We’ve started a new three-lesson series called “Jesus at the End of Time.” It will help students explore Jesus’ role in the future, as well as their future with him.

In the first lesson, we looked at John 14:1-14, where Jesus told the disciples about what was to come. Jesus said we can trust him because he’s going to prepare a place for us in his Father’s home.

Jesus was speaking about the time following his death. He’s preparing a place in heaven for his disciples—anyone who believes in him—for all eternity. As the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus is the only path to eternal life with God.

Find some time—or create some time—at the dinner table or in the car to talk more about this topic with your teenager. Feel free to start the conversation with these questions:

• What’s it like to receive—or not receive—an invitation to a party?
• Why do you think a relationship with Jesus is intended for everyone? What would you tell someone who’s missing out on this important relationship?
• How do Jesus’ promises fill you with hope—both now and for eternity?

We’ve wrapped up our series titled “More Than the Red Letters.” The goal each week has been to help teenagers discover connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

In our final lesson, we explored Acts 8:26-38, where God led a follower of Jesus named Philip to share the truth and understanding of a Scripture passage with an Ethiopian leader. The man was reading words from the book of Isaiah but didn’t understand what it all meant. Because Philip had knowledge of the Scripture, he was able to help the Ethiopian leader and point him to Jesus.

This week, I encourage you to spend a few minutes talking with your teenager about our lesson. Consider fueling your conversation with these questions:

• What’s one thing that has confused you or frustrated you about the Bible?
• Why is it important to know what Jesus really said and did—and not just rely on what other people tell you, or what you think you heard a long time ago?
• What’s one way the Bible—either the Old Testament or New Testament—has helped you understand God better in your everyday life?

​Have an incredible week!

Grades 9-12 | Why Would Jesus Suffer?
This week, we explored Isaiah 52 and 53, often referred to as the “Suffering Servant” passages. The prophet Isaiah indicated that the coming Messiah would suffer mightily as a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world.

We considered all the ways Jesus fulfilled the extraordinary details of this passage through his arrest, torture, and crucifixion. In doing so, we were encouraged to embrace a deeper, awe-filled understanding of Jesus’ identity.

Take a few minutes this week to begin a conversation with your teenager about our lesson. Use these questions to start your discussion:

• How much weight do you think Jesus could lift?
• What did you learn about Jesus that surprised you the most?
• Why do you think people rejected Jesus—and still reject him?
• How does knowing that Isaiah 53 was written 700 years before Jesus was born impact your understanding of his crucifixion?

We pray that Jesus makes a huge impact in your lives this week. Blessings to you!

Grades 6-8 | How Jesus Pointed Back to the Old Testament
​We’re continuing our series titled “More Than the Red Letters.” The goal each week is to help teenagers discover connections between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

In our second conversation, we discussed Luke 24:13-34, where Jesus joined two of his followers after his resurrection. In his typically shrewd fashion, Jesus didn’t simply reveal himself by saying, “Hey—it’s me!” Instead, he guided these two followers through Scriptures that revealed truths about the Messiah—about him. As Jesus spoke, these followers began to feel his presence burning within them, but they didn’t put it all together until he broke bread and blessed it, and then suddenly disappeared from their presence.

Our conversation focused on how Jesus knew Scripture, but also how he loved it and quoted it. Teenagers have the opportunity to fall in love with the Bible, too, as they draw closer to Jesus and center their lives on him.

Here are some questions that could keep the dialogue going at home this week:

• Does the idea of “loving” the Bible seem weird to you? Why or why not?
• How does knowing the Bible make it more natural to love the Bible?
• How does loving Scripture help you get closer to Jesus?
• What habits help you know, love, or quote the Bible more?

Thank you for letting us partner with you and your child on their faith journey. Have a wonderful week.