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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do you know how big you were when you were born? Most babies weigh about as much as a big bag of flour—only seven or eight pounds! So little! Babies are so helpless, they need their parents and grown-ups for everything: eating, getting dressed, changing their diapers, staying clean, and staying safe in their car seats. Parents love their babies so much. And now—look at you! You’ve grown bigger, stronger, and able to do many things on your own. That’s a big change!

The Bible tells us something surprising about our hearts, too. Before God saved us, we were like babies—but even more helpless. We couldn’t fix our sins or reach God on our own. The Bible says we were “dead in our sins”—we couldn’t save ourselves. But God didn’t leave us that way. He loved us and rescued us. The Bible says: “Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:10).

God chose you to be his child. He gave you faith—maybe you have pictures when you were baptized as a baby. That’s when God started faith in your heart. You may remember hearing Bible stories when you were little, or when you learned about Jesus later on. However it happened, God was the one doing the work.

As you grow, God helps your faith grow too. He tells you who you are: chosen, royal, holy, and special. Because God loves you, you get to live for him. You come to church to hear about Jesus. You listen to your parents and teachers. You show kindness and tell others about Jesus. We don’t do these things to earn God’s love. We do them because we already have God’s love.

Dear God, my human nature often tempts me to do or feel or say the wrong things. Please forgive me! Amen.

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“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Exodus 19:5-6

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let’s pretend for a moment. A loud bell rings and you have to leave your house right away. You can only grab one or two things. What would you take? Maybe it’s a favorite stuffed animal, a blanket, a book, or a toy you’ve loved for a long time. Those things are special to you—even if they don’t seem special to anyone else. We call those things treasures.

In today’s Bible verses, God is talking to the people of Israel. He had already rescued them from slavery in Egypt and helped them cross the Red Sea. But the people were not perfect. They complained. They worried. They made mistakes. So why did God call them his “treasured possession” and his favorite people? It wasn’t because they were so good. It was because of who God is.

God chose them because he loved them! He is a God of love. The Israelites did nothing to deserve his love. They were sinners who needed forgiveness and grace. He promised that one day a Savior would come from them. God chose them to be his special people. They were a holy nation, not because they were perfect, but because Jesus, the coming Savior, would be perfect for them. God blessed them and led them to the Promised Land.

Here’s the really good news: You are also God’s treasured possession! That means you are very special to him. Sometimes you might feel left out or not good enough. Sometimes you might feel sad about something you did wrong that makes you feel unlovable. But God says, “You are my child. You are my treasure.”

You are God’s favorite—not because you earned it, but because he loves you! He will always be with you here on earth and someday will bring you to live with him in heaven.

Heavenly Father, thank you for rescuing me from the slavery of sin and always staying with me. Help me remember that I am your treasure. Lead me to share this good news with others. Amen.

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[Jesus said] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Devon was having a rough morning when he came down to breakfast. He hadn’t slept well because of all the thunder and lightning from the storms last night. And then his morning got worse when he looked out the window and saw his favorite tree lying in pieces on the ground. Devon was ready to cry until his dad said something surprising: it was a good thing the storm caused the tree to fall down.

Devon didn’t understand how his dad could be glad about a tree falling down. What a mess! Yes, Devon’s dad explained, that was true. But the tree was old and rotted. It needed to be taken down because it could have easily fallen on the house or on power lines. Instead, the tree fell in a way that didn’t hurt anybody or cause any major damage. So, what looked like a bad thing to Devon was actually a good thing.

Jesus taught his disciples lots of things during their three years together. Some of those things were surprising—like the Sermon on the Mount. In this special sermon, Jesus talked about people who are blessed (or happy). How surprising when Jesus identifies them as the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and so on. He then says something even more surprising: that his followers are blessed when people insult them and mistreat them and tell lies about them because of him. Not only are they blessed when these things happen—they should even rejoice and be glad!

Thankfully, Jesus also explains why his disciples should rejoice and be glad. Everything bad that might happen to them because they believed in Jesus was only temporary. Yes, life would be hard for them on this earth because they followed him, but that was only for a short time. They had something much better to look forward to—an eternity in heaven where they would receive their reward.

