• If you have witnessedabaptismorbeen baptized, describe • Why wasJesus baptized? Why are believers baptized? • What doesbaptismhelpusunderstand aboutJesus andwhat FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS it meanstofollow Him? what itwaslike. • How helpmetolive onmissionbetter? doesthisstory • Are toremember? there How anypromises inthisstory • Are toobey? there anycommandsinthisstory • teachmeaboutmyself? What doesthisstory • teachmeaboutGod What doesthisstory do they help me trust andlovedo theyhelpmetrust God? How are theyforGod’s andmygood? glory or thegospel? © 2019

FOLD LifeWay for Jesus. us thatwhenwe inJesus, trust we anewlife—alifelived from sinandstart turn sinners are Baptism baptized. reminds usofJesus’ deathandresurrection. It reminds isMy“This Son. Ilove Him, pleasedwith Him!” andIamvery down onHim likeadove. God’s voice camefrom heaven. heavens opened,andJesus sawtheHoly Spirit coming So John agreed, andhebaptized Jesus. Me tobebaptized. God saysthisisright.” sins; Jesus never sinned! Jesus said,“Allow baptized peoplewhoconfessedtheir He wantedtobebaptized. But John of theworld!”Jesus toldJohn that of God, whotakesawaythesin Jesus, hesaid,“Here istheLamb Jordan River. When John saw Spirit.” will baptize you withtheHoly baptize you withwater, butHe greater thanmeiscoming.I River. John preached, “Someone John baptized themintheJordan for Jesus—God’s promised Messiah. John wassupposedtogetpeopleready straight!’” Isaiah wastalkingaboutJohn. the wayforLord; makeHis paths shouting inthewilderness.He says,‘Prepare was born,theprophet Isaiah said,“Someone is and bebaptized becauseGod’s kingdomisalmosthere.” Christ Connection:Jesus never sinned,butHe obeyed God like andwasbaptized Jesus cameupoutofthewater. Suddenly, the Jesus went toseeJohn atthe People torepent. started Then John said,“IamnottheMessiah.” Longbefore John Some peopleaskedJohn, are you?” “Who John theBaptist lived inthewilderness.John began tellingpeople,“Repent STORY POINT: JESUS OBEYEDGOD BY BEINGBAPTIZED. Matthew 3;Mark1;Luke 3;John1 eu’ Baptism Jesus’ 13 Baptism Words | More than 40 words can be formed using the letters in the word BAPTISM. How many words can you make? List them in the space provided.

Tell the Story Find and read each Bible reference. Write what happened in your own words.

Matthew 3:13-14 Matthew 3:16

Matthew 3:15 Matthew 3:17

Unit 20, Session 1: Jesus’ Baptism 14

© 2019 LifeWay • How helpmetolive onmissionbetter? doesthisstory • Are toremember? there How anypromises inthisstory dothey • Are toobey? there anycommandsinthisstory • teachmeaboutmyself? What doesthisstory • teachmeaboutGod or What doesthisstory • Canwe ever begoodenough togetGod onourown? Why? • Why doesJesus’ resurrection give ushope? • What didJesus’ deathaccomplish? FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS help me trust andlovehelp metrust God? How are theyforGod’s andmygood? glory the gospel? © 2019

