Family Bible Sessions: Session Two - New Testament: Gospels
Welcome and Introductions:
Welcome parents and children to Family Bible Session. Have participants introduce themselves by saying their name and one thing they learned last week (if they were here) or one way they used the guide they received as a family. Open with prayer.
Explain that this is the second week of our Family Bible Session. Last week we quickly did an overview of the Old Testament, highlighting a verse in each book of the Old Testament. This week we will move on to the New Testament and talk about some stories that may be a bit more familiar for most of us. Before we head to the New Testament, let’s review some of the Old Testament stories we talked about last week.
Story Time Line
Families will work as teams to connect the correct picture on our painted timeline with the correct title of the story or event.
Supplies:
- List of story/character clues
- Tape
- Painted wall timeline
Advanced Preparations:
- Copy the list of story/character clues and cut apart.
Directions:
- Divide families into groups of 4-5 people.
- Shuffle the story clues and divide up evenly between the groups.
- Have families try to find the correct story picture on the timeline that corresponds to the story clue they have.
- Tape the clue underneath the picture.
After all the clues are arranged, take the group through the Old Testament part of the timeline. Did they recognize many of these stories? Explain that one of the important things to understand about the Bible is that even though it is 66 different books, with hundreds of stories, it really tells one BIG STORY of God’s plan for the world!
Have families return to Bible Quest for the New Testament lesson.
Note: If families are present who did not make a bookmark, pass out the supplies and have them make the bookmark this week at home. Pass out handouts from last week also.
Refer to the attached handout and have participants move through the Gospels, highlighting verses as indicated.
If families do not have time to finish highlighting their verses, give a copy of the handout to each family. Encourage them to highlight the verses during the week.
Closing: Gather families together in a circle. Explain that next week we will conclude our Family Bible Study with an overview of the remainder of the New Testament books. On September 26, we invite all families who participated to join us in our Unity Service for a special blessing service.
Prayer: Have participants say a brief prayer of thanksgiving to God for showing them something new about Jesus during today’s session.
Story Clues
(Copy and cut apart. Mix up the clues. Give several clues to each group)
- We were the first people. God gave us a beautiful garden to live in, but we disobeyed and committed the first sin. We were sent out of the garden. Since that time, people have been separated from God because of sin. But God promised that one of our descendants would save the world from sin. Who are we?
- The world became more and more wicked. I was the only faithful person left in the world. God asked me to build a big boat and to bring animals onto it. Then it rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Every living thing on the earth died except for those on the ark. Who am I?
- God told me that he would make me the father of a great nation, even though my wife Sarah was very old… He kept his promise and we had a baby boy named Isaac. His name means laughter – Sarah laughed because it was so amazing for an old woman and man to have a baby. I am sometimes called the Father of the Jewish people because I was faithful and trusted God. Who am I?
- I am one of Isaac’s sons. I actually had a twin brother named Esau, but I tricked him out of his birthright. I had 12 sons who were the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel. One of them, named Joseph was my favorite. My other sons were jealous of him so they sold him as a slave. He was taken away to Egypt. Who am I?
- I am Jacob’s son. My father once gave me a special coat because I was his favorite! My brothers hated me because my father gave me special treatment and I acted superior to them. I learned a lot about depending on God when I was in Egypt. God helped me explain dreams and eventually I became the second in command in all of Egypt. Who am I?
- I was born to a Hebrew woman living in Egypt. My mother hid me in a basket in the Nile River to keep the Egyptian soldiers from killing me. I was later found by the Pharaoh’s daughter and raised in the Pharaoh’s palace. Later God appeared to me in a burning bush and told me to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt and to the land he would show us. Who am I?
- God did amazing miracles so that my people could be set free. He sent ten plagues onto Egypt and eventually the Pharaoh let us leave. But then Pharaoh changed his mind and followed us. God opened up the Red Sea and let us pass through safely. But when the Egyptians followed, the sea crashed in on them and they all drowned. Who am I?
