3, 4 & 5 Year Olds

JANUARY 1 - JESUS GROWS UP

KEY CONCEPT: WE CAN LEARN ABOUT GOD.

“AND JESUS GREW IN WISDOM AND STATURE, AND IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MEN.
1 Luke 2:52

Parents read: Luke 2:40-52. It’s hard to imagine what Jesus was like as a child, because the Bible doesn’t have many details. Maybe He was a boy with tons of energy. Maybe He loved swimming with His friends. We do know He was obedient to His parents. And above all, we know Jesus desired to be close to God. As He grew older, He continued to learn about God. He desired nothing more than to please His Father. He was curious with questions and eager to spend time teaching others about God. As He grew older, He continued to learn about God. He desired nothing more than to please His Father. He was curious with questions and eager to spend time teaching others about God. Jesus grew close to God and walked with Him every day of His life.

Walking with God is what Christ desires for us as well. He wants us to understand more about Him, to be strengthened by His love, and to become His friend. Christ wants us to know our wonderful Father and grow in relationship with Him.

KEY CONCEPT: JESUS HELPED HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND WE CAN TOO.

“LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER…”
John 4:7

Parents read: John 2:1-11. There are many times when Jesus set Himself aside and showed love by doing miracles and helping others. It didn’t matter what His agenda was for the day—Jesus put other people first. It didn’t matter if He was tired –He helped others. It didn’t matter who the people were or what walk of life they came from—He spent time with them and tended to their needs.

Our weekdays get so busy with things we feel must be done, but Jesus is asking us to look past ourselves. Who could use some help from you? Have you taken time to spend with your friends and learn their needs? Who is Christ asking you to befriend?

KEY CONCEPT: JESUS LOVES US AND WANTS US TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM.

“….I HAVE LOVED YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE…”
Jeremiah 31:3

Parents read: Luke 10:38-42: Imagine Jesus knocks on your front door. He’s looking for shelter, and He’s right there on your doorstep. You let Him in, of course. But once Jesus is in your home, what do you do?” Maybe you’re like Martha. You’re distracted by your surroundings. There is so much to do and so little time to do it all. The house is a mess, you haven’t done laundry in days, and you have no idea what you will make for dinner. So you invite Jesus to have a seat as you tend to your work, but consider this; your household
distractions are taking away from precious time with Jesus. Maybe you’re like Mary. Jesus knocks, you invite Him in, and you sit down at His feet. As you listen, you are drawn closer to Him. You don’t want to miss out on this precious time with Jesus.

Daily, Jesus invites you to look past the distractions in your life and sit down at His feet, just like Mary. He longs to spend time with you, because He knows your relationship with Him will only grow through time with Him.

KEY CONCEPT: JESUS CAN DO ANYTHING. HE ALWAYS CARES FOR ME!

“HE CARES FOR YOU.”
1 Peter 5:7b

Parents read: John 11:1-44: Even among the billions of people in the world—past, present and future—God knows you. He knows you by name. Doesn’t that say how much He cares for you? You are valued and loved by your Creator. He is longing for you to call out to Him so He can care for you.

KEY CONCEPT: JESUS CAN DO ANYTHING! I CAN ASK HIM FOR HELP.

“…PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING. TELL GOD WHAT YOU NEED…”
Philippians 4:6

Parents read: Matthew 8:5-13: Jesus hears you. You don’t even have to ask in a fancy way. Just say “Help.” Jesus wants you to call Him. He’s waiting. He’s listening. He’s available. Jesus can see your problems. He knows what direction you should turn, when to sit and wait, when to keep on walking. He’ll help you.