You likely won’t be treated badly in the same way Jesus’ disciples were. But what if someone makes fun of you because you believe in Jesus? What if they say you spend too much time at church or that going to church is stupid? Even though it hurts when people are mean to you, remember this: you can rejoice and be glad, because someday you will see God face to face, and that will be your greatest reward!

Dear Jesus, it can be hard when people make fun of me for believing in you. Thank you for reminding me to be glad in those hard times and to look forward to my reward in heaven. Amen.

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God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Foolish. Weak. What do you think of when you hear these words? Do you feel like you want to be foolish and weak, or would you rather be wise and strong? That’s a silly question, isn’t it? You go to school every day so that you can be wise instead of foolish. You eat healthy foods and get enough sleep so that you can be strong instead of weak. Who would want to be foolish or weak if they could be wise or strong?

The apostle Paul gives us a surprising answer to that question. He says that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Why? Why would God choose weak or foolish things when he could have something strong or wise instead? Does God actually want you to be foolish and weak? Yes . . . and no.

God doesn’t want you to stop going to school so that you can be foolish. He doesn’t want you to eat junk food all day and stay up all night so that you can be weak. He does want you to remember where your strength and wisdom come from, though.

Trying to be wise and strong on your own apart from God isn’t going to get you very far. Instead, that attitude will bring you to shame sooner or later. You’ll eventually run into a problem you can’t solve or a task you can’t tackle, a problem or a task where your own wisdom or strength just isn’t good enough. But when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you can be confident that he’s walking alongside of you and giving you everything you need to live a life of faith.

Relying on God for your wisdom and strength might make you look weak and foolish to those around you. They might say that it doesn’t make sense to believe in God. Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus must have looked foolish and weak to the world when he was hanging on the cross, but that’s how he saved us. So when you appear foolish and weak to the world, when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you’re doing exactly what God wants you to do. Without God, you have nothing. With him, you have everything!

Dear God, thank you for being my wisdom when I am foolish and my strength when I am weak. Amen.

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Seek the LORD, all you humble people of the earth who have carried out his commands. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. Zephaniah 2:3 (EHV)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What’s something you’re really good at? Maybe it’s a sport where you’ve helped your team win trophies and championships. Maybe it’s a musical instrument where you’ve played a really hard piece perfectly at a recital. Maybe you’re good at school and can solve hard problems.

When you’re good at something, you naturally want to tell someone about it. You want your friends and family members to come watch your game or concert or listen to what you’re learning in school. It’s fun when people compliment you on something you’re good at, when they give you recognition and praise.

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of things you’re good at and accomplishments you’ve worked hard to achieve. But in today’s reading, the prophet Zephaniah reminds us that there’s something else we should be good at. He says to be a humble person and “seek humility.” It means not bragging about things you’re good at. But when you’re good at something, you naturally want to share that with people! So how can you be both proud and humble at the same time?

If you rely on yourself, you can’t. If you think you’re really good at something just because you worked hard and practiced, you can’t. But if you remember where your abilities came from, if you remember who made you good at something in the first place, then you can be both proud and humble.

You are special to God. He made you just the way he wanted you to be and gave you exactly the gifts and talents he wanted you to have. Without God, you wouldn’t be good at anything. So when you remember you’re only good at something because of God, when you remember to say thank you for your successes, when you get your strength from God rather than from the things you’re good at, then you’re being humble and proud at the same time.

Thank God for what you’re good at. Thank him when you do something well. Remember that all your abilities come from him, and then you’ll be both proud and humble.

Dear God, thank you for the special gifts and abilities you gave me. Remind me to always give you thanks for all the things you equip me to do well. Amen.

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Jesus traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 (EHV)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Each year has its own seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Which is your favorite?

Each church year has its own seasons, too. We just finished the Christmas season, where we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Now we’re in the Epiphany season (say it like this: ee-PIH-fuh-nee). Epiphany is an old word. It means “to show” or “to be made known.” It can also mean a big “aha!” moment—when something suddenly makes sense. People long ago used it to talk about the moment one of their gods appeared.

That helps us understand the church season of Epiphany. During Epiphany, God shows us who Jesus really is. Jesus is not just a baby in a manger. He is God’s Son, sent to save the world.

The Bible tells us that Jesus traveled through Galilee, just like the prophet Isaiah said he would hundreds of years earlier. He taught in synagogues (that’s like a Jewish church). And what did Jesus teach? He taught “the good news of the kingdom.” That means God loves sinners, forgives them, and welcomes them into his family. Anyone who is sorry for their sin and trusts in Jesus belongs to God’s kingdom.

