Family Devotional: Our Hope in Jesus’ Return
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Opening Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank You for being with our family today. Help us understand Your promises and feel Your love. We’re so grateful that You defeated death and are coming back for us. Amen.
Read Together
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 17-18
“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do, who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep… Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
Big Idea
When someone we love who believes in Jesus dies, they aren’t gone forever—they’re waiting for us with Jesus. One day we’ll all be together again!
Discussion for Younger Children
- What does it mean when the Bible says believers are “asleep”?
- Where are people who loved Jesus after they die?
- What will happen when Jesus comes back?
Discussion for Older Children
- Why do you think Paul told the Thessalonians not to grieve “like those who have no hope”?
- The sermon mentioned that early Christians wrote “in peace” on graves while others wrote “I don’t care.” Why does knowing Jesus change how we think about death?
- Have you ever lost someone you loved? How does knowing they’re with Jesus (if they believed) help you?
- What does it mean that “the dead in Christ will rise first”?
Discussion for Teens
- The sermon mentioned that 90% of Americans say talking about death is important, but only 27% actually do it. Why do you think we avoid this conversation?
- Paul says believers who die are “asleep” and “in Christ.” What does that tell us about the relationship between Jesus and those who trust Him?
- Read Romans 8:38-39 together. What does it mean that nothing—not even death—can separate us from God’s love?
- The sermon said, “Christianity is not waiting for an event. We are waiting for a Person.” How does that shift your perspective on heaven and Jesus’ return?
Family Activity
“Encourage One Another”
Paul ends this passage by saying, “encourage one another with these words.”
As a family:
- Share one person you’ve lost (or know someone else has lost) who believed in Jesus
- Talk about one thing you’re looking forward to about seeing them again
- Pray together, thanking God that death doesn’t have the final word
Optional: Write down the names of people you’re looking forward to seeing when Jesus returns. Keep the list somewhere visible as a reminder of God’s promise.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that death is not the end for those who trust in Jesus. Thank You that You haven’t forgotten anyone we love. Help us to live with hope, knowing that one day we’ll all be together with You forever.
For those in our family who are sad about someone they’ve lost, comfort them. Remind them that You are close to the brokenhearted.
And Jesus, come back soon. We can’t wait to see You face to face.
In Your name, Amen.
