Parent/Guardian Emails
Summer 2026

Session 1

Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 1 recap and review ideas!

Greetings Parents/Guardians!

Today marks the beginning of your kids’ summer quarter studying God’s Word with Explore the Bible! We are beginning with a four-week journey through the book of Acts. In this week’s lesson, your kids learned about Jesus’ ascension after His resurrection and the conversation Jesus had with His disciples just before the event. 

As you’re sitting around the dinner table or riding in the car this week, ask your kids to name some people they know. They might give someone’s name or a title, such as “Uncle Jim” or “the lady who cuts my hair!” After naming people you know, ask your kids: “Which of these people should we share Jesus with? How can we share the good news of Jesus with them?” Don’t forget to read and answer the questions on the back of this week’s Family Card. If your kids took home a craft, display it somewhere in your home so the whole family can enjoy it. 

For an extra challenge, try memorizing the Memory Verse as a family and let me know how it’s going! 

Below, I have included the same resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also check out the Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.* 

As always, thanks for exploring the Bible with us! 

Bible Passage: Acts 1:1-14 
Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 
Text Truths:   
Younger Kids: We should tell others about Jesus. 
Older Kids: While we wait for Jesus to return, we should tell others about Him. 

The Ascension
Acts 1:1-14
Luke, a friend who traveled with Paul, wrote his first book, the Gospel of Luke, to a man named Theophilus. Luke wrote about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Then Luke wrote another book to Theophilus called the book of Acts about how the church began. 
After Jesus died on the cross and God raised Him from the grave, Jesus appeared to His friends many times. For 40 days, Jesus taught them more about God and His Kingdom. Jesus told His followers to stay in Jerusalem until God sent the special Helper—the Holy Spirit. 
After 40 days, Jesus walked with His disciples to a mountain outside the city. Jesus told them, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes, and you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” 
As soon as Jesus finished talking, He was taken up to be with God again. His disciples and other followers stood around staring at the clouds where they had last seen Jesus. 
Suddenly two men in white clothes appeared. They were angels! They asked the disciples, “Why are you staring at the sky? Jesus has returned to be with God. He will come again one day.” 
Jesus’ followers walked from the Mount of Olives back to Jerusalem. They returned to the upper room. Then the disciples and Jesus’ other followers, including His mother, Mary, and His brothers, continually prayed while they waited for Jesus’ promise about the Holy Spirit to come true. 
Today, we are still waiting for Jesus to return. While we wait, we should obey Jesus’ command to tell others in every part of the world about Him.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 2
Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 2 recap and review ideas!

Hello Parents/Guardians!

We are in week two of studying the book of Acts! In this week’s lesson, your kids learned about how the church began and how God sent the Holy Spirit as a gift to empower believers to share the good news of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is a challenging but important concept for kids to begin understanding. Find a magnifying glass this week. Let your kids explore your house or yard for things they’ve never seen before! Ask your kids: “What did you find?” Give them lots of time to share stories about what they found. After hearing about their discoveries, ask: “What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Why is it hard to understand something you have never seen before?” Explain in an age- appropriate way who the Holy Spirit is and some simple things the Bible teaches about Him. (Tip: use our resources below!) Pray and ask God to help you guide your kids in understanding more about the gift of the Holy Spirit. Don’t forget to check out this week’s Family Card. Ask your kids to explain this week’s object to you!

I hope you are finding time to memorize this month’s Memory Verse. As an alternative to memorizing, try reading it aloud at the dinner table together several times this week. Ask your family to discuss what God intends for us to understand in this verse. 

Here are this week’s Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also check out the Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

It is a joy to explore the Bible with your kids! 

Bible Passage: Acts 2:1-41 
Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 
Text Truths:   
Younger Kids: The Holy Spirit is a gift for those who have repented of their sin and trusted in Jesus. 
Older Kids: The Holy Spirit is a gift who dwells in Christians and empowers them to share the gospel. 