Jesus didn’t just say these things—he showed them. He healed sick people. He made blind people see and hurting people well again. The Bible says he healed “every disease and sickness.” Only God can do that. So Jesus clearly showed who he was.

And yet . . . some people still did not believe him. They saw the miracles. They heard his words. But they still said no. Before we wonder how they could do that, we should think about ourselves. You believe in Jesus. You know who he is. But sometimes we don’t act like it.

Jesus told people the good news everywhere he went—but sometimes we stay quiet about our faith. Jesus helped people who were hurting—but sometimes we don’t want to help when it’s inconvenient. When that happens, we deny Jesus with our actions. So here’s the big question: Will Jesus deny us? No! That’s the good news of Epiphany. Jesus, the Son of God, appeared to forgive sinners—people like us. If you trust in him, you are forgiven.

Now God gives you a special job: May people who see you have their own “epiphany.” May they see Jesus’ love, kindness, and forgiveness shining through you.

Lord, thank you for sending your Son to appear to us. May we be a mirror that reflects his love and forgiveness. Amen.

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The one who says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and nothing causes him to stumble. 1 John 2:4,10 (EHV)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine saying to a police officer, “I know you! I like you!” But then you grab his hat and run away laughing.

Imagine saying to a teacher, “I know you! You’re the best!” But then you cheat on a test in her classroom.

Imagine saying to your brother or sister, “I love you!” But then you punch them in the arm or say something mean.

People would say, “That doesn’t make sense.” You can say you love someone a hundred times, but if your actions don’t match your words, people won’t believe you.

That’s what the apostle John was teaching when he wrote, “The one who says, ‘I know him,’ but does not keep his commands is a liar.” John was talking about Jesus. If someone says they know and love Jesus but never listens to him or never tries to do what he says, their words don’t match their actions.

That can feel a little scary. Have you always listened to Jesus? Have you always been loving? Kind? Obedient? John also writes, “The one who loves his brother remains in the light.”

So think about today: Were you kind to your brother or sister—or did you say something mean? Did you listen to your parents and teachers—or argue and complain? Did you treat classmates and friends with love—or ignore them or hurt their feelings?

These questions help us do something important called repentance. Repentance means admitting we have sinned and being sorry about it. But repentance doesn’t stop there. Repentance means taking that sin and sadness to Jesus. And here’s the best part: Jesus forgives. Always. Jesus is the one who perfectly loved his brothers and sisters—us! He showed that love by going to the cross and taking the punishment for our sins.

Because Jesus loves you and forgives you, you really do know him. And because you know him, you want to listen to him. That’s what it means to be “the one who loves his brother” and “remains in the light.”

God forgives you. Jesus is with you. And one day, he will raise you to live forever. That’s why, even when we mess up and stumble in sin, don’t stay stuck—keep walking in the light!

Lord, as you first loved us, inspire us to love one another. Amen.

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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. For those living in the land of the shadow of death, the light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 (EHV)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Can you leave the door open just a little bit?” a two-year-old asks at bedtime. Mom smiles and leaves the hallway light on. A thin line of light sneaks into the room. Suddenly, the darkness doesn’t feel so scary anymore. The shadows don’t look like monsters. The child feels safe, happy, and thankful. Soon, she falls asleep.

Darkness and light can do powerful things. Darkness makes it hard to see and makes our imaginations run wild. Light helps us see what’s really there. Darkness hides things; light shows the truth. That’s why the child wanted light, it helped her feel safe.

That’s what the prophet Isaiah said about God’s people long ago. He said they were “walking in darkness.” He didn’t mean the sun disappeared. He meant their lives felt scary and confusing. They were afraid of a powerful enemy called Assyria, who had attacked them. They felt lost—like trying to walk on a path at night with no flashlight. They wanted to follow God, but they kept wandering off. Isaiah called this “living in the shadow of death,” because without light, things don’t grow—they die.

We have darkness in our lives too. We can be afraid of things like getting in trouble, being left out, failing a test, or letting someone down. We want to follow God and do what’s right—but we mess up. That’s called sin. Sin separates us from God and leads to death.

