornelius, arranged by God, to show that Jesus’s love is for everyone. Peter, a Jew, learns to love Gentiles like Cornelius. This story teaches that loving like Jesus means loving everyone.