FOLD LifeWay God inJesus. gives whotrusts newlifetoeveryone Adam, we were spirituallydead in sin,butJesus diedtopayforoursins. Jesus isalive! and thentotheotherdisciples. Many peoplewitnessedthatJesus isalive! followers togoGalilee. They willseeMe there.” Jesus appeared toPeter worshiped Him. “Don’t beafraid,” Jesus toldthem.“Tell My Justnews. thenJesus greeted them. The women He hasrisen,justlikeHe saidHe would.” women, “Don’t beafraid!Jesus isnotthere. and satonit. The angelspoketo the angel oftheLord rolled backthe stone wentthe otherMary tothetomb. An the third day, Magdalene Mary and shouted againandthenHe died. why have You forsakenMe?” Jesus cried out,“My God, My God, were nexttoHim. crucified Jesus Jesus toacross. Two criminals to bekilled. The soldiersnailed They beatJesus andledHim away “Here istheKingofJews!” head. Then theymockedHim: crown ofthornsandputitonHis a scarletrobe onJesus. They made a answered. The governor’s soldiersput asked thecrowd. Him!” “Crucify they Jews?” Pilate asked.“Yes,” Jesus replied. Pilate, thegovernor. “Are You theKingof priest said,“He hasspokenagainstGod! He todie!” deserves “Are You theMessiah, theSon ofGod?” Jesus replied, “Yes, that’s right.” The high Jesus’ CrucifixionandResurrection STORY POINT: JESUS’ RESURRECTION GIVES US HOPEFOR ETERNALLIFE. Christ Connection:Jesus’ deathandresurrection isthecenterofgospel. In The womenrantotellthedisciplesgood Jesus wasburiedinatomb. On shouldIdowithJesus?”“What Pilate In themorning,religious leadersledJesus to After Jesus wasarrested, He wasledtothehighpriest. The highpriestasked, Matthew 26–28;1Corinthians15 15 Easter Scramble Unscramble the key words from today’s Bible story.

AISESMH This name for Jesus means “anointed one.”

AITLEP This governor handed Jesus over to the crowds.

OTNHRS Jesus’ crown was made of these.

AICTURN This split from top to bottom when Jesus died.

ONTES Jesus’ tomb was sealed with this.

IAELLEG Jesus said His followers would see Him here.

SUSEJ He greeted the women and they worshiped Him. IRTHD Jesus rose from the dead on this day.

He’s Alive | Find the path from the cross to the tomb and then to Jesus.

Easter: Jesus’ Crucifi xion and Resurrection 16

© 2019 LifeWay • What canyou dotobetterunderstandtheBible? • Why wasJesus’ forHim beingsinlessnecessary tosave people? • What doesitmeantobetempted? FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS • How helpmetolive onmissionbetter? doesthisstory • Are toremember? there How anypromises inthisstory • Are toobey? there anycommandsinthisstory • teachmeaboutmyself? What doesthisstory • teachmeaboutGod What doesthisstory do they help me trust andlovedo theyhelpmetrust God? How are theyforGod’s andmygood? glory or thegospel? © 2019

FOLD LifeWay no totemptation. sacrifice.Heperfect diedonthecross tofree usfrom sinandtogive usthepower tosay sacrificewasrequired andrighteous.Aperfect is perfect totakeawaysin. Jesus wasthat Jesus.and angelscamerightawayto serve Jesus never sinned. the Lord your Him God andserve only.” The devilleftJesus, He replied, “Go away, Satan! God’s Word says: Worship and worshipme.” Jesus resisted temptationagain. these kingdoms.All You have todoisfalldown “I willgive You alltherichesandpower of kingdoms oftheworld. The devil said, high mountain.He showed Jesus allthe Lord your God.” Word also says,donottestthe strike your footagainstastone.” You sothat You willnoteven You safe,andtheywillprotect God willorder His angelstokeep even said:“God’s Word saysthat God toprotect You.” The devil it. Jump offthistempleandtrust “If You are really God’s Son, prove the templeinJerusalem andsaid, that comesfrom themouthof God.” not live word onbread alonebutonevery Jesus said,“God’s Word saysthatmanmust Jesus God tomeetHis chosetotrust needs. become bread.” Instead ofusingHis own power, You are really God’s Son, prove it. Tell thesestonesto who temptspeopletosin,cameupJesus. He said,“If tempted by thedevil.Jesus didnoteatfor40daysandnights. Then thedevil, Christ Connection:Jesus wastempted,butHe God trusted andnever sinned.Jesus Finally, thedeviltookJesus toa Jesus reminded him,“God’s The deviltookJesus tothetopof After Jesus wasbaptized, theHoly Spirit ledHim intothewildernesstobe STORY POINT: JESUS WAS TEMPTED ANDNEVERSINNED. eu’ Temptation Jesus’ Matthew 4;Mark1;Luke 4 17 What Would You Do? | For each scenario, circle how you would respond.

