Home Connection

Listen to God: Read Matthew 12:1-8
The Law prohibited working on the Sabbath, but it made provision for those who were
poor or hungry. They could pick heads of grain and eat the kernels provided a scythe was
not used (Deuteronomy 23:25). The disciples did exactly that. They got just enough to provide
nourishment and strictly obeyed the letter of the Law. Unfortunately that was not acceptable
in the eyes of the Pharisees. They hated Jesus and said His followers were breaking
the Law. Jesus did not allow their attacks to keep Him from focusing on His purpose,
though. Discuss with your family the ways Satan tries to distract people today.
Talk to God
It’s easy to get distracted by things that don’t really matter and lose focus on
the things that do matter. Jesus masterfully avoided the Pharisees’ attempts
to distract Him from His purpose. We must follow His example to do the
same. Pray together that God will help each family member resist the temptations
that come along and remain faithful to God’s purpose for his or her life.
Walk With God
Option 1: Explain to family members why we should follow God’s rules. We should follow God’s
rules because we love Him. Obeying His commands does not save us. Only belief in His death
and resurrection can give us salvation. We obey God’s rules because we want to please Him
and make Him happy. We have a relationship with God, so we follow His rules because we love
Him, but more importantly because He loves us.
Option 2: What does your family do to honor the principle of the Sabbath? It’s important to remember that
hundreds of laws regarding what could or couldn’t be done on the Sabbath were created with good intention—to
be sure people kept the Sabbath holy. The results were far less noble. In fact, it became almost impossible to rest
on the Sabbath due to the demands and restrictions placed by the many laws. Even though those laws do not
exist for Christians today, we are still expected to honor the principle of the Sabbath—one day of rest and worship
each week. Discuss with your family how to do that. Set some goals or expectations together to help your family
honor the Sabbath principle and achieve God’s purpose for the day.
Week 4
March 25, 2012
D6 Family Theme: PURPOSE
The Point: Nothing should distract us from fulfilling God’s purpose.
The one page for every age
HO E c o n n e c t i o n
TM
curriculum FTE 4-4
Infant/Toddler
Today your child learned how to share with his or her friends. Use the
Cuddle Card to reinforce the Heartprint: I Can Share.
Preschool
Today your child discussed the Heartprint: I Can Obey Jesus by learning
what, when, and how to obey. Discuss obedience with your child and what
it means to obey with a happy heart.
Early Elementary
Today your student discussed how Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus
taught the disciples, the Pharisees, and the crowds that He was God’s Son.
He performed miracles to display His power and authority. Talk with your
child about accepting the gift of salvation.
Upper Elementary
Today your student discussed how Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus
taught the disciples, the Pharisees, and the crowds that He was God’s Son.
He preformed miracles to display His power and authority. Talk with your
student about accepting the gift of salvation.