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REMEMBER (30 min) Remember God: Worship, prayer, or communion Lectio on Psalm 139 - For extra help in facilitating Lectio Divina, see this resource from 24/7 Prayer: How to do Lectio Divina Remember each other: Care Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in Remember the Liturgy: Following Jesus Liturgy Remember what we learned and put into practice last week? Accountability Topic: Go Make Disciples Part 2 Share your oikos map with someone and pray over it briefly. REFLECT (30 min) Prepare Introduce today’s topic and any commentary or context for the scripture Topic Title: “I am with you always" Share the Summary Scripture for the topic if you want (John: 14:16-18) Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed Share context for Scripture Story Discover Read the Scripture Discussion Questions What does this reveal about God and People (optional) 1 or 2 unique question for focus How do you recognize the presence of God in your life? Share stories of experiences and encounters. What habits do you currently have that orient you to God’s presence on a regular basis? RESPOND (30 min) Experience and Encounter Creative - spend time praying for each other for the gift of God’s presence. You could pray for the Gift of the Holy Spirit, perspective to see God’s presence in your life, encounters and practices to experience the presence of Jesus, etc. Lord’s Supper (Communion) - Focus on remembering Jesus and receiving the gift of Jesus. Practice and Obey Consider this week what practice you could add or develop to center and acknowledge God’s presence in your life and to receive God’s love daily. Examples: A few minutes of silence, breath prayers, short times in your day that you focus and invite God into your activity, etc. Pray Lord’s Prayer

Remember Breath Prayer: From Zechariah 4:6 Breathe in: Not by might or power Breath out: But by God's Spirit Song: Remember what we learned and put into practice last week? Is anyone celebrating something that happened this week? Let’s share so we can all thank God together. Is anyone struggling, feeling sad, lonely or scared? How can we pray for one another? Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) Leader: Because of the Gospel we receive the Gift. What is the Gift? Kids respond: We are forgiven We are freed Reflect Explore Key Concepts - Consider passing around these phrases for kids to read them aloud before listening to the story. "The way we fight and overcome our flesh isn’t through willpower but through the Spirit’s power." John Mark Comer "God's power is going to come into you. God's Holy Spirit is coming." In their hearts they felt a strange heat, almost as if their cold hearts were melting. God was giving them brand new hearts, hearts that work properly." Now God was closer than He'd ever been, inside their hearts! Heaven was coming into their hearts! - "Make your home in me as I make my home in you", says Jesus. Nothing in all the world will be able to stop God's plan. Read: "God Sends Help" Discover through curious questions: Ask the children what stood out to them. What did they like about the story? Was anything new or different than how they’d heard the story in the past? Allow the conversation to be led by their questions, insights, and wonderments. Discuss: Filled with the Holy Spirit Have you ever had a moment where you wanted to do the right things but it just felt really hard? Maybe you knew what you should do (apologize, share, be generous, forgive someone for hurting you), but you just didn't want to do it. You wanted to stay mad, hurt, angry or selfish. Has that every happened to you? It happens to all of us, even grown-ups! The Holy Spirit has been given to us as God's Spirit (His thoughts, power, and emotions). Because we have His Spirit we can do things with His help! Without His help it can be really hard to act like Jesus. But with His Spirit He empowers us to overcome our desire to do wrong, and teaches us to love like He loves. It's not because of our strength, it's because of His! The Holy Spirit is our Helper. Respond Experience: Role Play Act out ways that you can be filled with His Spirit in your everyday life. First act out a scenario of what life looks like without God's power and love. Then act out the same scenario with His love. Examples: A group of friends is playing together and someone else wants to join in. What happens when we role play this in selfishness and insecurity vs love and inclusion? You're at the playground and a smaller child is having trouble getting up the stairs to reach the slide. You think about helping but you really want to be the first one to reach the top. You are at lunch and the person next to you seems quiet and lonely. You're enjoying your pack of cookies and don't really want to reach out, but you know it could make their day better. Make up your own examples! Encounter: PRAY God does not expect us to be perfect. But He does tell us to be filled with His Spirit! He does this because He knows life is so much better when we have His power and love within us. Wait on the Lord quietly. Open a time of prayer by asking the Lord to soften our hearts. Pray for one another to be filled with God's Spirit so that we can know Him and love the way that He has loved us. Allow space for the kids to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill them again and again. If you have time and capacity allow the kids to draw a prayerful picture of what life looks like when we're filled with God's Spirit. What does it feel like and what do we do? Imagine and draw. Then share with one another. Listen When God sent His Holy Spirit the disciples were filled with boldness. They began to gather together, preach and teach the Word of God. They moved in great generosity towards those in need and spent time in worship and prayer.

