When we look at the life and teaching of Jesus, we’re reminded how important it is to go back to the basics. Luke gives us some insight into how Jesus grew up. Luke 2:52 notes that Jesus grew in wisdom and in favor with God and others. Throughout our lives, we should also circle back to these ideas as we seek to live like Jesus.
These are the basics: Wisdom—I need to make the wise choice; Faith—I can trust God no matter what; Friendship—I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
When we return to these ideas, we can begin to discover what God is doing in us to change the world around us. This summer we’re heading back to Base Camp where we’ll learn from the life of Jesus, His teachings, and His example.
The monthly memory verse is: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men,” Luke 2:52, NIrV. When we respond to God and follow where He leads, we will see ourselves develop in wisdom, faith, and friendship. Then we will be able to set the example for other people.
In Week One’s biblical principle, Luke tells us how Jesus grew up (Luke 2:52). Jesus grew closer to God by growing in wisdom, faith, and friendship. Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something in you to change the world around you. We can’t change the world until we allow God to change us on the inside and make us more like Jesus.
In Week Two’s Bible story, Jesus heals a blind man (John 9:1–38, NIrV). This miracle causes the Pharisees and other Jews to wonder if Jesus is the Messiah they had been waiting for. And Jesus tells the healed man exactly who He is. Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something to show me who He is. God is continually doing things around us that help us know Him better.
In Week Three’s Bible story, Jesus’ friend, Lazarus, dies (John 11:1-44). At first,Lazarus’ sisters couldn’t understand why Jesus didn’t help, but they soon realized Jesus had everything under control. Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something big to help me trust in Him. God may not fix all our problems, but He’ll give us the strength to get through it.
In Week Four’s Bible story, Jesus calls Matthew to leave his post as tax collector and follow Him (Matthew 9:9–13). Matthew was hated by most of the Jews, but when Jesus accepted him, it showed that anyone could follow Jesus. Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something in me to help me follow Him. No one is too bad or too good to follow Jesus.
And finally, in Week Five’s Bible story, Jesus tells a story about a farmer who sows seeds in different types of soil (Matthew 13:1–23). The seed is like God’s Word, and the soil is like people who hear God’s Word. If we listen to God and do what He says, we will be good soil and see great growth. Our Bottom Line is: God is doing something in me when I do what He says.
By Jessica McKee ©2013 The reThink Group. All rights reserved. www.ThinkOrange.com *Used by permission.
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