The Church Began
Acts 2:1-41
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He spent some time with His followers on earth. Jesus told His followers to stay in Jerusalem until God fulfilled His promise. Jesus said, “You will be given power when the Holy Spirit—the special helper—comes. You will tell everyone about Me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 
Jesus returned to heaven, and His disciples and other followers obeyed His instructions to stay in Jerusalem. They were waiting for the Holy Spirit to come, just as Jesus had promised. 
The disciples were together when suddenly they heard a sound like a rushing wind. The sound filled the house they were staying in. Suddenly Jesus’ followers knew the Holy Spirit had come to help them. The Holy Spirit helped the people to speak different languages. 
Jesus’ followers went outside. Visitors from many different nations had come to Jerusalem. Jesus’ followers began to tell the crowd of people about Jesus. Suddenly the people could hear their languages being spoken. They were shocked. “How can we hear someone speaking our language?” they all wondered. There were people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Egypt, and many other places. These visitors heard in their own languages about God’s mighty miracles and actions. The people asked, “What does this mean?” 
So, Peter stood up and began to teach about Jesus. Peter explained that God had told them about Jesus in the Scriptures. The prophet Joel had made promises about Jesus, and Jesus kept those promises. Jesus had performed miracles, wonders, and signs. People had killed Jesus on a cross. This was God’s plan from the beginning of time. Then God raised Jesus from the dead because death could not stop Jesus. Jesus had power over death. 
Peter said, “We saw these things that happened. Now Jesus is with God. As you see, we have been given the Holy Spirit. Jesus is LORD and Messiah!” 
Many people in the crowd realized that they were guilty of sinning against God. They asked Peter, “What should we do?” 
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized. You will be forgiven, and you will be given the gift of the Holy Spirit.” 
That day about 3,000 people repented of their sins and trusted Jesus as their LORD and Savior. 
We also can repent of our sin and trust in Jesus. When we do, God gives us the Holy Spirit as a gift to dwell in us and empower us to share the gospel.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 3

Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 3 recap and review ideas! 

Greetings Parents/Guardians!

Thank you so much for trusting us to teach God’s Word to your kids. Can you believe we are already in week three of exploring the book of Acts? This week, we learned that after the church began, it grew! The church didn’t grow by accident. As believers faithfully loved God and one another, early Christians witnessed the explosive growth of God’s church. 

While driving around this week, ask your kids to name things they see that are growing, such as trees, grass, puppies, and people! Ask: “What helps this thing grow?” Let kids share their ideas. Follow up the discussion with the question: “Why did the church grow in the book of Acts?” Give kids time to name examples of things believers did with one another that encouraged growth of the church. Ask: “What can we do to grow our love for God and others this week?” Brainstorm ideas as a family. Could you take someone else’s house chore for the week? Bring a meal to some neighbors? Set aside one night or block of time to sing, read the Bible, and pray as a family? Pick up trash on the church’s property? Ask God to grow your love for Him and others this week. 

Don’t forget to check the back of this week’s Family Card for more questions and Bible skills. Speaking of Bibles, remind your kids to bring their Bibles to church next week! 

I hope you are continuing to memorize Acts 1:8. Challenge your kids to recite the verse without looking. 

Below are the same resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

Take some time to let me know how you are exploring the Bible at home together! I would love to hear from you. 

Bible Passage: Acts 2:41-47 
Memory Verse: Acts 1:8 
Text Truths:   
Younger Kids: The church should love God and love others. 
Older Kids: A healthy church is devoted to God and to the care of others. 

The Church Grew
Acts 2:41-47
The people in the early church listened closely as the apostles taught. They spent time with other believers. The church prayed and praised God. Everyone was amazed by the many miracles the apostles performed as they told people about Jesus. The church got along and lived in peace. The believers shared their belongings with each other. When someone needed help, the people sold their personal things to help them. The early church loved God and cared for one another. 
Every day, the believers went to the temple together. They joyfully ate together in each other’s houses. The followers of Jesus praised God. Each day, more and more people repented of their sins and trusted in Jesus as LORD and Savior. So, the church grew. 
We are also a part of the church. We are to follow the example of the early church by loving God and caring for others.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 4

Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 4 recap and review ideas!

Hello! Thanks so much for opening my email! 

This week is our final week in the book of Acts this quarter. Your kids have learned so much while exploring the Bible! 

In our Bible story this week, your kids learned that as the church grew, some of the widows were not receiving their portion of food. This was a big problem. Instead of complaining, the church worked together to find a solution! Ask: “What do you think we complain about the most in our house?” Let kids share their answers, keeping the tone light-hearted so they do not feel ashamed or discouraged. Ask: “Instead of complaining this week, how can we work together to solve the problem?” For example, if someone is complaining about the meal, ask that person to help plan and prepare the next meal with foods they like! If there are complaints about a messy room, set a timer to see how fast everyone can work together to clean it and celebrate your hard work with a favorite popsicle. Pray and ask for God’s help to work together to solve problems. 