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Gift- ‘The Gift’ is a shorthand description used in the apostles' letters to the churches describing the lavish grace of God given to all who repent and place their trust in Jesus as Lord, believing the gospel. The gospel is who Jesus is and what he has done. ‘The Gift’ is what we freely receive in Christ and continually experience through the Holy Spirit! Brief Commentary for John 16:7-15 (ESV)- Jesus Promised the Holy Spirit A long slow evening shared amongst dearest friends around a table. Jesus had gathered his inner circle to celebrate the passover on what would be the last evening before his death. A somber and sober mood filled the air as the Rabbi opened the deepest places of his heart and greatest secrets of the Kingdom. He showed them the full extent of his self-giving love as he took the posture of a servant to wash their feet, calling them to follow his example. Jesus held nothing back as he shared his imminent departure and the harsh realities of persecution that awaited his followers. The passage vividly describes the sorrow and fear that had filled their hearts as their Lord shared these things. And then came a shocking statement “I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” (v.7) You can imagine their minds already in shock now spinning with questions. What could be better than being with Jesus? He will take the time to introduce the “helper” to them. The one who has been with him from the beginning, who filled him at his baptism and led and empowered him every moment of his ministry. Jesus knew they could never live the life he lived without the Spirit by which he lived it. He wanted to give them the greatest of all Gifts, the Holy Spirit. Summary Scripture: Ephesian 1:13-14- “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” John 14:16- “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;” John 3:34- “For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.” Luke 11:13- “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Galatians 5:25- “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Learn the Tool: The Gospel and the Gift Extra Resources to help you Prepare Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Gift-Of-The-Holy-Spirit John Mark Comer, Live No Lies “...the way we fight and overcome our flesh isn’t through willpower but through the Spirit’s power. And we get access to that power via the practices of Jesus…The key is to find ways of living in reliance on the Spirit’s presence and power in your ordinary life.” https://bibleproject.com/podcast/series/holy-spirit-series/ https://bibleproject.com/podcast/holy-spirit-part-3/ Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.

Remember Breath Prayer: From 2 Corinthians 5:17 Breathe in: The old has passed away Breath out: The new has come! Song: Remember what we learned and put into practice last week? Is anyone celebrating something that happened this week? Let’s share so we can all thank God together. Is anyone struggling, feeling sad, lonely or scared? How can we pray for one another? Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) Leader: Because of the Gospel we receive the Gift. What is the Gift? Kids respond: We are forgiven! Reflect Explore Key Concepts “No matter how clever you are or how good you are or how rich you are or how nice you are or how important you are, none of it makes any difference. Because God's love is a gift. It's free!" "Children loved Jesus and they knew they didn't need to do anything special for Jesus to love them. All they needed to do was run into His arms." "No matter how big you grow, never grow up so much that you lose your child's heart, full of trust in God." Read: "The Friend of Little Children" in the Jesus Storybook Bible Discover through curious questions: Ask the children what stood out to them. What did they like about the story? Was anything new or different than how they’d heard the story in the past? Allow the conversation to be led by their questions, insights, and wonderments. Discuss: Freedom Freedom is something that happens after being released. When we believe in Jesus we aren't released from prison or have actual handcuffs taken off. But we ARE released from the bondage of sin. Before we trusted in Jesus we were guilty of all the wrong things we had done. Even if our bodies weren't in prison our hearts were. Now that Jesus has rescued us from our punishment we are free! We celebrate, worship, and choose to live for Him because of what He has done for us. He has rescued us! People that have been set free are filled with gratitude for the wonderful gift they've received. They don't worry about what others think of them or whether not not they're good enough. They just run to Jesus and celebrate like little kids. Respond Experience: Throw a Freedom Party Supplies: Party things you may have around your house (streamers, balloons, place settings for snacks, a banner or bright colored poster board). Scale according to your capacity and materials. Act is Out Have some of the children be jailers, prisoners. Have the jailers take a child/children to a separate space. They are being put in prison because they are guilty of sin (bickering, fighting, being selfish etc). Have someone portray Jesus and proclaim freedom to the captives! Swing open the doors and let everyone run out. They are forgiven and set free! Have a party. Play music, bring out the streamers! Encounter: Writing Thank-you Cards Being freed is a BIG deal. It was a choice Jesus made and we are so grateful He did! Have card supplies, paper, writing utensils available. Encourage the kids to write prayers of thanksgiving from setting us free to live as little children, totally confident of His love for us. Listen The Choice is yours: Following God is a daily choice “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal 5:1) “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Rom. 6:18)

