The Gospel Project Family Devotion-April 27-March 3, 2014

Volume 7 Adult/Kids Connections (SPR 2014) 

Unit 20, Session 3: Jesus Appeared to the Disciples 
Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-29; Acts 1:3,9-11 

Christ Connection: God made Jesus alive again! For 40 days, Jesus presented Himself to at least 500 people and proved that He is alive. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) Jesus is still alive today. 

Adult Connection Point: 

Jesus is the only human who “did not know sin.” He never sinned, and both He and His closest followers, Peter and John, explicitly attested to this (John 8:46; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5). God made Him “to be sin.” He identified 100 percent with the sin of the world when He died on the cross (John 1:29). When Jesus arose from the dead, He gave us the opportunity to be reconciled to God. 

Because of the resurrection, those who have been united with Christ are necessarily joined with His mission. We can share that Jesus is alive with others as God’s ambassadors: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God.’ He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:20-21). 

Family Devotion: 
Materials: paper, pencils 

Play a game called “Prove it!” Before your family time, print on slips of paper these actions: I can roll my tongue. I can stand on one leg for 15 seconds. I can whistle “Jesus Loves Me.” I can wiggle my ears. I can lift my dog/cat. I can hold my breath for 10 seconds. Add other activities your family could do. Allow your family members to choose a slip of paper. 

Recall the story then ask: “What are some actions Jesus performed to prove He was alive and not a ghost?” Besides appearing to the disciples, he showed them his wounds, ate food, and allowed Thomas to touch him. At least 500 other witnesses had contact with Jesus before He went back up to heaven! 

Ask: “What did Jesus tell His disciples to do after He ate with them?” Jesus told his disciples He was sending them to be His witnesses and to tell others He was alive. 

Emphasize that Jesus is still alive today. 

Print on slips of paper names of people you know who do not believe Jesus is alive. Be intentional about praying for your list and asking God to give you opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus with them in the days and weeks ahead. 

Pray, asking God to give you courage and opportunities to share Jesus with others.