Ask kids to explain this week’s object from the Family Card! Don’t forget to answer the questions on the back. 

Celebrate the end of our study of Acts by quoting the Memory Verse as a family. Discuss where your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth might be! 

Below, please find this week’s Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

Next week, we will begin exploring the book of Numbers! Ask your kids if Numbers belongs in the Old or New Testament. Review the answer with them and tell them to remember it for our next session! 

Bible Passage: Acts 6:1-7
Memory Verse: Acts 1:8
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: Christians can work together to solve problems in ways that honor God.
Older Kids: Christians can work together to solve problems so that the mission of the gospel can continue.

The Church Chose Leaders
Acts 6:1-7
More and more people were hearing the good news about Jesus and repenting of their sin. The church was growing. One day, there was a problem. Every day, the church gave food to the widows (women whose husbands have died). But some of the widows were overlooked and not given any food. This was a problem.
The apostles gathered the believers together. They explained that they alone could not meet all the church’s needs. The apostles had the important task of preaching the Word of God. The apostles explained that the church needed to choose additional helpers to take care of the widows.
The apostles told the church to select seven men who had a good reputation and were full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. The apostles would continue to focus on praying and preaching while the new helpers cared for the people in need.
Everyone liked this idea. It was a good way to solve the problem and honor God. The church chose seven men—Stephen, Philip, Prochorus (PRAHK uh ruhs), Nicanor (nigh KAY nawr), Timon (TIGH mahn), Parmenas (PAHR mih nuhs), and Nicolaus. The men gathered and the apostles prayed for them. Then, the apostles continued to preach and pray as the seven men cared for the people’s needs.
The church grew as more people heard the gospel of Jesus. The church had worked together to find a solution to their problem so that the gospel could be heard by as many people as possible.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 5
Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 5 recap and review ideas!

Greetings Families!

We turned to the Old Testament this week to begin exploring the book of Numbers! Your kids should know that Numbers is in the Old Testament, and it belongs to the law genre. It’s never too early to emphasize this Bible skill with your kids! 

This week, your kids learned about two very important Bible figures: Joshua and Caleb. These men trusted and obeyed God when others were afraid. God had promised the Israelites a good land, but most of the spies doubted they could conquer it. Joshua and Caleb reminded the people to trust God’s plan and obey His instructions.

Lead your kids in a game of “Simon Says.” Let everyone take turns being Simon and try to outdo your kids in enjoying the game! When the game ends, ask: “How can ‘Simon Says’ be a tough game?” Let kids share their ideas. Discuss why listening to and obeying instructions is difficult. Ask: “What instructions are hardest to obey at school? At home? On your team?” Share with your kids some age-appropriate instances where you have had a hard time obeying God. Pray and ask for God to help everyone in the home trust and obey Him.  

Check the back of this week’s Family Card for more questions and ideas. If your kids brought home a craft, display it proudly so the whole family can enjoy it!

We have a new Memory Verse this week! Sit down and have each family member find the verse in his or her own Bible. Read and discuss the verse together. 

Below are the same resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

I love exploring the Bible with your kids! See you next week! 

Bible Passage: Numbers 13–14
Memory Verse: Romans 6:23
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: We should trust and obey God.
Older Kids: We should trust God’s plan and obey His instructions.

Joshua and Caleb
Numbers 13–14
God told Moses to select 12 Israelite leaders to go into the Promised Land and bring back a report. The 12 men secretly traveled throughout the land, looking at the quality of land, the people who lived there, and the type of food that grew there. After 40 days of exploring, the men returned to share what they learned.
The men gave the Israelites their report and showed the people some fruit from the land. Some of the leaders said, “Yes, it is incredibly good land. However, the people are strong, and their cities are well protected.”
One of the 12 men, Caleb, called for the people to conquer the land. However, 10 of the other leaders said, “Some of the people are so big, we looked like little grasshoppers compared to them. The people are stronger than we are. We cannot conquer them.”
The people of Israel began to weep and cry. They complained to Moses and Aaron. They wanted to go back to Egypt. They wanted to pick a new leader.
Joshua, another one of the 12 leaders, and Caleb reminded the Israelites that the land was good. If God was pleased with the Israelites, He would help them conquer the land. Joshua and Caleb begged the people not to sin. They wanted the people to trust God and obey His instructions. Israel did not listen.
God was upset with the people of Israel. Moses begged God to forgive the people for their sin. He said, “The LORD is slow to anger and rich in faithful love.” God agreed to forgive the people, but there would be consequences for their sin. The 10 spies who gave a bad report died immediately. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness.
The other Israelite adults who disobeyed God died during the 40 years in the wilderness. Because they trusted God and were willing to obey Him, Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter the Promised Land.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 6

Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 6 recap and review ideas!