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Gift- ‘The Gift’ is a shorthand description used in the apostles' letters to the churches describing the lavish grace of God given to all who repent and place their trust in Jesus as Lord, believing the gospel. The gospel is who Jesus is and what he has done. ‘The Gift’ is what we freely receive in Christ and continually experience through the Holy Spirit! Biblical Freedom Defined- In Christ we are free from the power of sin, death and self, and free to desire and do God’s will through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has set us free and we are learning to live in his freedom in our everyday lives. Brief Commentary for John 8:30-38- Jesus’ Exchange with the Pharisees As thousands of Jewish pilgrims crowded Jerusalem for the feast of Tabernacles (an 8 day celebration reminding the Jews of their years in the wilderness and anticipated hope for Messiah) the Pharisees aggressively questioned Jesus. At one point in the vehement dialogue after some Jews had believed in him, Jesus said, “‘The truth will set you free’. Verse 32 rings like a bell through so much Christian language: free from sin, free from slavery, free from the law, free from death, free from injustice, free from debt, free from tyranny…It’s needed today as much as ever, in all these senses and more. The way to freedom is through truth. Tyranny and slavery of every sort thrive on lies, half-truths, evasions and cover-ups. Freedom and truth go hand in hand. So Jesus is offering - we might have thought- what everybody in Israel was longing for! Freedom at last! And at an even deeper level than they had imagined. Surely this will catch people’s attention, especially with those who , as John says, have now come to believe that he really is the Messiah (verse 30)? Surprisingly, no. They hear straight away that he is offering a freedom which goes far beyond the national hope of freedom from Rome, and they react against the idea. ‘How can you say such a thing? We are Abraham’s children, and we’ve always been free!’ Jesus doesn’t point out , as he might have done, that the foundation of their national life and faith was not just Abraham, but the Exodus which had taken place after their slavery in Egypt. He goes straight to the heart of what he means. There is a worse slavery than that which they had suffered in Egypt, or the semi-slavery they were suffering under the rule of Rome. It is the slavery that grips not only individuals but also groups, nations and families of nations. It is the slavery we know as ‘sin’. The trouble with saying that out loud is that many people in the Western world are bored of hearing about sin. They think it just means offenses against someone else’s old-fashioned morality, often in matters to do with sex…But there is more to sin than sex, and sin as a whole is far greater than the sum of its parts. When people rebel against God in whatever way, new fields of force are called into being, a cumulative effect builds up, and individuals and societies alike become enslaved just as surely as if every single one of them wore chains and was hounded to work every day by a strong man with a whip. So what is the truth and how can it set people free, then and now? Throughout John’s gospel, with 1.14, 18 and 14.6 as particular high points, the answer is clear: Jesus himself is the truth. But we mustn’t forget that the Jesus who is described as the truth is the Jesus of the whole story John is telling, and above all the Jesus who dies on the cross as the supreme act of love, that act in which the father’s glory is finally revealed. Jesus doesn’t here explain how it is that his death - the truth within the truth, if you like - brings about freedom from sin. To understand this promise you have to read the whole gospel. But he does point out in verses 35-36, the contrast between the slave and the son - and between the slave and the ex-slave, the one whom the son sets free. It forms a solemn warning. Slaves have no assurance for the future; only true members of the family have that. Jesus, as the father’s only, special son (1.18), is in the position not only to set people free but to share with them his status as children of the father (see 20.17). The charge Jesus is putting to his contemporaries, then, is that they are confusing two sorts of family membership: being children of Abraham and being children of God. They have been assuming that being children of Abraham means automatically being children of God, but John the Baptist, Jesus and the early Christians, especially writers like John and Paul, insisted that this wasn't so. In fact, they insisted that the children of Abraham had been deeply and seriously infected by the disease of sin, the disease of which the rest of the human race was already suffering. The people called to being God’s light to the world were instead sharing in the darkness. But there was still a chance. If only they would hear and receive Jesus’ words, they could themselves be set free from the slavery they didn’t even know they were in.” (N.T. Wright, John for Everyone p.121-124) Summary Scripture: Galatian 5:1- “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Rom. 6:18) "For one who has died has been set free from sin." (Romans 6:7) “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor. 3:17) “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Rom. 6:14). “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:16-17) “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as his is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:6-7) “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”. Galatians 2:20 Learn the Tool: The Gospel and the Gift Extra Resources to help you Prepare Live No Lies: https://a.co/d/2RryguO Refer to Pastoral Elders if needed for extra help or if you need access to more specific freedom resources/ministries. Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.

