Family Worship (July 27)

Have you ever had a friend who only wanted to play with you when they needed something? Maybe they were really nice when they wanted to borrow your toy or have a turn on the swings, but once they got what they wanted, they stopped being kind. That kind of friendship doesn’t feel very good, does it?

In Sunday’s sermon, we heard a story about two very different people who spent time with Jesus. One of them, a religious leader named Simon, invited Jesus to dinner but didn’t treat Him like a real friend. The other person was a woman who had made a lot of mistakes—but she showed Jesus love with her whole heart. She gave her time, her tears, and even expensive perfume to honor Him.

This story teaches us how to be a true friend—not fake, but real. And it shows us that Jesus is the best kind of friend we could ever have.

Luke 7:44–47 (NIV)
Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the woman cried and used her perfume on Jesus’ feet?
2. What did Simon forget to do for Jesus that showed he wasn’t a true friend?
3. How can we be good friends like the woman—kind, loving, and generous?

Activity: “Friendship Jar”

• Supplies: A jar or cup, small slips of paper, and something to write with.
• Have each family member write down (or draw) one way they can be a good friend this week. Ideas could include: sharing a toy, saying kind words, helping someone who is sad, or spending time with someone who needs a friend. Fold the papers and place them in the jar.
• Each day this week, pick one idea from the jar and challenge the whole family to do it together!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, Thank You for being the best friend we could ever have. Help us to love others the way You love us—with kindness, care, and sacrifice. Teach us to serve, to show affection, and to be generous, just like the woman in the story. Thank You for forgiving us and filling our hearts with Your love. Amen.

Memory Work

New City Catechism
30. What is faith in Jesus Christ?
Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel.

Memory Verse
John 10:10 (ESV)  
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”