Primary Session
Luke 20:27-38
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God, you want us to be happy.
Help us make choices that lead to happiness with you.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is eternal life with God. To begin, invite the children to draw pictures of the things that make them happy. Provide paper and crayons or markers for each child. When they are done, give the children an opportunity to share their picture with the large group. Discuss:
- When are you happy?
- What kinds of choices make us happy?
- Why does God want us to be happy?
- What is heaven?
Allow time for discussion. We were created to be happy with God forever. Heaven is eternal happiness with God.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Gospel today, listen to what Jesus tells his followers about heaven.
Read Luke 20:27-38 [or 20:27, 34-38].
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Who asks Jesus a question?
- Why is Jesus asked a question about life after death?
- What is Jesus’ answer?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the Gospel.
In the Gospel today some religious people called Sadducees ask Jesus a question about life after death. They want to embarrass Jesus in front of the people. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead.
Jesus is asked about marriage in heaven. Jesus answers the Sadducees by telling them that life in heaven is different from life on earth. Children of God do not die, after death they live in happiness with God forever.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- What is the resurrection?
- Why do we believe in the resurrection?
- What do you think heaven is like?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Heaven and Hell
We believe that life does not end when we die. When we die our lives change. We pass into a beautiful existence with God. God wants all people to live in happiness with God forever. Some people choose to turn away from God.
Hell is separation from God forever. We can choose to separate from God. When we sin we separate from God by our own free choice. Jesus warns that if we do not love our neighbor and care for others we will be separated from him.
Heaven is eternal life and happiness with God. We believe that those who die in friendship with God will live with God forever. By his saving death and resurrection Jesus Christ has opened the gates of heaven for us.
- What is separation from God forever?
- What is sin?
- What does God want for all people?
- Why is eternal life a gift?
The Gospel in Life
Name one thing you can do to care for others this week.
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 6
Kindergarten, chapter 4
Grade 1, chapter 8
Grade 2, chapter 22
Grade 3, chapter 22
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