But Isaiah gives us amazing news: “A light has dawned.” People who walked in darkness have seen a great light! This light scares away monsters. This light forgives sins. This light defeats death.

Who is that light? Jesus tells us: “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

So the next time the dark feels scary, remember this promise: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Jesus is your light—and he is always with you.

Lord, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). Help us walk according to it. Amen.

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The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Parents teach their children many important lessons. One lesson kids often hear early on is: “It’s not nice to point.” Pointing can be rude. It can hurt someone’s feelings. So parents remind kids to keep their fingers to themselves.

But here’s something interesting. Sometimes pointing is actually a very good thing. Think about babies and toddlers. Before they can talk, what do they do? They point! They point to toys. They point to snacks. They point to things they want you to see. Pointing means, “Look at this—it’s important!”

In today’s Bible lesson, God was very happy with two people who pointed. The first was John the Baptist. Whenever John saw Jesus, he wanted everyone to notice him. So he said loudly and excitedly: “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John wasn’t being rude. He was helping people see their Savior.

Another person who pointed was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Andrew didn’t use his finger either—but he used his words. He ran to Peter and said: “We have found the Messiah!” Both John and Andrew pointed people to Jesus—and God praised them for it.

Now think about this question together: Who pointed you to the Lamb of God? Was it your parents—when they brought you to be baptized, brought you to church, or prayed with you at home? Was it a teacher? A pastor? A grandparent? A friend? Christians love to point to Jesus because only good things happen when people look to him. Jesus loves when people point to him!

That’s important, because sometimes we forget to look at Jesus. We rush away from the dinner table without stopping to thank Jesus. We let sports, screens, or homework take over time we could spend with God’s Word and prayer. We let scary or sad things make us forget that Jesus is always with us. When that happens, God lovingly sends people to point us back to Jesus again. And Jesus doesn’t get tired of that. He keeps forgiving. He keeps loving. He keeps staying with us.

Now here’s the exciting part: You can be a pointer too. You can be a modern-day John the Baptist. You can be a 21st-century Andrew. You can point your parents, your friends, your classmates, and your teammates to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away their sins too.

Yes, sometimes pointing can be rude. But pointing to Jesus is loving. Pointing to Jesus is helpful. Pointing to Jesus helps people know they have a Savior.

Dear God, you pointed me to my Savior through many different people. Give me opportunities to point others to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away all sin. Amen.

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For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. Colossians 2:9-10a

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Right before the school talent show started, Connor developed a bad cough. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t stop coughing. There was no way Connor could sing his song on stage. No performance meant no chance to win the prize.

But something amazing happened. Connor’s brother, Grayson, stepped in. He looked a lot like Connor. He wore Connor’s clothes. He sang Connor’s song. Everyone thought, “Wow, Connor did a great job!” The performance won first place. And when it was time to get the award, Grayson gave all the credit to Connor—even though Connor hadn’t sung a single note!

That’s called a substitute—someone taking another person’s place. That kind of switch only worked because Grayson was human and looked like Connor. When it comes to the prize of heaven, something similar—but much bigger—happened. Jesus became one of us so he could take our place. Yes, Jesus is God. But he also became fully human. That’s what the apostle Paul means when he writes, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness” (Colossians 2:9-10a). Jesus didn’t stop being God—but he also became a real human being.

The Bible is clear what we humans have earned because of our sins. We have earned suffering, pain, and death. God made that clear to Adam and Eve—and he explained it to us too. For sin to be forgiven, someone had to pay the price. That price was death. And it had to be paid by a human who had never sinned.

That’s a problem—because none of us are perfect. We couldn’t make a perfect sacrifice. So God made one for us. God sent his own Son. Jesus became human so he could:

That’s what it means when we call Jesus the Lamb of God. He didn’t just show us who God is. He took our place and paid our debt as someone who was innocent.

What you and I couldn’t do, God did for us. What you and I don’t deserve, God declared that it is ours. Jesus, the Lamb of God, looked like us. He had a body. He got hungry and tired. He felt sad. He felt pain. In everything, he stepped in for us, just like Grayson did for Connor—but on a much greater scale. What we lost because of sin, God gave back to us completely through Jesus.

Now that’s victory—through a substitute!

Dear God, thank you for sending a substitute to die on the cross instead of us. Help us to praise you for this wonderful gift with our thoughts, words, and actions. Amen.

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