The Gospel Project at Home: Jesus Gave Life and Healing
Read Scripture
Read all or parts of Matthew 9:18-34; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.
Preschool Bible Story Video
Elementary Bible Story Video
Talk About Scripture
Interstate 405 in Orange County, California, is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the United States. On an average day, the road is used by up to 374,000 cars! The morning and afternoon traffic has been known to move at a snail’s pace of 4 to 5 miles per hour. That’s a lot of traffic, and a lot of frustrated people who just want to get where they’re going!
Traffic is a nuisance. It always seems to pop up when you’re in a hurry and have no time to waste. No one likes to be hindered when they are on a mission to get things done, but we see a different approach from Jesus in the Gospels. Jesus was always on an important mission, yet He always had time to care for people in need.
Even when Jesus was on His way to an emergency at the house of Jairus, Jesus stopped and talked to the woman who touched Him. She had faith that just touching the edge of Jesus' garment could heal her sickness. Jesus took time to acknowledge her faith in Him. It wasn’t an inconvenience for Jesus at all because this was the mission He came to fulfill. When He heard that Jairus’ daughter had died, Jesus went to the house and raised her back to life!
Jesus was never too busy or moving too fast to give time to the people who needed Him most. Whatever need they had, Jesus had the power to help. Jesus knew our greatest need was to be rescued from our sins, and He took time to come to earth, die for us, and come back to life. Like the woman who touched Jesus, anyone who believes in Him will be healed of sin!
Jesus healed people and raised the dead to life. By doing this, He showed that He is the Messiah, the Son of God. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, He made the way for people to be healed from something even greater than disease or death. He made the way for us to be forgiven of our sin and have eternal life.
Pray: Thank You, Jesus, for always making time to be with people and meeting their needs. Thank You for meeting our greatest need by dying on the cross, coming back to life, and offering forgiveness to all who believe in You. Help us remember that You are near to us and that You have the power to save. Amen.
Learn Scripture
Preschool Scripture Music Video
Elementary Scripture Music Video
Family Prayer
Mornings: Ask Jesus to help you notice the needs of others today. Try to slow down and pay attention to those who may need an encouraging word or prayer. How can our care help others see Jesus?
Evenings: Ask God to give you patience and trust for the things you ask of Him. Ask for help in trusting that He always has a plan that is good. How do you think Jairus felt waiting on Jesus? Why can we trust Jesus to always do what He says He will do?
Family Activities
For Fun: Clear the kitchen counter or table of all items. Have each family member attempt to roll a tennis ball from one end of the table as far across the table as possible without the ball falling over the edge. The key to the game is to roll the ball gently enough that it travels slowly and stops before reaching the edge. Give a prize to the family member who comes closest to the edge without going over. Remind kids that Jesus was always willing to slow down to take care of people’s needs. Talk about ways your family can slow down and look out for the needs of others.
To Serve: Ask each family member to choose their favorite Scripture verse and create a piece of art using the words and phrases of the verse. Display the artwork in a car window for others to see as you drive around town or get stuck in traffic. Remind kids that Jesus met people where they were and took time to meet their needs. These window decals can be a way of reminding us, and others, to recognize Jesus’ love and His power to heal.