This week, our children are learning about two encounters that reveal Jesus’ divinity from a couple of sides: his ability to forgive sins and his glorious nature (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 7; 9:28-36).
In the first encounter (Luke 7:36-50) Jesus is eating at the house of a religious leader. While they are eating, a local woman comes to where the men are eating with Jesus, anoints Jesus feet with expensive ointment, and then proceeds to wash his feet with her hair and her tears. Those eating with Jesus are scandalized by her presence and actions. But Jesus shows her compassion and forgives her sin. Scripture doesn’t say much about this woman (although interpreters have made a lot of assumptions about her) but a couple things are clear about Jesus: 1. Jesus shows nothing but kindness to a woman others can only judge. 2. Jesus, without hesitation, offers forgiveness for sin, which is only something God can do.
In the second encounter, Jesus takes 3 of his disciples up a mountain to reveal to them his unveiled glory. As Jesus’ glory is revealed, Moses and Elijah appear by his side and discuss his exodus (symbolic language for his death). The voice of God announces from heaven that Jesus is his Chosen One or Beloved, and that his followers are to listen to him. Again a couple of things that we learn about Jesus from this encounter: 1. Jesus possessed the authority of God and therefore must be obeyed. 2. Jesus’ purpose in coming, as he discussed with Moses and Elijah, was his exodus/his death.
Taken together these stories reveal the heart of God to care for and forgive sinners, and the authority to accomplish his plan to forgive sinners and put things right in the world
Talk to your children about what it means to be submissive; to obey even when we don’t feel like it. When they are unwilling to obey, talk to them about how you want what is best for them. As parents it can be very frustrating, but it also helps remind us of our motives for their good, just as God has our best interest at heart. Our goal is to help our children understand our motives for them and to learn to trust us, as we hope they will also learn to trust God.
Memory Verse: James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