SCENARIO OPTION A OPTION B OPTION C

You left your sister’s new crayons in Hide the crayons and hope she Offer to buy her new crayons. Other: the sun, and they melted. doesn’t notice.

You buy popcorn at a concession Pocket the change and walk Give back the extra money. Other: stand and get $1 too much in change. away quickly.

You see a kid at recess shivering Pretend you don’t see him. Let him borrow your coat. Other: because he doesn’t have a coat.

Temptation and Reply | Look up the Scripture references to fill in the ways Jesus responded to temptation.

“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Matthew 4:4

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Matthew 4:7

“I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:10

Unit 20, Session 2: Jesus’ Temptation 18

© 2019 LifeWay • What canyou tellothersaboutJesus? • Why mightpeoplefollow somethingorsomeoneotherthan • What makesagoodfollower? FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS Jesus? • How helpmetolive onmissionbetter? doesthisstory • Are toremember? there How anypromises inthisstory • Are toobey? there anycommandsinthisstory • teachmeaboutmyself? What doesthisstory • teachmeaboutGod What doesthisstory do they help me trust andlovedo theyhelpmetrust God? How are theyforGod’s andmygood? glory or thegospel? © 2019

FOLD LifeWay than John, and John joyfully steppedasideasJesus beganHis ministry. earthly Messiah. Now thatJesus John’s was onearth, missionwascomplete.Jesus wasgreater refuses tobelieve intheSon willnothave eternallife. everything. Whoever believes inthe Son willhave eternallife,but whoever sent Jesus andJesus toearth, speaksGod’s words. believes Jesus knows God thatGod tellsthetruth. more thanhimself. important Whoever decrease.” said, “Jesus mustincrease, butImust Jesus, theMessiah, hadcome. John friend—because hewashappythat was how John felt—likeagroom’s not makeitabouthimself. This there. The groom’s friendshould wedding, andheishappytobe His friendstandswithhimatthe marries thebrideisgroom. people getmarried,themanwho about awedding. When two say thatIamnottheMessiah.” John answered them,“You heard me followers were talkingaboutJesus. are tofollow starting Him.” John’s disciples are baptizingpeople,andpeople the othersideofJordan River? His talked about,theOne whowas withyou on of thepeoplewhofollowed John went toJohn. and Jesus taughtthepeople.Many peoplewere baptized. Christ Connection:John theBaptist toldpeopletogetready forJesus, thepromised The Father loves theSon andhasgiven Him power over Then John explainedwhyJesus was John triedtoexplainby talking “Teacher,” theysaid,“remember themanyou Nearby, John theBaptist wasbaptizingpeopletoo. Some Jesus andHis People discipleswent outintothecountryside. cametoseethem, STORY POINT: JOHNTHEBAPTIST TOLD PEOPLE TO FOLLOW JESUS. John Pointed to Jesus Matthew 3;John1;3 19 On the Line Mark each item on the scale to indicate how important it is to you.

homework God movies world news friends reading family recess sleeping sports

John or Jesus? Fill in each blank with the correct name—John or Jesus.

Some of the people who followed got into an argument. They went to . “Teacher,” they said, “remember the man you talked about, the One who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River? His disciples are baptizing people, and people are starting to follow Him.” ’s followers were talking about .

answered, “You heard me say that I am not the Messiah. I am the messenger who goes before Him.” This was true. had said, “Someone greater than me is coming. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

tried to explain by talking about a wedding. A wedding is the groom’s special day; the groom’s friend should not make it about himself. This was how felt—like a groom’s friend—because he was happy that , the Messiah, had come. said, “ must increase, but I must decrease.”

the Baptist told people to get ready for , the promised Messiah. Now that was on earth, ’s mission was complete. was greater than , and joyfully stepped aside as began His earthly ministry.