Remember Breath Prayer Breathe in: Father God Breath out: You enjoy me Song: Remember Each other Is anyone celebrating something that happened this week? Let’s share so we can all thank God together. Is anyone struggling, feeling sad, lonely or scared? How can we pray for one another? Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) Leader: Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” We believe this is true because of the Gospel. What is the Gospel? Kids respond: God always Loved us and gave us His Son Jesus He lived the life we couldn’t live He died the death we should have died for sin God raised Him and seated Him as Lord He's coming back to restore all things Reflect Explore Key Concepts: Forgiveness Forgiveness cancels debt. When God forgives us, He doesn’t remove the consequences of our wrong choice or tell us it's ok to keep sinning. He simply says, “I am no longer going to wait for you to pay me back.” And it’s the same when we forgive one another. Forgiveness is a way of saying, "I love you even when you're not perfect." It feels good to be loved, especially when we mess up. Knowing that God has forgiveness us causes us to worship and celebrate His goodness! Now we can forgive others as we have been forgiven by Jesus! No one is perfect and everyone can be forgiven, no matter how bad or horrible their choices were. Every time we turn to God and ask for forgiveness He is quick to erase our sin and love us again. Read: "Washed with Tears" Jesus Storybook Bible Discover through curious questions: Ask the children what stood out to them. What did they like about the story? Was anything new or different than how they’d heard the story in the past? Allow the conversation to be led by their questions, insights, and wonderments. Respond Experience: Acting out the Bible Story* Have the children role play through the key parts of this story as you narrate or read the passage again. If you group is large, you can repeat until everyone gets a turn. The point is to review the passage with class involvement. You can ask questions as appropriate to reinforces the teaching. Stand or Sit: Lesson Review: For each of the following statements ask the students to stand for true and sit with arms folding for false. This is a more active way to do “true or false” lesson review questions. For false answers you can ask a volunteer to give you the right version of the Bible story. The people didn't want this woman at the dinner party. (TRUE – STAND UP) The lady poured "dollar tree" perfume on Jesus, to save money. (FALSE – SIT DOWN) The disciples were happy the lady loved Jesus so much. (FALSE – SIT DOWN) Jesus said the perfume would make the leaders like him better. (FALSE – SIT DOWN) Jesus said the woman was forgiven by God. (TRUE – STAND UP) This lady thought Jesus would make her rich. (FALSE – SIT DOWN) Jesus wants us to love him with true faith, like the woman. (TRUE – STAND UP) *These activities and other ideas can be found at https://ministry-to-children.com/sinful-woman-anoints-jesus-lesson/ Encounter: Prayer Help the kids to quiet the bodies, minds and hearts for prayer. God, we thank you in advance for speaking to us. We know that when we pray you listen. You hear all of our prayers. Help us to listen for the leading of your Spirit. We trust ourselves to know when you are giving us an ideas or thought. Ask and wait on the Lord: Is there anyone I need to forgive? (Is there anyone I am angry with? Is there anyone who did something wrong to me that I need to forgive in my heart?) Allow the kids to pray prayers out of their hearts. Model a genuine prayer (Ex. Lord, I forgive the person who cut me in line yesterday. I forgive my teacher for getting frustrated with me, I forgive me friend for being rude to me, etc). Close in prayer. Have them repeat, "Father God, thank you for forgiving me! I forgive those who have hurt me too. I chose not to be angry forever but to love them. Amen." Listen Two Brothers Practice Forgiveness

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Gospel- The gospel means ‘good news’- the good news of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. It is the message that Jesus is Lord and the Kingdom of God is now accessible on earth as it is in heaven through him unto a whole new creation. The gospel is the power of God for the salvation and transformation of all who put their trust in Jesus. Brief Commentary for Isaiah 52:13-53:12- The story of Israel started with a promise to Abraham that all the nations would be blessed through his offspring and a covenant requiring their faithfulness. A later promise was made with King David that one from his offspring would reign forever. Generation after generation Israel struggled to remain faithful