Family Devotional: Jesus’ Prayer for Us
Read Together: John 17:15-18
“I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”
Family Story Time
This Sunday we saw a video of a man who thought his life was going to be all about making money and building a successful business. But then God completely changed his plans! This man saw a video about missionaries who sold everything to tell people in India about Jesus. He was so amazed that he went up to them and asked, “Why would you do this? How can I help?”
Now this man helps raise money so that people all over the world, who have never even heard the name of Jesus, can learn about God’s love. In the last five years, over 3,500 people in a country called Burkina Faso have become followers of Jesus because people like this man said “yes” to God’s plan instead of their own plan.
Key Point: Sometimes God’s plan for us is different than what we imagined, but His plan is always better!
Discussion for Younger Children
1. Who loves you very much?
2. Did you know Jesus prayed for you?
3. What does it mean to be “sent”?
Activity: Draw a picture of someone you can tell about Jesus this week (a friend, neighbor, or classmate).
Discussion for Older Children
1. Jesus said we are “in the world but not of the world.” What do you think that means?
2. The sermon mentioned that Jesus looks at what we DO keep in His word, not just what we mess up. What’s one way you’ve been following Jesus lately?
3. Jesus prayed for protection for His disciples. What are some things you need God’s protection from?
Challenge: This week, pray John 17:17 for yourself each morning: “God, sanctify me in the truth. Your word is truth.” (Sanctify means “set me apart to be like Jesus.”)
Discussion for Teens
1. The sermon talked about how we often focus on our failures instead of the ways we’re keeping God’s word. Why do you think we do that?
2. Jesus prayed that His followers would be “one” (unified). How does disunity hurt the church’s mission? Where do you see division among Christians?
3. The sermon mentioned that 3.2 billion people have never heard about Jesus. How does that make you feel? What could you do about it?
4. Read Proverbs 18:10 together: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Where do you try to find safety besides God?
Challenge: Choose one global mission organization or missionary to pray for daily this week. Research what they do and how God is working through them.
Family Activity: Prayer Walk
What you’ll need: Just your family and a willingness to walk around your neighborhood or a local park.
What to do:
- As you walk, pray for the people in the houses you pass
- Pray that they would know Jesus
- Ask God to show you who you could invite to Easter services
- Thank God for protecting your family
- Ask God if He’s calling anyone in your family to serve Him in a special way (missions, ministry, etc.)
Memory Verse
John 17:18 – “As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”
Closing Prayer
“Jesus, thank you for praying for us. Thank you that you see the ways we’re following you, not just our mistakes. Help us to be ‘in the world but not of the world.’ Protect us from the evil one. Help us to love your word and let it change us. And Jesus, send us to tell others about you—whether that’s at school, in our neighborhood, or even across the world someday. We want to be part of your mission. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Easter is coming! Use this week to talk about who your family could invite to the Easter egg hunt (March 29) or Easter services. Make it a family mission project!
