May 1 in KidQuest and FirstLook

This is a weekly post that introduces you to what we are going to be teaching about in KidQuest and FirstLook this weekend.  We pray by reading this that you receive some insight to the Bible story are are able to answer any questions that may arise in your home as you talk about God's Big Story with your kids. For other insights into talking to your kids at home check out our other Parent Resources.


KidQuest -- Jesus Shows Compassion

After the people saw the miraculous signs Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. (John 6:14–15)

Jesus’ miracle of feeding about five thousand men, women, and children was a sign to the Jewish people that the Messiah had come. The miracle might have reminded them of God feeding His people through Moses and Elijah (in the wilderness and during famine) in Exodus 16 and 2 Kings 4. Because of this connection, they may have been thinking about the prophetic promise in Deuteronomy 18:18, which reads, “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth.” Jesus Himself said He is that prophet (John 5:46), and He is God. He is the Word incarnate, but they were not ready to receive Him (John 1:10–11).

Those who acknowledged Jesus was the Messiah also thought He would be a political figure. Because of this, they instantly wanted to make Jesus their king. Though they seemed to understand who Jesus was—the Messiah—the people did not fully understand what that meant. So Jesus had no choice but to retreat from them while they sought to “make him king by force” (John 6:15). Even so, He continued to teach them about Himself, God’s kingdom, and His purpose on earth. He continued to have compassion on these people who were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).

The account of Jesus feeding the five thousand is recorded in all four gospels—each one an example of Jesus’ great compassion for the crowd. In each example, Jesus’ feeling of compassion is followed by an action.

In the original Greek language, the word for compassion is splagchnizomai. It comes from the word for the vital inner organs—the stomach, heart, lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys. This means that when Jesus was moved with compassion, His inner being was stirred, compelling Him to act not just sympathize. Jesus shows us that compassion is more than a feeling. It is meant to be a catalyst to action.

How many times have we felt compassion and not followed God’s call to act on it? Pray God will give you the strength to respond the next time He calls you to have compassion. Pray also your kids would hear God calling them to follow Jesus’example and live a life full of compassion. Pray they will know compassion not only as a feeling, but as an action.

FirstLook -- God's Power Changes Everything

Throughout Scripture there are times when God chooses to display His mighty power. He intentionally makes Himself known and draws people to Himself. We see this clearly in the early days of the church when at Pentecost, the followers of Christ received the Holy Spirit. As they experienced God’s power alive within them, they did miracles in the name of Jesus. This new power is demonstrated in the miracle of Acts 3.

As Peter and John were walking into the temple, their eyes were diverted toward a crippled man begging for money. This man would not have been unfamiliar to them. As the Bible puts it, he was “laid daily at the gate of the temple” (3:2 ESV). The disciples must have walked past this man hundreds of times. However, this day was different: The Holy Spirit was prompting them. When Peter healed him in the name of Jesus, the man began leaping and praising God. The word “leaping” used in verse 8 is the Greek word hallomai. This word is rarely used in the Septuagint, or Greek Old Testament. Its use in Acts alludes to a messianic passage in Isaiah 35:

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,
he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. (vv. 3–6)

The prophet Isaiah was speaking of the coming messianic age: a promise established in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus which will find completion at His second coming.
 
The use of rare words is significant in Jewish texts, bringing to mind the passage in Scripture where the word is first found. The author of Acts was intentional with the language and words he chose. By employing hallomai, he was cueing the audience that something major was to happen: God’s kingdom was at hand. The messianic age they had longed for was unfolding right before their eyes.
 
Today, as we wait expectantly for Christ’s second coming, we are also watching God’s kingdom unfold. We are called to ask, “What needs to be done?” By the guiding of the Holy Spirit, we play a part in the story. We can watch God’s power change everything.
 
In the Old Testament, the Israelites made a habit of reflecting on their past. It was a way to strengthen their faith. Looking back on history reminded the people of the almighty power of God. In times of struggle or doubt, remembrance allowed them to embrace the truth once again and act with boldness on behalf of the gospel.

Spend some time embracing this habit in your own life. Make a list of ways that God’s power has changed your life, or the lives of those close to you. Pray beforehand for God to bring to mind important memories.
 
When your listing of things begins to slow, take time to pray over them. Praise God for what He has done for you. Thank Him for being powerful and mighty to save you and restore your life. Celebrate His work!