READ ALL OR PARTS OF  Luke 13:22-35 FROM YOUR BIBLE OR WATCH THE BIBLE STORY VIDEO.

DISCUSSION: How do people act when they get rejected? How would someone act if they got fired from a job when they didn’t do anything wrong?

STORY: Imagine a group is starting off on a race through some rocky terrain. They are all sharing different ideas of how to approach the start of the journey. There are lots of different opinions and they are all speaking over each other. Finally, one of the team members realizes they need to focus on the map they have been given, rather than try every single idea.

When someone asked Jesus, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” Jesus answered with truth and grace. He knew that a great number of people would despise and reject Him, and they would miss the new life He offered. Jesus also knew that many were still learning and seeking to believe in Him, so He reminded them He is the narrow gate that leads to salvation. His response offered people truth and grace. As we learn about God’s kingdom, we know that many will be invited in because they believed in Jesus, but we also realize some will reject Jesus. Then, there are others who think they have done enough good works to earn their way into God’s kingdom, but Jesus will say that He never knew them because they did not put their faith in Him. While this news is hard to hear, it is actually a reminder of the good news we have in Jesus! What God wants most of all is for people to know Jesus and believe in Him. God promises that anyone who believes in Jesus and calls on His name will be saved! 

QUESTION: Why doesn’t everyone follow Jesus?

ANSWER: There are lots of different reasons – some of those might be:

• It takes faith (it is believing in something unseen)
• You have to admit that you are a sinner – that you mess up
• You have to admit that you need help
• There is nothing you can do to save yourself – only Jesus

QUESTION: What did Jesus say He wanted to do for the people of Jerusalem?

ANSWER: Luke 13:34(b) “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” 

WORK ON MEMORIZING OUR SCRIPTURE VERSE!

Jesus, 

Thank You for teaching us that You are the way, the truth, and the life. We know that no one comes to the Father except through You, so help us to know You, Jesus, and help us to tell others about You. Help us cling to your words of truth – and have them written on our hearts. You are the gift of salvation!

AMEN