FamilyDevotionals

“If Jesus told me to follow him, I’d try, but I’d probably look back to see who else was coming,” says Ava, 10. “If my little brother was coming too, I’d want to make sure he didn’t mess it up.” Peter had a similar moment. In John 21:15–19, Jesus had just restored Peter with amazing […]

“If Jesus made me breakfast, I’d hope for chocolate chip pancakes,” says Ella, 9. “And maybe a side of heavenly bacon.” It’s a fun thought, but what Jesus served on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after His resurrection wasn’t sweet or crispy. It was bread and fish. But what makes this meal amazing […]

“If I saw someone walk on water, I’d probably ask if they could teach me how to skip swimming lessons,” says Landon, 8. That could have been a request in Galilee too, when the word got around that Jesus had walked across the Sea of Galilee. But for the apostle John, Jesus’ miracles weren’t party […]

“If I were Thomas, I probably would have doubted too,” says Zoe, 11. “Dead people don’t usually come back.” That’s honest. It’s probably why Thomas has been known for centuries as “Doubting Thomas.” In John 20:24-29, we learn that Thomas wasn’t with the other disciples when Jesus first appeared to them after the resurrection. When […]

“If I saw Jesus after he rose from the dead, I would probably scream, then faint, then scream again!” says Lily, 10. “Then I would hug him and ask if he brought snacks.” Jesus didn’t bring snacks when he first appeared to his disciples on Easter evening, but he did bring something far better: peace, […]

“If I saw Jesus, I’d probably know because he’d be glowing or floating or something,” says Caleb, 9. “Also, I think he’d have a name tag that says ‘Messiah.’” If only it were that simple. On the first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene stood outside Jesus’ empty tomb, crying. She looked into the tomb and saw […]

“If I saw an empty tomb, I’d check for zombies,” says Logan, 9. “I wouldn’t think, ‘Oh, Jesus rose from the dead!’ because that would sound like a fairy tale.” That may be exactly what the disciples thought at first. On that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb early and saw the […]

“If I saw soldiers hurting Jesus, I’d want to help, but I might be too scared,” says Lucas, 9. “I’d probably hide behind a camel.” Fear can stop us from doing the right thing. In John 19:38–42, we meet two men who were afraid, but they still found the courage to do what was right. […]

“If someone poked me with a spear, I’d be mad,” says Jake, 8. “Jesus just let them do it. That’s amazing.” Jake is right. What happened to Jesus’ body after he died on the cross reveals not just his suffering, but the depth of his love and the truth of who he is. In John […]

“If I finish my vegetables, I get dessert,” says Caleb, 8. “But Jesus didn’t get dessert. He got a spear in his side.” Caleb’s comparison might sound humorous, but it reminds us that when Jesus said, “It is finished,” on the cross (John 19:30), he wasn’t talking about ending a small task. He was talking […]

“If Jesus is a king, where’s his crown and castle?” asks Henry, 8. “I’ve seen Disney movies. Kings are supposed to wear gold and sit on thrones.” When most people think of kings, they picture palaces, parades, armies, and riches. But in John 19:17–22, we see a very different kind of king. Jesus is carrying […]

“If Jesus healed people and fed thousands with just a few fish, why would anyone want to kill him?” asks Liam, 9. “That’s like trying to get rid of your birthday cake!” Liam’s question is both funny and insightful. Why would anyone want to crucify someone who went around helping others? In John 19:1-16, we […]