Hello Parents/Guardians!

Exploring the Bible with your kids is one of my favorite times of the entire week. Thank you for bringing them to church! 

This week, we had our second session in the book of Numbers. The kids learned how God showed the Israelites that He had chosen Aaron to be the high priest. When some people rebelled against Moses and Aaron’s leadership, God gave a clear sign: Aaron’s staff sprouted buds, blossoms, and even almonds overnight! This miracle reminded the people that God chooses leaders for His purposes.

As you are eating breakfast or dinner, ask your kids: “What would you do if you were in charge of our home and family for an entire day?” Let kids be creative. Give them time to imagine what it would be like to be the family leader! After listening to their ideas, ask: “How might it be hard to be a leader? Why do leaders need God’s help?” After the discussion, review the Bible story and Text Truths. Take some time to share the gospel with your kids and answer their questions. Pray and ask for God to help your kids see their need for Him. Pray that your kids would repent of their sins and trust in Jesus. 

Examine the Family Card together this week. Try asking the questions on the back of the card during a car ride or a meal. Encourage the kids in their Bible knowledge! 

Below are the same resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

I hope to see you and your kids next week! I pray that God provides you many opportunities to study His Word as a family this week. 

Bible Passage: Numbers 17:1-11
Memory Verse: Romans 6:23
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: God provided a high priest to make sacrifices for the people’s sin.
Older Kids: God provided a mediator to offer sacrifices to atone for the sin of His people.

Aaron’s Staff Was Chosen
Numbers 17:1-11
As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, a group of men decided to rebel against Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Because of their rebellion, the men died. God decided to remind the Israelites that He had chosen Moses to be their leader, and He had chosen Aaron to be their high priest.
The LORD spoke to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to gather one staff from the leaders of each tribe. Write Aaron’s name on the staff from the tribe of Levi. Then place all the staffs inside the tabernacle in front of the ark of the covenant.”
The LORD told Moses that one of the staffs would begin to grow a plant. This is how God would show the Israelites that He had chosen Moses and Aaron to be leaders.
Moses followed God’s instructions. The leaders of each tribe gave him one staff. Moses placed them inside the tabernacle.
The next day, Moses entered the tabernacle. He saw that Aaron’s staff, from the tribe of Levi, had sprouted, formed buds, blossomed, and produced almonds in a single night! This miracle showed that God had chosen Moses and Aaron to lead the Israelites.
Moses gathered the staffs and brought them outside the tabernacle for the people to see. Everyone was able to see that God had chosen Aaron’s staff and not their staff. Each leader took his staff back except Aaron. God told Moses to take Aaron’s staff and place it in front of the ark of the covenant as a reminder that God had chosen Aaron to be a mediator to offer sacrifices to atone for the sin of the people. Aaron had not decided he would be the high priest. Moses had not decided Aaron would be the high priest. God had chosen Aaron for this special job. And God had chosen Moses to lead the people.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 7
Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 7 recap and review ideas!

Greetings Families! 

Thank you for bringing your kid to church. We are having an incredible time learning more about God and His Word! 

This week, the kids learned about the Israelites’ request to travel through Edom’s land. Even though Israel promised to stay on the road and pay for any water they used, Edom refused to show kindness and even promised to fight them if Israel entered Edom’s land. Edom refused to show kindness or compassion to God’s people. 

To keep the conversation going, ask your kids to bring two things to a table. One of the items should be something they would like to share with someone. The second item should be something they do not want to share with anyone, no matter what! Feel free to bring your own two items to the discussion. Display the items. Let everyone take turns talking about their items, why they would and would not share them. Ask: “Why is it hard to share things? Why do you think Edom did not want to share their road with Israel? How can we trust God when we don’t want to share but should?” Give kids time to discuss their answers. Ask for God’s help to show kindness and compassion to others this week.  