Unit 20, Session 3: John Pointed to Jesus 20

© 2019 LifeWay • What kindsofthingsmightyou have toleave behind tofollow • How canGod useourweakness forHis glory? • Do you follow Jesus? Why or whynot? FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS Jesus? Discuss thecostsandrewards offollowing Jesus. • How helpmetolive onmissionbetter? doesthisstory • Are toremember? there How anypromises inthisstory • Are toobey? there anycommandsinthisstory • teachmeaboutmyself? What doesthisstory • teachmeaboutGod What doesthisstory do they help me trust andlovedo theyhelpmetrust God? How are theyforGod’s andmygood? glory or thegospel? © 2019

FOLD LifeWay good newsabout Jesus. we are Jesus’ discipleswhenwe inHim. trust Everyone intheworld needstohearthe from theirsins. This isgreat news! Jesus toldHis disciplestotellothersaboutHim, and the sonofAlphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, andJudas Iscariot. John, Philip andBartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James men Jesus chose:Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and chose 12ofthemtobeHis apostles. These are the came toinvitesinnersturnbackGod.” “I didnotcometoinvitegoodpeople;I heard thereligious leadersandsaid, with taxcollectorsandsinners?”Jesus does your Teacher eatanddrink complained tothedisciples,“Why disciples. The religious leaders came toeatwithJesus andHis Many taxcollectorsandsinners a bigfeastforJesus athishouse. and followed Jesus. Matthew had got up, behind, lefteverything to him,“Follow Me!” So Matthew named Matthew. Jesus calledout followed Jesus. up, lefttheirfatherandtheboat, John. Jesus calledouttothem. They got He sawtwomore brothers, James and dropped theirnetsandfollowed Jesus. Later, teach you tofishforpeople!”Peter andAndrew Andrew. Jesus calledout,“Follow Me, andIwill saw twobrothers: Simon (whowascalledPeter) and One day, Jesus waswalkingalongtheSea ofGalilee. He from theirsins.Largecrowds followed Jesus around andlistenedtoHim teach. Christ Connection:Jesus toshow cametoearth whatGod islikeandtosave people Later, Jesus gathered His followers and Jesus went onandsawaman Jesus traveled around, preaching aboutGod andtellingpeopletoturnaway STORY POINT: JESUS CALLED DISCIPLES TO FOLLOW HIM. Jesus CalledDisciples Matthew 4;9;Mark1–3;Luke 5–6 21 The Twelve Find and circle each disciple’s name in the word search. (Note: The name James appears twice.)

JAMES ANDREW OPXMOEPCDFSRBD NJEANDREWAVMEN PETER THADDAEUS BARTHOLOMEWITO PHILIP CMNTEBXOJAMESM SIMON GEWHPRHPHILIPI THOMAS BARTHOLOMEW ASKEOTHADDAEUS MATTHEW JOHN LCDWCJUDASHWAP

JUDAS JAMES

Connection Point Decode the messages. (Hint: 1 = A, 2 = B, 3 = C, …)

Jesus told His disciples to . 20 – 5 – 12 – 12 15 – 20 – 8 – 5 – 18 – 19 1 – 2 – 15 – 21 – 20 8 – 9 – 13

We are Jesus’ disciples when we . 20 – 18 – 21 – 19 – 20 9 – 14 8 – 9 – 13

Everyone in the world needs to hear . 20 – 8 – 5 7 – 15 – 15 – 4 14 – 5 – 23 – 19 1 – 2 – 15 – 21 – 20 10 – 5 – 19 – 21 – 19

Unit 20, Session 4: Jesus Called Disciples 22

© 2019 LifeWay