I wish all of you could see the light bulbs go off when things of God click with kids! Yesterday was a day that all of the kids were able to give a fear to God and then say, “peace be still in Jesus’ name,” over that fear. Isn’t it awesome that Jesus can calm our storms?! Today, we are learning that God is a friend forever.

 

Betrayed by a friend, accused by religious leaders, and arrested by the Temple guards, Jesus’ future seemed grim. The religious leaders saw Jesus as a threat, a liar, and a blasphemer; and apparently the crowds demanding his crucifixion, agreed. His hurried trial ended in a death sentence—one usually reserved for criminals. Jesus died on a cross, under a sign mocking him as King of the Jews. His fearful friends scattered, leaving two men who’d followed Jesus from afar to prepare his body for burial. Jesus’ lifeless body lay in a borrowed tomb, sealed behind a heavy gravestone.

 

It seemed like the end…but was it? Three days later, Jesus’ friends discovered the stone had been moved and the tomb was empty! Jesus’ body hadn’t been stolen or moved—Jesus appeared repeatedly to his followers! They saw him, felt his breath, and touched the wounds on his hands! Jesus turned the end into eternity! 

 

Can you imagine how Jesus’ followers felt when they’d lost their closest friend forever? We have felt that too! Friends come and go. They move away, discover new interests, make new friends, or sometimes just abandon us. The idea of “forever” seems impossible. Yet God had something surprising in store! Jesus’ death wasn’t the end—it was just the beginning of a friendship that will last into eternity! God always has been and always will be  – he is forever! And even better, his love for us is forever! Things like sadness, loneliness, and worry won’t last forever. Today, share the exciting news that a friendship with God is one that will never ever end! God is a friend forever! Thanks, God!

 

Kimberly Jewell