- God led us in the wilderness by a cloud of smoke during the day and a pillar of fire at night. Finally God led us up a mountain top where he gave me some special rules carved on stone tablets. What are these called?
- I was married to a wonderful man who died. My mother-in-law, Naomi, lost her husband, too. She wanted to return to her home in Bethlehem. I didn’t want her to go alone, so I insisted on going with her. Later I married a wonderful man named Boaz and we had a son together. Who am I?
- I was the youngest son of Jesse. I took care of my father’s sheep. One day my father asked me to take food to my brothers in the Army. I saw a giant named Goliath who was insulting us and our God. I killed the giant with my sling and a stone. Later God made me King of Israel. Who am I?
- I was a prophet who was very close to God. I saw amazing visions of angels worshiping God. God told me that there would be a baby born who would save his people one day. His name would be Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Immanuel, Everlasting Father. Who am I?
- I was a Jew who was brought to Babylon. I refused to bow down to the King’s statue or to obey their laws because they went against God’s laws. I was thrown into a cave with hungry lions. God protected me, shutting the mouths of the lions so that I was not hurt. Who am I?
- I was a young Jewish girl living in Persia. I married the King of Persia and became his Queen. I saved my people when the evil Haman tried to have all the Jews killed. Who am I?
Journey through the Bible Handout - New Testament Gospels
Keep these sheets as a reference for you and your child. If you did not finish highlighting all the Gospel verses in class, do this with your child before next week’s session. Next week we’ll move on to the rest of the New Testament!
Between the Testaments…
The last books of the Old Testament tell about the last 100 years of Old Testament history. The Jewish captives were allowed to return to Israel and to rebuild the Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. After Malachi, , the prophets were silent for 400 years. Despite these “silent years” a lot was going on! During these 400 years, Palestine was conquered by a series of different empires. First Alexander the Great established the Greek Empire. This brought the Greek language and Greek customs to the area. After Alexander the Great, Egypt, Syria and Mesopotamia conquered Palestine. Sometimes the Israelites were allowed to worship as they liked, but often they were forced to comply with foreign customs. One particular leader, the Syrian Antiochus, was especially brutal. He tried to get rid of all copies of the Hebrew scriptures, he made the Jews worship the Greek god, Zeus, he set up a statue of Zeus in the Temple and he sacrificed a pig in the Temple. As a result of these atrocities, the Jewish people revolted. The Maccabees led the revolt. The story of their revolt and how they kept the menorah burning for eight days on only one day’s supply of oil is the basis for the Jewish festival Hanukkah. (During our Marketplace VBS we played dreidl and remembered this story). The Jewish independence did not last long. Before long, the Romans conquered Palestine much of the world in the great Roman Empire. The Romans’ rule was often harsh and they were hated by the Jews.
These foreign occupations may have seemed tragic for the Jewish people, but even during these times God was at work… During the Greek occupation, the Greek language became the common language throughout the Empire. The Romans established a network of roads making travel easier. The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) also allowed safe travel throughout the Roman Empire. And so the stage was set for the coming of the Messiah. The Greek and Roman occupations created an environment where the good news of Jesus could spread throughout the world!
The stage was set! After 400 years of silence from the prophets, God is about to speak in a mighty way – by becoming human, like us, and coming to earth as a small baby born in Bethlehem.
The New Testament opens with this event…
The first four books of the New Testament are called the Gospels. Gospel means “good news.” The Gospels tell the good news that Jesus came to be our Savior and to restore our relationship to God. Jesus is truly the Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises from the Old Testament.
The four Gospels tell about Jesus. There are many similarities in the Gospels, but also some differences. In the Gospel of Matthew, we see Christ presented as Messiah. In Mark we see Jesus as servant. In Luke we see Jesus as man, though also God. In John we see Jesus as God, though also man. By reading all four of the Gospel accounts we get a more complete picture of who Jesus is.
