Show Respect-Matthew 8:5-13

A Roman centurion went to the town of Capernaum and pleaded with Jesus to heal his servant who lay at home sick and in terrible agony. When Jesus got ready to go, the centurion said, "Oh Jesus, no! I'm not worthy to have You come under my roof. Just say the word and my servant will be well. I know, for I am a man of authority over soldiers. I say to this one come, and he comes, and to another go and he goes. And to my slave I say do this and he does."

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. ¹¹ I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. ¹² But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
¹³ Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment (Matthew 8:10-13).

Think About It
The centurion showed respect for Jesus when he humbled himself before Him saying he wasn't worthy to have Him come to his house and when He trusted Jesus by asking Him to heal his servant. Write down three ways you can show respect to Jesus; to your parents and teachers. Then practice them this week.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, I love and worship you. Help me to show You, my parents and teachers respect. Thank you for Your faithfulness of being with me. Amen. 

Back to School

Vacations - over. Books, notebooks, pencils, markers, backpacks, bikes, buses. It's back-to-school time. Memories of the summer fade under hard work and study.

Did you know Jesus didn't take a vacation? All the time He walked on earth, He taught people, even children, what the kingdom of God is like. He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” Matthew 19:13-15.

I hope it makes you feel special to think that Jesus took children in His arms and blessed them on their birthdays. Wouldn't it be wonderful if that happened on your next birthday? Someday we will get to be with Jesus all the time. One day will be as special as the next.

Until then, we have school and homework to think about. A person who follows Jesus also does things He did. He worked hard helping His dad in the carpenter shop. He talked with the people in the temple and had compassion for those who were hungry and thirsty.

Whether we are on vacation or attending classes, we can do what Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself,” Luke 10:26-28.

Think About It
Discuss with your parents how you can take an active roll in showing love to others, whether it is people in your family, friends at school, on the playground or at church.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving kids. Thank you for loving me and showing me how to love others. Amen.