Series Overview
Throughout Scripture, we can see how peace is something near to God’s heart. Even though people chose to break their relationship with God, God made a way to fix that relationship through Jesus. And because we reflect God’s image, making peace with others should be a priority for us as well. That’s why we’re taking the first three weeks of March to highlight some passages and stories about peace to help kids understand more about how they can be peacemakers in their world.
Memory Verse
“If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.” – Romans 12:18, NIRV
Week One (March 3)
Whenever, Wherever
Bible Story: Live In Peace With Everyone | Romans 12:18
Key Question: Why is it important to make peace?
Virtue: Peace – Proving you care more about each other than winning an argument
In Week One, we look at something Paul wrote in Romans 12:18: “If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.” This is a big challenge! Do as much as you can to live in peace…with everyone! Paul was stressing how important it is for us to do everything in our power to fix what is broken – and make connections with the people around us. After all, this is what God did for us through Jesus.
Preteens are just becoming aware of the complexities of getting along with others. They may wonder if the work it takes to make peace with their friends, classmates or teammates is worth it. We hope that talking through the importance of peace will be a great start in helping them see how they can choose peace in their relationships with others.
Week Two (March 10)
Let Go
Bible Story: Abram + Lot | Genesis 13:5-18
Key Question: Why is it hard to give up what you think is fair?
Virtue: Peace – Proving you care more about each other than winning an argument
For Week Two, we head to Genesis 13:5-18. We read how Abram + Lot’s herdsmen were arguing because there wasn’t enough land for both men’s herds. Abram chose to make peace with Lot by letting Lot choose the land he wanted. Abram could have taken the best land for himself; but instead, he trusted God + allowed Lot to decide.
If you walk into a fifth-grade classroom, you’ll quickly discover that kids argue with each other about the smallest things. It can be hard for a kid to walk away from conflict because they feel like their entire reputation might be at stake. We pray that our preteens will learn how to make the wise choice and work to make peace.
Week Three (March 17)
The Peacemaker
Bible Story: Abigail Intervenes | 1 Samuel 25:1-35
Key Question: How can you be a peacemaker?
Virtue: Peace – Proving you care more about each other than winning an argument
In 1 Samuel 25:1-35, we find a story about a woman named Abigail. We read how King David was furious with a man named Nabal who had mistreated his men. David decided to get revenger…until Nabal’s wife, Abigail, intercepted him, apologized + offered gifts as a way to make peace. Even though Abigail wasn’t responsible for her husband’s offense, she realized that she play a role in making peace.
It’s one thing to SAY that peace is important. It’s another thing to actively work toward making peace. As kids go about their day, we hope they learn to stop, look around + see how they can help make peace between people they know who are experiencing an argument.
Week Four (March 24)
Take You At Your Word
Bible Story: Palm Sunday | Matthew 21:1-11
Key Question: Why are promises important?
Virtue: Easter – Celebrating that Jesus is alive
We kick-off Easter week with the story of Palm Sunday as described in Matthew 21:1-11. By this time, God’s people had been waiting hundreds of years for God’s promised Savior. As Jesus’ ministry grew, the people were starting to believe that Jesus WAS that Savior. They were sure that God’s promises were finally coming true! So, when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, just like a prophesy foretold, the people celebrated + worshipped Him. And while they might not have fully understood how Jesus was about to make peace, they could celebrate because God was faithful to send a Savior.
We start with a high-level question about promises to get kids thinking about the ways that making + keeping promises can build trust with people. Promises can allow us to remain at peace with each other. They can also show how much we’re willing to go the extra mile to show others how much they mean to us. Most of all, we pray that kids start to understand some of God’s huge promises that came true through Jesus.
Easter (March 30/31)
Alive
Bible Story: Easter | Luke 24:1-12, 36-49
Key Question: Why does Easter matter?
Virtue: Easter – Celebrating that Jesus is alive
We finish March by celebrating Jesus’ resurrection as described in Luke 24:1-12, 36-49. God went to great lengths to make peace with us. All of God’s promises came true, and everything that Jesus said + did led up to this moment. When Jesus paid the price for our sin on the cross + then came back to life, He made it possible for us to have peace with God forever. THAT is something to celebrate!
When you look around at the bunnies, flowers + chocolate eggs, you can understand why it might be hard for kids to grasp the importance of Easter. We start with this question in order to engage kids in a discussion about who Jesus, what Jesus came to do + how they can have a relationship with Him. We hope all kids can discover an everyday faith in Jesus + discover all sorts of ways to celebrate that Jesus is alive!