- Gospel of Matthew
The Old Testament ends with the Jewish people awaiting their Messiah, the “anointed one” from God. Jesus is that King. Matthew writes to a primarily Jewish audience. He includes more Old Testament references than any other Gospel. Matthew uses quotes from the Old Testament to show how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies. Matthew also traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham, who is considered to be the Father of the Jews.
Highlight Matthew 1:23.
Very little is recorded about Jesus’ childhood and early life. Matthew is the only Gospel to record the visit of the Wise Men. Matthew also describes how Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod.
Highlight Matthew 3:1-3
Jesus came to be baptized by John. John felt unworthy to baptize Jesus, but Jesus said…
Highlight Matthew 3:15
After Jesus was baptized, he went straight to the desert where he was tempted for 40 days and 40 nights. Jesus quoted Old Testament scripture each time he was tempted. Knowledge of scripture can help us in times of temptation and trouble. Later Jesus chose his disciples and began to teach.
Some of the most important teachings in Matthew are found in Matthew 5. This is called the Sermon on the Mount or the Beatitudes. These were very radical messages for the people of the time, and for us today as well. The Jews believed that the Messiah was going to be a great political and military leader who would overthrow the Roman rulers. But, Jesus came to die for our sins, not to beat up our enemies. His kingdom is one of the heart – at least this time around! (We are going to study the Beatitudes next month) Here’s a preview of what’s to come…
Matthew 5:1-11
Highlight the heading in your Bibles, “Jesus Gives Blessings.”
Highlight Matthew 6:9-15.
Here Jesus teaches us about prayer. What is this famous prayer called? (Lord’s Prayer) Highlight the first line of the prayer so you can easily find it in your Bible later.
Jesus performed many miracles and taught many people throughout the Gospel of Matthew.
Jesus often knocked heads with the religious leaders of the day. Once Jesus and his disciples were criticized for picking some grain to eat from a field on the Sabbath day. The Pharisees told them it was against the law to do this. Many times Jesus was criticized for healing the sick on the Sabbath day. Jesus responded by reminding them of what was really important – not rules for the sake of rules, but compassion, mercy and kindness.
Highlight Matthew 12:7-8
After about 3 years of ministry, Jesus began to prepare for his death. On the day we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Matthew quotes the prophet Zechariah:
Highlight Matthew 21:5
In the final chapters of Matthew, Jesus celebrates the Last Supper with his disciples, is taken before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling court) and Pilate (the Roman governor) for trial. He is sentenced to death by crucifixion, nailed to a cross and dies. Jesus’ body is buried in the tomb of a rich Pharisee who had become a follower of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus also helped with Jesus’ burial. The tomb was secured with a Roman seal and guards were put in place. The penalty for a broken seal or deserting one’s post was instant death! Three days later, the women went to the tomb and found the soldiers gone and the tomb open and empty.
Highlight Matthew 28:5-6
After Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to the disciples and to many people for several weeks. Before he ascended into heaven, he gave his disciple some important final instructions. We call this the Great Commission.
Highlight Matthew 28:19-20 - Gospel of Mark
Mark is the next gospel. Mark knew about Jesus because the disciples met at his mother’s house. He was Barnabas’ cousin and traveled with Paul. He was also a good friend of Peter’s. While Matthew’s primary audience was Jewish, Mark primarily wrote to a Roman Gentile (non-Jewish) audience. Since many of these people did not understand Jewish customs, sometimes Mark explained them.
Highlight Mark 2:23-27
This is the same scripture we read about in Matthew. Here rather than quoting scripture, Mark describes a story about David and his soldiers eating the Holy Bread.
Here is another example highlighting the difference between Matthew and Mark’s writing. Mark describes the meaning of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. Gentiles might not be familiar with these customs, while Matthew’s Jewish readers certainly wouldn’t need an explanation.
Highlight Mark 14:12
Mark portrays Jesus as a servant leader. He focuses on Jesus’ actions rather than fulfilled prophecies. The key verse for Mark is 10:45.
