Family Devotional: Jesus Is Always With Us
Opening Activity:
Start by asking everyone to think silently for a moment, then go around and have each person share:
“Tell about a time when having someone with you made something hard or scary feel easier.”
Let everyone share – kids first, then parents. Maybe it was:
- The first day of school with a friend
- A parent staying during a doctor’s visit
- A coach being on the sideline during a game
- A sibling helping with a bully situation
- A friend sitting with you at lunch when you felt alone
After everyone shares, say: “It’s amazing how much better things feel when someone we trust is with us, isn’t it? Today we’re going to talk about the most important promise Jesus ever made about being with us.”
Read Together: Matthew 28:18-20
Have someone read these verses aloud (or take turns reading one verse each):
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'”
Say: “Jesus gave His followers a big job – to tell the whole world about Him. But He didn’t send them alone. He made them a promise. What was that promise?” (Let them answer: “I am with you always”)
The Big Idea
Explain: “In the sermon, the pastor said that when Jesus said ‘And behold’ or ‘And lo,’ He was saying ‘Pay special attention to this part!’ This is the most important thing. Jesus was saying: ‘I’m giving you a mission, but here’s how you’ll actually be able to do it – I’M GOING WITH YOU.'”
Share this story from the sermon:
“The pastor told about watching his son talk to his grandkids on FaceTime. You know how long the little kids (ages 1 and 3) stayed interested? About 2 minutes! Even though they love their daddy, they didn’t want to stay on the phone. Why? Because they wanted the REAL thing – their dad actually there with them, not just on a screen.”
Ask: “Why is being with someone in person different than talking on a screen or phone?”
Then say: “Jesus isn’t just a voice we hear or a picture we see. Through His Holy Spirit, He is ACTUALLY with us – closer than anyone on FaceTime, closer than anyone in the room. He never gets distracted, never walks away, never stops paying attention to us.”
Discussion with Younger Kids
Main Point: Jesus is always with you, even when you can’t see Him.
Questions:
- When do you feel scared or alone? (Starting school, going to bed, when parents leave, etc.)
- Did you know Jesus promises to be with you ALL the time? Even when you can’t see Him, He’s there. He never takes a break or goes away.
- What are some things Jesus said about Himself?
- He’s the Good Shepherd (like someone who takes care of sheep)
- He’s the Light (He helps us see in the dark)
- He’s the Bread of Life (He gives us everything we need)
Activity: Play a simple game of hide-and-seek, but with a twist. After hiding, call out “I’m here!” to help the seeker find you. Explain: “Even when we can’t see Jesus, He’s always there. And when we pray or read the Bible, it’s like He’s calling out ‘I’m here!’ to remind us.”
Discussion with Older Kids
Main Point: Jesus gives us His presence so we can do what He asks us to do.
Questions:
- What’s something hard that Jesus asks us to do? (Share about Him with friends, be kind to someone mean, obey parents, etc.)
- The sermon mentioned that Jesus said “lo” – which means “pay special attention!” Why do you think Jesus wanted us to pay special attention to the fact that He’s with us?
- Because knowing He’s with us gives us courage and power to do hard things
- Jesus said seven “I AM” statements. Can you remember any?
- I am the Bread of Life
- I am the Light of the World
- I am the Door
- I am the Good Shepherd
- I am the Resurrection and the Life
- I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life
- I am the True Vine
- Which one of these means the most to you right now and why?
- The sermon talked about international students who are lonely. What’s one way our family could show Jesus’ love to someone who feels alone?
Activity: Make a “Jesus Is With Me” reminder. This could be:
- A bookmark with Matthew 28:20 written on it
- A note card for their backpack
- A phone wallpaper (for those with devices)
- A bracelet with “Always With Me” written on it
Discussion with Teens
Main Point: Christ’s presence in us empowers us for mission, even when we feel inadequate or afraid.
Questions:
- Be honest: When do you feel most disconnected from God’s presence?
- At school? On social media? When you’re stressed? When you’ve sinned?
- The sermon quoted A.W. Tozer saying we are “dissimilar in nature to God.” What does that mean?
- God is holy; we’re sinful. That creates separation.
- But through Christ, we become “similar in nature” – we receive His divine nature through the Holy Spirit.
- How does knowing Christ is with you change how you approach:
- Conversations about faith at school?
- Difficult relationships?
- Your future plans?
- Temptation and sin?
- The sermon mentioned that 70-80% of international students never get invited into an American home. What does that reveal about:
- Our priorities?
- Our hospitality?
- Missed opportunities for mission?
- Real talk: What’s scarier – sharing your faith with friends, or living a life that never points anyone to Jesus?
- The story of Levi and his wife going to India/Nepal resulted in 10,000 churches planted. They went from application to acceptance in one month. How do you respond when God’s timing is faster than your plans?
- Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” What’s one area where you need to hear this right now?
Challenge:
This week, practice “being where your feet are” (as the sermon mentioned). Put your phone away during:
- Family dinner
- Youth group
- Conversations with friends
- Your time with God
Notice how being fully present changes your relationships and your awareness of God’s presence.
Deeper Reflection:
Read Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
The sermon said Christ’s presence gives us:
- Direction (Joshua 1:8-9)
- Joy (Psalm 16:11)
- Peace (Isaiah 41:10)
- Hope (Colossians 1:27)
Which of these do you need most right now? Spend time in prayer asking Jesus to make His presence more real to you in that specific way.
Family Activity (All Ages)
“Presence Practice”
- Turn off all devices for 30 minutes (yes, really!)
- Go for a walk together or sit outside
- Take turns sharing:
- One time you felt God’s presence strongly
- One time you felt alone but now realize God was there
- One way you want to be more aware of God’s presence this week
- Pray together – each person prays one sentence thanking God for being with someone else in the family
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You that You are Emmanuel – God with us. Thank You for sending Jesus to make a way for us to know You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who lives in us. Help us this week to be aware of Your presence. Give us courage to share Your love with others, knowing You go with us. We love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Memory Verse for the Week
Matthew 28:20b – “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Challenge: Can everyone in the family memorize this by next week?
