Psalm 25.15-22
As we have been considering the afflictions of Job and of our Lord, we pray with David in this psalm and ask God to consider our afflictions. We know he does. He turns no blind eye to our suffering. If ever we doubt that we look at Christ on the cross.
Job 17.1-16
For younger children read at least Psalm 25.15 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about the focus of a tightrope walker or a gymnast. They have their eyes focused so that they don’t fall. We always focus on Jesus and he will keep us safe.
For older children you could discuss this note – “After Job’s great confession of faith in his heavenly witness-mediator, he begins to consider his outward circumstances once again. He describes how the situation was becoming bleaker. As you see your own weakness, ‘draw near to God, and He will draw near to you’ (James 4.8). God ‘put up security’ for you when Christ laid down His life, giving His precious blood!” The Lutheran Study Bible
John 7.14-31
For younger children read at least John 7.24 and repeat it so that it might be written on the heart. You might also talk about how sometimes we don’t look happy but are on inside, or we don’t look sad but are on the inside.
For older children you could discuss this – “Despite growing opposition from the Jewish leaders and unbelief within His own family, Jesus enters Jerusalem during the Feast of Booths as the time of His death draws near. People today still fail to see that Jesus is not just another lawgiver but a merciful Savior.” The Lutheran Study Bible
Write it on the heart verses – Psalm 25.15 and John 7.24
Small Catechism for the week: What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
Small Catechism question for the day: Should someone who is weak in faith come to the Sacrament? Should some who feels terrible about their sin go to the Sacrament? 2 Corinthians 7.10,11 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see the earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.