Week: Jesus' Questions
Each day we will simply pray (P.R.A.Y.) together.
P: PAUSING to be still.
R: REJOICING with a Memory Verse and REFLECTING on some verses from the Bible.
A: ASKING God to help us and others.
Y: saying YES to God’s ways.
We start by pausing and taking a deep breath:
In and out.
In and out.
We remember that God is here, and so together we prepare ourselves to be with God.
Pause
Lord Jesus, the questions that You ask teach us more about who You are, who we are, and the life that You’ve called us to live. We’re listening, and we’re ready for You to ask us some new questions today.
We REJOICE and celebrate God’s goodness with this week’s memory verse:
Read by Bea
Colossians 3:17
Everything you do or say should be done to obey Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.
Colossians 3:17 (NCV)
God, help us to remember Your Word.
Today, we’re REFLECTING on a question that Jesus asked His followers about His identity.
Read by Bea
Matthew 16:13-16
When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his followers, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They answered, ‘Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah, and still others say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ Then Jesus asked them, ‘And who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
Matthew 16:13-16 (NCV)
Jesus didn’t ask this question because He had forgotten who He was! He asked His followers because their answer could change everything.
For example, if Jesus was just a good carpenter, we’d only go to Him for DIY advice.
If Jesus was just a wise teacher, then we’d listen to what He has to say, but that’s about it. If Jesus was just a popular person that people followed around, we’d probably try to copy His hairstyle or wear the same brand of sandals that He did.
But Simon Peter said that Jesus was the Son of the living God, and that changes everything!
Let’s press pause and ask each other the question: ‘Who do you say I am?’ Let’s all say some encouraging things to each other. Maybe things that we’re good at, or things about our character.
And now, we ASK God to help us and others.
Jesus, You are the Son of the living God. We ASK You to help us know who You are more clearly as we talk with You.
There are lots of people who believe that Jesus was just a wise teacher, but don’t yet know that Jesus is the Son of the living God.
Holy Spirit, there are millions of people who haven’t recognised who Jesus really is. We ASK that You would work in their hearts and minds. Help them to understand and know Jesus as He really is – the Son of the living God.
As we read the Bible again, let’s listen for a word or a phrase that the Holy Spirit might want to say to us from today’s verses.
Matthew 16:13-16
When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his followers, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ They answered, ‘Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah, and still others say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ Then Jesus asked them, ‘And who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’
Matthew 16:13-16 (NCV)
What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?
And now, let’s say YES to God together.
Jesus, we say a massive YES to the truth that You are the Son of the living God. You are alive today and we will follow you!
After enjoying this time with God and each other, let’s say our memory verse together:
Colossians 3:17
Everything you do or say should be done to obey Jesus your Lord. And in all you do, give thanks to God the Father through Jesus.
Colossians 3:17 (NCV)
Let’s put a hand on our heart.
Father God, fill us with Your love. Help us to love You, and everything that You’ve made.
Let’s point to our eyes.
Lord Jesus, help us to see You, and to see others the way that You see them too.
Let’s point to our ears.
Holy Spirit, help us to hear You, and give us courage to do what You say.
Phil lives close to a beach in the north of England with his wife, his daughters and his dogs. Phil works for 24-7 Prayer, mostly doing Lectio stuff, and helping to run Prayer Spaces in Schools. He runs a lot, usually for long distances. He likes curry, mountains, reading books and he still plays Pokemon Go.
Bea is 14 and she lives in Hampshire, in the UK, with her family. Her favourite football team is Manchester United, even though she lives a loooong way from Manchester. Bea likes horse riding and running, and when she’s older, she wants to become a vet, or a professional horse-rider.
