God So Loved the World

Bible Story: God So Loved the World | John 3:16-17
Bottom Line: God took care of our greatest need.
Key Question: How has God met your needs?

Sometimes it’s easy to get so distracted by the things we want most in life, or that we don’t have, that we forget about the things we already DO have. Whether we have a little or a lot, God has given us each the best gift we could ever receive. We hope this question invites preteens to reflect on how God has shown up for them throughout their lives.

We start the month in John 3:16-17 where John writes about the greatest love of all. God loved us so much, that God sent Jesus to take our place because of our sin. God took the initiative by making a move to restore our broken relationship, allowing us to one day live with God forever.

Love is a pretty powerful thing. God knew we could never fix sin on our own and needed a Savior, so God sent Jesus to rescue us out of love for us. God didn’t just see a need but chose to do something about it, and when we put our trust in Jesus we can live with God forever.

Miriam Takes Initiative

Bible Story: Miriam Takes Initiative | Exodus 2:1-10
Bottom Line: Look for ways to help the people you love.
Key Question: Who do you see that needs your help?

Have you ever come across someone who looked super busy, was hurting, had questions, or seemed like they could use a little extra love and aid? What do you do in those moments? We hope this question gets preteens started thinking about the people in their lives—in any area—who they can help and how they can help them.

In week 2, we head to Exodus 2:1-10 where we find the Israelites facing tragedy. They had begun to grow so large as a nation that the pharaoh of that time grew scared and ordered all the newborn baby boys to die. Miriam and her mother took matters into their own hand, saving Moses, which eventually led to the saving of the rest of God’s people too.

Have you ever done something good for someone close to you without being asked? How did they react? Sometimes, we shouldn’t wait for an invitation or an ask to meet a need. When we allow God’s Spirit to move in us, we can look around us and make the first move to help those we care about.

Parable of the Talents

Bible Story: Parable of the Talents | Matthew 25:14-30
Bottom Line: Look for ways to use what you’ve been given.
Key Question: How can you use what you’ve been given?

Can you think of a time someone has complimented you about something that seemed to come naturally to you? God has given each of us unique gifts and wired us all differently, not just for the betterment of ourselves, but to impact those around us too. We hope this question allows preteens to start thinking about how the ways God made them are impactful.

In week 3, we head to Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus told His disciples a story about a rich man who left for a long journey and entrusted his servants with some of his money. Each one received a different amount, but at the end of the journey, the man was proud of his servants for using what they were given to double the investment. All except for one…

We’ve all been given something. Whether that’s knowledge and a big brain, money, skills, or something else! God has entrusted each of us with a gift and talent to use in various ways to make an impact. Some ways may not be as noticeable, but we can ask God for help as we figure out what God has in store for us and use what we’ve been given.

John’s Disciples Follow Jesus

Bible Story: John’s Disciples Follow Jesus | John 1:35-45
Bottom Line: Look for ways to tell others about Jesus.
Key Question: How did you first hear about Jesus?

Everyone has a starting point in their faith journey. Thankfully God has placed people in our lives to help us grow. We don’t have to figure out the hard parts on our own. We hope this question helps preteens think about their faith and who they can talk to when they want to learn more.

For week 4 we head to John 1:35-42 where we meet Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. One day as John was with his disciples, they saw Jesus walking by. Jesus was the very same man John had been preparing his disciples for! So when the time came, John’s disciples left to go follow Jesus, and that decision led to more disciples following Jesus as they began to tell one another about Him.

When you hear good news do you typically keep it to yourself? Probably not! You want to share it with everyone around you no matter how that happens: notes, video, facetime, email, etc. Good news is worth sharing, and Jesus is the best news of all. So what can you do to share Jesus with others?