Welcome
The colors in the church have changed to purple. The 40 days of Lent have begun, but what does that mean? Today, we'll explore the answer to that question and what this season of the church year is all about.
Video note: This video is better suited for older students. If your child is sensitive to blood, there are a couple of short clips in the video of Jesus being nailed to the cross and wearing the crown of thorns.
Share
- What was the best moment of the last week for you? The worst?
- How did you see God at work in the last week? What is your God sighting?
Sing
During Lent, we look to the cross and our need for a Savior. We find salvation in Jesus, the Son of God who died on the cross for us.
Scripture
Psalm 51:1-12 HCSB In this Psalm, David prays for forgiveness. We do the same during Lent and rest in the promise that Jesus comes to forgive.
1 Be gracious to me, God, according to Your faithful love; according to Your abundant compassion, blot out my rebellion. 2 Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against You—You alone—I have sinned and done this evil in Your sight. So You are right when You pass sentence; You are blameless when You judge.
5 Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. 6 Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach me wisdom deep within. 7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice.
9 Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my guilt. 10 God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.
What is Lent?
Lent is a journey.
Lent is 40 days plus Sundays (they are mini Easters). Can you think of times in the Bible where we hear the number 40? There are lots! It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days. For the 40 days of Lent, we journey to the cross and reflect on our need for a Savior.
In church this week, you might have heard this 40-day story.
Lent is a call to repentance.
Repentance is a fancy word that means telling God we are sorry for our sins, the things we do wrong. We realize we can't save ourselves or follow God's rules perfectly. We need someone to help us; that someone is Jesus. How have you seen the world's need for Jesus this week?
Lent is fasting.
Fasting means to give something up. During Lent, sometimes people give something up, maybe a favorite food or screen time. They do this so they can reflect on how Jesus gave up His life for us. Instead of watching a TV show, they might spend time in God's Word.
Lent is a time to pray.
Prayer is conversation with God. During Lent, we turn to God in prayer asking for help and forgiveness. Prayer isn't just for Lent thought. The Bible says we should pray continually. Make a prayer catcher to help guide your prayers.
Lent is an opportunity to give back.
During Lent, we think about Jesus' sacrifice and all He has given to us. We can respond to His gift of love by giving back to others. How can you help someone in need this week?
Pray + Bless
Dear Jesus, During this journey through the 40 days of Lent, turn our hearts and minds to you. We are sorry for our sins and look to you for forgiveness. Help us to respond to all you give with love for others. Draw us closer to You each step of the way. Amen.
Circle up as a household. Pick someone to start the blessing. They say, "Jesus gives of Himself for all of us. And that means me (place a hand on your chest). And that means you (place your other hand on the shoulder of the person next to you)". Pass the blessing by repeating those words and actions. When the blessing makes it back to the first person, they say, "Go and bless the world."
Portions of the lesson from the Sparkhouse Digital curriculum.