Children's Challenge: Week 34
24–30 August 2015
Throughout the book of Galatians, Paul wants to convince the young church that faith in Jesus is the most important thing. He explains that Jesus did not come to make sure we follow a lot of rules, but to set us free from sin. This is exciting news for everyone! At the end of this letter Paul writes a beautiful little passage on what our lives can look like when we follow and have the Spirit with us. You can read it in Galatians 5:22–23.
We move from the letter to the church at Galatia to the letter to the church at Ephesus. The beginning of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is full of thankfulness and encouragement for the church and a prayer that they will continue to grow in their wisdom and making wise choices. He also reminds them of the amazing gift that God gives them through his love, without conditions and given even when we don’t deserve it – God is full of grace.
Sometimes it is tempting to tell other people how amazing we are – all the cool things we have done and all the smart things we have said – but in this Scripture we read that no matter how amazing we think we might be, nothing we do will earn us friendship with God for ever. God has already done all that was needed by sending Jesus. Jesus is God’s precious gift to us – all we have to do is believe in him. Choose one of the following activities to do:
- Draw a picture of Jesus.
- Using a small box and wrapping paper, wrap the box and write ‘Jesus’ on the outside.
- Make a card using paper or card folded in half and decorate it. Write ‘Jesus’ on the inside.
Give your picture, gift or card to someone else, explaining that Jesus is God’s special gift to you and to them – not because they have done anything, but just because of God’s love and grace.