Series Overview
What’s the first thing you want to do when you discover a funny video or listen to a powerful podcast? Share it, of course! That’s why we chose “Like and Subscribe: Share the love of Jesus” as this month’s theme. We want kids to know that there’s nothing more awesome they can share with others than the love and adventure of a life with Jesus.
Memory Verse
“I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you.” – John 13:34, NIRV
Week One (January 31/February 1)
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
Bible Story: John 3:1-21
Bottom Line: God loves the whole world.
Conversation Starter: Where have you seen God’s love?
Application: Love – Choosing to treat others the way Jesus treats us
Insight: Community in the Context of God’s Family – I choose to live in the complexities of family and community because God values them.
We start off as Nicodemus visits Jesus at night. While Nicodemus struggles to understand how a grown-up could be born again, Jesus challenges him to see with new eyes. John, recording this scene, interprets for us: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”
Lafayette Campus
West Campus
Week Two (February 7/8)
The Most Important Commandment
Bible Story: Matthew 22:34-40 (suppt. Exodus 20:1-21)
Bottom Line: Love God, Love Others
Conversation Starter: How have others shown love to you?
Application: Love – Choosing to treat others the way Jesus treats us
Insight: Community in the Context of God’s Family – I choose to live in the complexities of family and community because God values them.
During Week 2, we explore the Most Important Commandment. Several religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a trick question: basically, choose your top commandment so everyone can take you down for picking the wrong one. Just how many rules are we talking here? We revisit the original Ten Commandments in Exodus, as well as the additional 603 laws and the extras added around them by the religious leaders. Instead of debating, Jesus rolls them all into two simple commands.
Lafayette Campus
West Campus
Week Three (February 14/15)
Zaccheaus
Bible Story: Luke 19:1-10
Bottom Line: The love of Jesus can change things for the better
Conversation Starter: How can love change things?
Application: Love – Choosing to treat others the way Jesus treats us
Insight: Community in the Context of God’s Family – I choose to live in the complexities of family and community because God values them.
In Week 3, Jesus singles out Zacchaeus, a tax collector who has scrambled up a tree for a better view. Instead of scolding Zacchaeus for stealing from his neighbors, Jesus invites himself over to the tax collector’s house for a party. Profoundly changed by Jesus’ love and acceptance, Zacchaeus offers to pay back anyone he has cheated—four times as much!
Lafayette Campus
West Campus
Week Four (February 21/22)
Jairus’ Daughter + Suffering Woman
Bible Story: Mark 5:21-43
Bottom Line: Show the love of Jesus to people in need
Conversation Starter: How can you show love to others?
Application: Love – Choosing to treat others the way Jesus treats us
Insight: Community in the Context of God’s Family – I choose to live in the complexities of family and community because God values them.
We wrap up the month with Jairus, a synagogue leader, who begs Jesus to come heal his gravely ill daughter. While Jesus is on the way, a desperate woman with a chronic illness pushes through the crowd to touch his robe… and is instantly made well. Jesus doesn’t discriminate between the wealthy and the outcast; instead, he responds to anyone in need.
Lafayette Campus
West Campus