Examine the Family Card this week. Ask your kids to explain this week’s object and why it is significant to the Bible story! 

Below are the same resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

Keep exploring the Bible with your kids! See you next week! 

Bible Passage: Numbers 20:14-21
Memory Verse: Romans 6:23
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: When we are kind to others, we honor God.
Older Kids: When we show compassion to others, we give glory to God.

Israel and Edom
Numbers 20:14-21
When God’s people, the Israelites, left Egypt, they sent word to the king of Edom. The people of Edom were from Esau’s family, and the people of Israel were from Jacob’s family. Jacob and Esau were the twin grandsons of Abraham.
Israel’s messengers asked Edom’s king to give Israel permission to walk on the road through Edom’s land. They promised not to walk through any fields or drink any of Edom’s water. The Israelites promised to stay on the road and not wander into any other part of Edom. The people of Edom answered, “No. You cannot travel down the road through our land. If you do, we will fight you.”
The Israelites asked again and promised to stay on the road. They promised to pay for any water their animals might drink. Edom again refused to be kind and honor God by having compassion on the Israelites.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 8

Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 8 recap and review ideas!

Hello Families!

One book, one session! This week, we focused on the book of Obadiah from the Minor Prophets. Your kids learned that God had a message for Edom through Obadiah. Edom’s pride and arrogance led them to believe they didn’t need God and were better than everyone else. As a result, they were cruel to God’s people. Obadiah prophesied that God’s judgment was coming to Edom and that He would protect His people.

This week, ask your kids to perform a simple task they are used to, such as hanging up their backpack or feeding the family pet. At another time, ask them to perform something impossible, like drive to the grocery store or fix a leak on the roof. Tell your kids you were aware they could not do that task. Ask your kids the following discussion questions: “When during the day do you need help? Is it easy or hard to ask for help? What does pride mean? How does pride lead us away from God? Why do we need God’s help?” Talk about ways your family depends on God each day. Share with your kids why you need God. 

Check the back of this week’s Family Card for more questions and Bible skills. Ask your kids to tell you all about this week’s object. If your kids brought home a craft, ask them to share about it.  

Keep practicing the Memory Verse! Can your kids quote the verse yet? 

Please check out the resources from this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

Take some time to explore God’s Word with your family this week!

Bible Passage: Obadiah
Memory Verse: Romans 6:23
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: Pride can lead us to think we do not need God.
Older Kids: Arrogance can deceive us into thinking that we do not need God.

The Book of Obadiah
Obadiah
The prophet Obadiah had a vision from God for the nation of Edom. Edom was one of Israel’s neighbors, but they were not good neighbors.
The LORD spoke to Edom, “I will make you insignificant among all the nations. You will be despised because your arrogance and pride has deceived you. You think that no one can bring you down. You think you soar like an eagle with a nest high among the stars. I will bring you down.”
“One day you will be conquered. Your wisdom will be taken away. Your warriors will be terrified.”
“You will be shamed and destroyed forever because of how you have treated My people, Israel. You watched as Israel was defeated and strangers captured her wealth. You were happy to see it happen. You rejoiced that Judah was destroyed and in distress.”
“A day of judgment is coming. The way you have treated others is the way you will be treated. Edom will no longer exist. My people will be delivered. My people will take over your land, and I will rule over the entire kingdom.”
God had a sad message for Edom. Their pride led them to think they did not need God. Their arrogance deceived them into thinking they could be mean to others and not face any consequences. But they were wrong.
God’s message to Edom was really good news for Israel. God would deliver them from their enemies. Then God’s people would have the land God promised them. God cared for, protected, and blessed His people.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 9

Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 9 recap and review ideas!

Greetings Parents/Guardians!

Can you believe we are in the final stretch of our summer quarter? We will finish strong by turning to the Gospel of Luke for the next few weeks and learning from the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ! 

This week, your kids learned about a very important day in the life and earthly ministry of Jesus—the day He read about Himself from the Isaiah scroll in the synagogue. Jesus told the people that this prophecy had come true—He was the Messiah! Some were amazed, but many were angry at Jesus’ claim. 

Ask your kids to name their favorite fictional book or television characters. Listen to your kids describe and explain why they enjoy these characters so much. Next, ask your kids to name some real people they love or look up to. Ask: “How can we know that Jesus is who He says He is?” Engage in a discussion with your kids about trusting God and His Word. Take some time to review the gospel with your kids. Pray that God would help them to believe Jesus is who He claims to be.

