Week of July 16, 2017

Dear Parents,

Ezra traveled to Jerusalem with a purpose. God’s people had spent 70 years in exile, and they needed to be reminded how to live. As a scribe, Ezra was an expert on the law of Moses, and he had “determined in his heart to study the law of the Lord, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

Under Nehemiah’s leadership, the people had rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls. They gathered together at the Water Gate to hear the law of Moses. Men, women, and children—anyone who could understand—came to listen to the reading of God’s Word.

From early morning until midday, Ezra read from the book of the law of Moses. He stood on a high wooden platform where everyone could see and hear him. Ezra opened the book of the law, and everyone stood up. The Levites helped the listeners understand the words of the law.

The people reacted strongly to hearing and understanding the law of Moses. Verse 9 says the people were weeping. The law revealed their sin.

God’s Word is powerful. When Ezra read God’s Word, the people changed their ways and loved God more. The Bible says that Jesus is “the Word.” Jesus is God who came to live with people on earth. Jesus has the power to change our hearts.

Help your kids recognize that we cannot meet God’s requirements. We need a Savior. God sent Jesus to obey the law perfectly and die for our sins. We can trust in Him for salvation.

Family Talking Points

Toddlers

• God keeps His promises.
• Ezra read God’s words to the people.
• The people heard God’s words and loved God.
• Jesus spoke God’s words.

Preschool

• Does God keep His promises? Yes, God is always faithful.
• Ezra taught the people God’s Word.

Kids

• Does God keep His promises? Yes, God is always faithful even when we are not.
• Ezra read God’s Word to teach the people how to obey God.

Unit Key Passage

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
– Lamentations 3:22-23

Next Week

“Malachi the Prophet” (Malachi 1—4)

Reminders

“LifeKids Families” Facebook Group – we’ll be posting photos, updates and more in the LifeKids Families Facebook Group, so please add yourself. Only parents/families of LifeKids will be accepted to the group!