Wednesday Night Kids - Walk in His Ways

Dear Parents,

Here is our lesson that was planned for this evening. Do what you can and when you can. I know our "To Do" lists are piling up these days (especially with children at home). Perhaps after dinner tonight you can gather to watch the video, talk through the lesson, or pray for our world right now. You are loved and missed at NPC but God is Good! Believe that and live that out in your homes.

Blessings,
Danielle

Wednesday Night Kids - "Walk in His Ways"
The Parable of the Great Banquet
Luke 14:12-24

Watch Lesson Here!

One Sabbath day, Jesus went to have dinner at an important Pharisee's house. While he was there, Jesus noticed how everyone wanted the best place at the table. So Jesus told the host that it's better to invite people who can't pay you back - people who aren't worried about impressing you. Jesus said that in heaven, "God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you." So that got everyone thinking about heaven. In fact, one guy called out, "It's going to be great to feast with God in heaven!" And that was when Jesus told this story.

A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, 'Come, the banquet is ready.' But they all began making excuses. One said, 'I just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' That person didn't want to come. Another said, 'I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' That person didn't want to come. Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.' Guess he didn't want to come either. Another said, 'I now have a wife, so I can't come.' Yet another person who was not interested! Everyone the man had invited to the feast had some excuse for not coming.

The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' After the servant had don't this, he reported, 'There is still room for more.' So this master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.'

ASK: Why did the man in the story invite the poor, crippled, and lame to his feast?  If the man in the story represents God, and the banquet is heaven, why do you think Jesus told this story?

PARENTS: God wants us in heaven with him. Like the man in the story, God has planned and created something incredible for those who follow and love him! From an early age, kids discover the fun of being invited ... to a playdate, to a party, to a sleepover. They also discover too soon the pain of being left out. What a joy to realize that God invites all of us into a relationship with him that will last forever! This lesson will remind kids of God's incredible love for them!

Closing Prayer: 
Dear Jesus,
You are so good. Help us to walk in your ways!
Amen.