Highlight Mark 10:45
Mark tells of many miracles and healings performed by Jesus. The last half of Mark’s gospel describes the last week of Jesus’ life. - Gospel of Luke
Luke was a doctor who traveled often with Paul. He was not Jewish. Luke also wrote the book of Acts. Luke is a renowned historian, known for his attention to detail and accuracy. The focus of Luke’s gospel is Jesus as the Son of Man. Perhaps because Luke was a Gentile, he also focuses on Jesus as the Savior of the world, not just the Savior of the Jews. Luke adds additional details that are not found in the other three gospels.
Luke opens with the coming of the birth of John the Baptist as an angel visits Zechariah in the Temple.
John the Baptist has an important purpose to fulfill. What is that purpose?
Highlight Luke 1:17
The descriptions from Luke’s gospel are probably the most well-known accounts of Jesus’ birth. The angel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she will give birth to a son.
Highlight Luke 1:32-33
In chapter two of Luke we read of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. In chapter 3, we read a different genealogy of Jesus outlining Jesus’ ancestry all the way back to Adam. Matthew’s gospel traces Jesus back to Abraham, the Father of the Jewish people. Luke demonstrates here that Jesus has come to be the Savior to all, not just the Jews.
A theme throughout Luke’s gospel is that Jesus came to save the lost. In the fifteenth chapter of Luke we read of three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son. Jesus also sought out those who were shunned and persecuted by others.
Highlight Luke 19:10
Jesus referred to himself often as the Son of Man. By calling himself this, he helps us understand that he is fully human, while also being fully God.
Luke also discusses the last week of Jesus’ life, including his trial, death and resurrection. Luke includes a story that happened after Jesus’ death while his disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus. Jesus appears and begins to walk along with the two followers. They do not recognize him and walk along talking with him. Jesus explained many things to them as they walked along.
Highlight Luke 24:27
Wow! Can you imagine what that must have been like? How would you like to have Jesus explain and answer all your questions! What question might you ask Jesus? - Gospel of John
The Gospel of John was written by the disciple John, who was called the “disciple Jesus loved.” This Gospel differs from the other three gospels, which are called the synoptic gospels. (Synoptic means “seen alongside.”) The first three gospels are more similar in style; they describe the things Jesus did, his actions, miracles, and teachings. John focuses more on what all these things mean! The writing is much more personal. John portrays Jesus as the Son of God – he writes so that others will believe in Jesus.
Highlight John 1:1
Read the Did you Know note: What does the Word mean?
John uses “Word” as a special name for Jesus. This verse tells us that Jesus has been alive with God forever. The Bible tells us that Jesus is God.
In the Gospel of John, seven people say that Jesus is the Son of God. Find these scriptures and highlight them:
John the Baptist (John 1:34)
Nathanael (John 1:49)
Peter (John 6:69)
Martha (John 11:27)
Thomas (John 20:28)
John (John 20:31)
Jesus (John 10:36)
John helps people understand who Jesus is. When John the Baptist sees Jesus coming, he recognizes him He calls Jesus the Lamb of God. This shows that John recognized that Jesus was going to pay the sacrifice for our sins, just as the Jewish people killed lambs to pay for their sins in the past.
Highlight John 1:29
One of the best known Bible verses in the whole Bible is John 3:16. Jesus is teaching Nicodemus, a Pharisee who has come to see Jesus at night. Jesus tells him that he must be born again – not physically, but through the Spirit.
Highlight John 3:16
John records the “I AM” statements of Jesus. These are especially noteworthy because in the Old Testament, God tells Moses his name is I AM. Jesus uses these statements to explain about himself to his disciples.
Highlight John 10:14-15
One of the longest prayers recorded in the Bible is found in John 17. Here Jesus prays for his disciples and for all believers on the night before his death. What does Jesus pray for us?
Highlight John 17:21
This scripture sums up the reason John wrote this gospel:
Highlight John 20:31
John’s last words are a fitting end to the four gospels:
Highlight John 21:25
Resources:
- The Adventure Bible for Young Readers. Zondervan
- Blankenbaker, Frances. What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers, Gospel Light, 1986.
