"This is God's very good idea:
lots of different people enjoying
love him and loving each other...."
- Trillia Newbell, from God's Very Good Idea
Even an apostle got it wrong! Whether it was fear of what others thought, or old biases coming to the surface, we see Peter leading others away from the gospel when he acted one way with the Gentiles and another way with the Jews.
See, we find salvation in Jesus alone - not in the foods that we eat, the clothes that we wear, the language we speak or anything else but Peter's actions deviated from this gospel truth and Paul had to step in. The BIG ideas for this week are (1) we are saved by grace alone and (2) the gospel is for all people.
For the younger kids, we will read one of my favourite picture books, God's Very Good Idea and for the older ones, we will dive deeper into Paul's confrontation with Peter.
ResKids lesson for January 17:
January BIG Idea:
Bible Memory Verse:
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2: 8-9, ESV
*For help with memorizing this Bible verse, check out this fun song.
Bible Passages:
Galatians 2, Acts 15
Discussion Questions:
For younger kids:
1. What does the word "grace" mean?
2. What does the word "salvation" mean?
3. Why did Paul have to talk to Peter? What was happening?
For older kids:
1. How did Peter's actions impact those around him?
2. Why was it important for Paul to confront Peter?
3. Who needs the gospel?
4. What is salvation?
Extras
If you would like to follow-up this weeks lesson with some other stories or devotions, here are a couple of ideas!
1. Peter, in this week's story, got some things wrong but it's not the first time that Peter messed up. The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt is a great picture book about another time when Peter got things wrong but Jesus forgave him (again and again). Click here (and scroll down to the middle of the page) to access the storybook video and some printable activities that go along with the book.
2. For help with understanding and memorizing this month's memory verse, Ephesians 2: 8-9, Seeds Family Worship created a family devotional on Ephesians 2:8 .