Family Worship (Jan 04)

Have you ever played a game where everyone argued about the rules? Maybe one person said, “That’s not fair,” and another said, “That’s not how you play!” Games fall apart when no one agrees on who’s in charge. Now imagine a kingdom like that—confusing, noisy, and messy.

The Bible tells us that God’s world is not like that. God has a true King, and his name is Jesus. Jesus is not just a king in a storybook or a movie. He is the real King over heaven and earth. That means Jesus is in charge of everything—our homes, our church, our school, and even our hearts.

But Jesus is a very special kind of King. He does not rule by being mean or bossy. He rules by loving, serving, and saving his people. Tonight, we will hear Jesus’ own words about his authority and learn how families can joyfully live under the care of King Jesus together.

Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV)
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Discussion Questions

1. What does Jesus say about his authority, and what does that tell us about who is really in charge?
2. How is Jesus different from other kings or leaders we see in the world?
3. What are some ways our family can listen to and follow Jesus as our King this week?

Family Activity: Crown and Command
What you need: paper, crayons or markers
Have each family member draw a crown and write “Jesus Is King” on it. Inside the crown, write or draw one way you can follow Jesus this week (sharing, obeying parents, praying, telling others about Jesus, helping someone in need).
After everyone shares their crown, place them somewhere visible in your home as a reminder that Jesus is the King of your family.
Optional younger-kid version: Act out being a kind king who gives loving commands, then talk about how Jesus leads us with love.

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for being our loving and powerful King. Thank you that you rule with goodness and grace. Help our family trust you, listen to your word, and follow you together. Be with us every day, just as you promised. Amen.

Memory Work

New City Catechism
1. What is our only hope in life and death?
That we are not our own but belong to God

Memory Verse
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV)
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”