Examine this week’s Family Card. Ask your kids to explain this week’s object and to show you how big it is (they learned to measure it using their fingers)! 

We have a new Memory Verse! Don’t forget to highlight this with your kids and offer to learn it with them. 

Take some time to examine the resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

As always, thanks for exploring the Bible with us! See you next week! 

Bible Passage: Luke 4:16-30
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:105
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: Jesus invites us to believe in Him.
Older Kids: Jesus calls us to believe He is who He says He is.

Jesus Read the Isaiah Scroll
Luke 4:16-30
Jesus traveled from Galilee (GAL ih lee) to Nazareth (NAZ uh reth), the town where He grew up. Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day. Jesus stood up to read the Scripture. Jesus was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah to read. Jesus unrolled the scroll and read aloud, “The Spirit of the LORD is on Me, because He has chosen Me to preach good news. He has sent Me to heal the blind and to set free those who are trapped in sin. This is a gift from the LORD.” Then Jesus rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the synagogue helper.
Everyone in the synagogue watched as Jesus sat down and said, “Today this Scripture promise has come true.” Jesus was telling the people that He was the Messiah (muh SIGH uh), but they did not understand. Jesus was inviting the people to believe in Him—to believe that He was the Messiah.
The people had been saying good things about Jesus. They were amazed by His words. But they were confused, “Isn’t He Joseph’s son?” the people asked. They did not understand how Joseph’s son could be the Messiah.
Jesus knew the people were curious about Him because they heard He healed people. Jesus told them, “I know you want to see Me heal people like I did in Capernaum. No prophet is accepted in his hometown.” Jesus reminded the people that Elijah and Elisha had been rejected by the people of Israel. God’s people had a pattern of rejecting the prophets God sent them. Jesus was also saying that God was going to save the Gentiles, not only the Jewish people.
When the people heard what Jesus said, they became very angry and drove Him out of the town. The people wanted to kill Jesus, but Jesus walked through the crowd and continued on His way.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 10
Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 10 recap and review ideas!

Hello Families!

Thank you for trusting us to teach God’s Word to your kids. It is one of my greatest joys to explore the Bible with them! 

This week, your kids learned about Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan. In the story, a man was hurt and left on the road. Two men passed by without helping, but a Samaritan stopped, cared for the man, and showed mercy. Jesus taught that loving others means showing compassion through our actions.

To keep the conversation going, ask your kids: “Who is someone our family can show kindness to this week?” Brainstorm practical ideas to show kindness to this neighbor, such as making homemade cards or notes, taking them a meal, or doing a chore for them. Pray and thank God for neighbors who have shown your family kindness. Call them by name and remind your kids of specifically how they were kind. 

Try answering the questions on the back of this week’s Family Card. If your kids brought home a craft, place it somewhere so that everyone can enjoy looking at it! 

Don’t forget to check out the resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

May God bless you and your kids this week as you explore the Bible together! 

Bible Passage: Luke 10:25-37
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:105
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: God has called us to love others.
Older Kids: God has called us to love others through our words, thoughts, and actions.

The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
One day as Jesus was teaching, a man asked Him a question. This man had studied God’s law and wanted to test Jesus. The man asked, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus asked the man, “What is written in the law?”
The man responded, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus said, “You are right. Do this and you will live.”
But the man was not happy with Jesus’ answer. He wanted Jesus to say it was okay to not like certain people. So, the man asked, “Who is my neighbor?”
Jesus knew that the Jewish people did not like the Samaritan (suh MEHR ih tuhn) people. But that was not what God wanted, so Jesus told the man a story.
“A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was robbed. The robbers beat him up and left him on the road. A priest came down the road. When the priest saw the man, he passed him on the opposite side of the road. Next, another religious leader came by. When he saw the beaten man, he also passed him on the other side of the road.”
“A man from Samaria came down the road and saw the injured man. The Samaritan man had compassion and went to the man. He bandaged the man’s wounds.”
“The Samaritan took the injured man to an inn and cared for the man’s injuries. The next day, the Samaritan gave the innkeeper some money. He told the innkeeper, ‘Care for the man. When I come back, I will pay you back for any extra you must spend.’ ”
Jesus asked the man, “Which of the men was a neighbor to the man attacked by the robbers?”
The man replied, “The one who showed mercy.”
Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”
The two Israelite men did not show love to the injured man. They ignored the man and allowed him to continue to suffer. But the Samaritan man had loved the injured man when he stopped and cared for him. God has called His followers to love others through their words, thoughts, and actions.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 11

Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 11 recap and review ideas!

