Psalm 2
The nations rage in the foolishness. In the weeks ahead we will hear the foolish plots against Jesus and rejoice in the wisdom of God – Christ crucified.
Job 42.1.1-7
For younger children read at least Job 42.6 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. Take this chance to talk about how we think about ourselves. We despise ourselves as sinners but we do not dwell and mope there in despair. We look to Jesus and rejoice that he has made us saints. Instill in your children from little on a proper Christ-centered identity.
For older children you could discuss this prayer – “Job represents all of humanity’s failure in trying to avoid the wages of sin (Rom 5.12). Finally, we must admit that we seldom can comprehend God’s ways, because sin clouds our understanding. We need not put on sackcloth and ashes; God wants only a contrite heart. What Job could not do to save himself, God did by sending His only Son.” The Lutheran Study Bible
John 11.38-57
For younger children read at least John 11.40 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about how we see the glory of God at the cross of Christ.
For older children you could discuss this – “Unbelief hardens the heart, making a person callous to God’s acts of grace, mercy, and compassion. By daily repentance and prayer, dedicate yourself to fulfilling your calling faithfully. Rejoice that nothing stopped Jesus from graciously giving His life for all people at God’s appointed time and gathering His children to Himself.” The Lutheran Study Bible
Write it on the heart verses – Job 42.6 and John 11.40
Small Catechism for the week: The Address – Our Father who are in heaven. What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and that we are his true children, so that we may pray to him as boldly and confidently as dear children as their dear father.
Small Catechism question for the day: To whom should we pray? 1 John 5.10-12 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.