Thanks for reading my email, parents/guardians!

We are learning so much from the book of Luke! Ask your kids if they know what major Bible section contains Luke (New Testament) and what genre Luke belongs to (gospels). This week, your kids learned about two important women in the Bible: Mary and Martha! During His visit to their house, Jesus taught that spending time with Him is more important than anything else! 

Ask your kids: “What are some things we do every day—like homework, chores, or playing?” Make a list together. Then ask: “How can we make time for Jesus even when there are other things to do? What does spending time with Jesus look like for you and for our family?” Name ways you already spend time with Jesus. Find a five-minute window every day this week where everyone in the house stops what they’re doing and spends time with God, whether it’s reading the Bible, singing a worship song together, praying for one another, or sharing Jesus with someone! Talk to one another about how this habit has impacted your week for good. Thank God for the blessing of spending time with Him. 

Take a look at this week’s Family Card and answer the questions together. Ask your kids to tell you about this week’s object. 

Please use the resources below from this week’s session to spend time with God: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

Remind your kids: exploring the Bible is never a chore!

Bible Passage: Luke 10:38-42
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:105
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: God wants us to spend time with Him.
Older Kids: God wants us to prioritize spending time with Him.

Jesus Visited Mary and Martha
Luke 10:38-42
One day as Jesus was traveling from town to town teaching people, He came to a village called Bethany. A woman named Martha asked Jesus to eat a meal at her house. Martha had a sister named Mary. Mary sat down by Jesus’ feet and began to listen to what Jesus was saying.
But Martha was busy. She had many chores to do. Martha asked Jesus, “Lord, do You care that my sister has left me to do the work alone? Tell her to help me.”
But Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Mary has made the right choice to listen to Me, and I will not stop her.”
Mary understood that listening to Jesus was the most important thing she could do. God wants His people to spend time with Him so they can learn who He is, what He has done, and how to honor Him.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.    

Session 12
Subject: Keep Exploring the Bible—Session 12 recap and review ideas!

Hello Families!

This week is our fourth week studying Luke’s Gospel. Today, we also turned to the Gospel of Matthew to learn from not one but two Bible authors what Jesus taught about prayer. Kids might know that we should pray, but only God can teach us how to pray. 

Ask your kids: “Who is your favorite person in the world to talk to? Why do you love talking to them?” Continuing the discussion, ask: “Why does God want us to pray to Him? How should we pray to God?” Ask your kids if they will join you in a prayer time. Give your kids a choice between praying aloud, praying silently, or writing their prayers on a piece of paper or in a journal or notebook. Later in the week, invite them to another prayer time. Encourage every effort they make in praying. Don’t forget to ask your kids how you can pray for them!

Check out this week’s Family Card for Bible story questions and Bible skills ideas. 

Can your kids quote our Memory Verse? Look it up and read it together. 

Here are the resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

Enjoy your time exploring the Bible! See you next week! 

Bible Passage: Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 6:5-15
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:105
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: Jesus taught that we should pray to God.
Older Kids: Jesus taught that we should pray to God with boldness.

Jesus Taught About Prayer
Luke 11:1-13; Matthew 6:5-15
One day, Jesus was praying. When He finished praying, one of the disciples asked Jesus, “LORD, teach us to pray.”
So, Jesus gave His disciples an example. “When you pray, pray like this. ‘Father may Your name be honored as holy. May Your kingdom come soon. Please give us each day what we need. Forgive us of our sins and help us forgive everyone who sins against us. Protect us from being tempted to sin.”
Then Jesus explained to the disciples that they should pray boldly and with persistence. Jesus said, “If you go to a friend in the middle of the night to ask him for some bread so you can feed your visitor, will your friend say, ‘Do not bother me! I am already in bed, and I cannot get up to give you anything!’ No, your friend would get up and give you what you need because you asked.”
Jesus was telling the disciples that they should pray to God with boldness. God wants to answer their prayers. So, Jesus told them, “When you ask, it will be given to you. When you seek, you will find what you need. When you knock, the door will be opened for you. Those who ask will receive. Those who search will find what they need. And those who knock will find the door opened for them.”
Jesus continued, “When a child asks his father for a fish, will the father give the child a snake? If the child asks for an egg, would the father give him a scorpion? Even those who are evil give good gifts to their children. God, our heavenly Father, will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.”
Jesus also told the disciples not to pray just so others will see you pray. In Bible times, some people like to stand up in the synagogues or on the street and pray so people could see them praying. Instead of seeking attention, the disciples should pray quietly, on their own. God would hear their prayers. Sometimes people prayed using the same words over and over without thinking about the words. They would say things they did not mean. Jesus explained that God wants His followers to pray with truthful, caring hearts.
Jesus taught that the disciples should pray to God. God wants His children to talk to Him and ask Him for the things they need. God is a loving Father who answers the prayers of His people.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.  

Session 13
Subject: Keep exploring the Bible—Session 13 recap and review ideas! 

Greetings Families!

This is our last week in the Gospel of Luke before the next quarter, and we ended on one of Jesus’ most famous parables: the parable of the loving father. In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables (stories that teach a truth) about lost things. This parable taught kids that God is our loving Father who welcomes anyone who repents of their sin and comes to Him. 

Buy some plastic kazoos at a craft or department store and give each family member a kazoo. Ask your kids: “How does it feel when we mess up? What is forgiveness? How do we feel when someone forgives us?” Reiterate to kids that God is always ready to forgive us of our sins, even when others are not. Tell everyone to carry around their kazoos this week and when someone asks for forgiveness, pull out the kazoo and celebrate by blowing it!

Check the back of this week’s Family Card. Ask kids to show you this week’s object. Encourage everyone to quote this week’s Memory Verse! 

Please use any of the resources your kids studied in this week’s session: the Text Truths, Memory Verse, and Bible Story. You can also find Explore the Bible At Home family resources for this week on Ministry Grid.*

It’s been a gift to explore the Bible with your kids this summer!

Bible Passage: Luke 15:1-3,11-32
Memory Verse: Psalm 119:105
Text Truths:
Younger Kids: God is our loving Father.
Older Kids: God is our loving Father who eagerly welcomes us home when we repent of our sin.

The Parable of the Loving Father
Luke 15:1-3,11-32
The tax collectors and sinners were coming to listen to Jesus. The Pharisees and the scribes began complaining about it. “Jesus welcomes sinners, and He eats with them,” they said.
The Pharisees thought that Jesus should only be around people who followed God’s rules. They thought Jesus should stay away from the tax collectors and sinners. Instead, Jesus welcomed them. And this confused and upset the religious leaders. To show the Pharisees why Jesus wanted sinners to come to Him, Jesus told three parables (stories) about things that were lost.
The third parable was about a father and his two sons. Jesus said, “The younger son asked the father for money. This money would have been rightfully his in the future, but the son wanted it right away. So, the father gave it to him. The son traveled to a faraway country and wasted all the money his father had given him. A famine came to the country and this son had nothing. He found a job feeding pigs. The son was so hungry that he wished for the pigs’ food!”
“One day, the son realized that his father’s hired workers had more and better food than he had. The younger son decided to go home and ask his father to forgive him. He thought that maybe his father would give him a job. So, he began the journey home.”
“When the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. The father was full of compassion. He ran to his son. He hugged him tightly and kissed him. The son told his father he was sorry, but the father interrupted him and called his servants. ‘Bring the best robe, a ring, and sandals. We are going to celebrate with a feast. My son was lost, but now he is found!’ Everyone began to celebrate.”
“Now the older son came in from the fields. He heard the music and dancing, so he asked a servant what was happening. The servant told the older brother, ‘Your brother is here. Your father is celebrating that he has returned home.’ ”
“When the older brother heard this news, he was angry and did not go inside to the celebration. The father went outside and pleaded with the older son to come inside. But the older son was upset. He had worked faithfully for his father. He had obeyed his father but was not celebrated. The younger son had sinned, and the father had celebrated when he returned.”
“The loving father told his older son, ‘You are always with me. Everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice because your brother was dead, but now he is alive. He was lost, but now he is found.’ ”
Jesus told this parable to help the religious leaders understand that God is our loving Father who celebrates when sinners repent and come to Him.

*Log in or create a free account, then select this week’s session.