to God’s covenant which resulted in judgment and exile at the hands of powerful empires. The book of Isaiah, 700 years before Christ, speaks to Israel‘s failure to remain faithful and the dire consequences they experienced in exile. Into this dark era in their history comes a hope-filled promise. God will do a “new thing” that includes a new covenant and a messiah, in the line of David, who will fulfill Israel’s calling to be a blessing to all nations. Strangely, Isaiah depicts this King as a suffering servant who will endure brutal anguish and death for the sake of humanity's sin and unfaithfulness. Isaiah sees and proclaims God’s salvation for Israel and all people in the amazing form of Emmanuel, “God with us”, but it seems it will be at the cost no one could have possibly imagined. What a mystery God’s own Son will die the death we should have died for sin. Core Truths from the Topic and Summary Scripture Summary Scripture: Isaiah 53:4-6- “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” “Sin entered the world through one man (the first Adam), and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:22-24) “Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own.” (Titus 2:14) “God was going to pour into Jesus’ heart all the sadness and brokenness in people’s hearts. He was going to pour into Jesus; body all the sickness in people’s bodies. It would crush Jesus.” - “Jesus was going to take the punishment. Then, like a lamb, he got quiet. ‘I trust you Papa’, he said. ‘Whatever you say I will do.’” (Jesus Storybook Bible) Learn the Tool: The Gospel and the Gift Extra Resources to help you Prepare https://bibleproject.com/blog/isaiah-and-the-suffering-servant-king/ https://bibleproject.com/blog/old-rituals-new-realities/

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Gift- ‘The Gift’ is a shorthand description used in the apostles' letters to the churches describing the lavish grace of God given to all who repent and place their trust in Jesus as Lord, believing the gospel. The gospel is who Jesus is and what he has done. ‘The Gift’ is what we freely receive in Christ and continually experience through the Holy Spirit! Forgiveness cancels debt. When God forgives us, He doesn’t condone the wrongdoing or eliminate the consequences. He simply says, “I am no longer going to hold you accountable for the debt you’ve incurred against Me.” And it’s the same when we forgive one another. When we withhold forgiveness, we are keeping people in debt. But unlike a financial obligation, no one knows what repayment looks like. Holding a grudge is a way of saying, “You owe me something, but I’m not quite sure what it is.” Forgiveness cancels that debt. Brief Commentary for Luke 7:36-50 A ‘Sinful’ Woman Forgiven There are significant themes throughout out the Gospel of Luke. Like the other three gospels, Luke has some central ideas and themes he is drawing readers attention to in his account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Broadly speaking, Matthew’s Gospel highlights Jesus’s fulfillment of the Law and supports that Jesus is the promised Messiah to Israel. In Mark’s Gospel, we come face to face with the power and demonstration of the Kingdom of God in signs and wonders. The Apostle John gives us a creation/new creation account of Jesus, revealing the divine person and purposes of God through the eternal Son. And Luke begins to give us an account of How Emmanuel (God with us) engages the broken world around Him. These are not the only themes of the Gospels, but it does begin to give some keys of what to look for as we approach the text. In Luke 7, Jesus has been invited to the house of a Pharisee named Simon. There are a number of Gospel accounts sharing encounters of Jesus with the religious leaders of his day. Most encounters are tense, charged with wordplay and traps set for Jesus to be caught in heresy and blasphemy, in hopes to condemn His ministry and convict the Man. There are a number of accounts, however, of Jesus having intimate exchanges with many leaders of Israel. He often met their genuine questions with compassion, all the while drawing them closer to God’s true love and intentions for the brokenness of the world through sin. It is unclear in Luke 7 of the motivation of Simon’s invitation, yet the fruit of the encounter was a revelation of the depths of God’s forgiveness of the broken, and an opportunity for those who speak for God to come into a greater knowing of God. Jesus is invited into the home for a meal. He is not offered the customary blessings given to a guest. He is given no water to clean his feet or hands, having walked dusty roads to be at this meal. He is not embraced by his host, demonstrating a lack of welcome and joy to have Jesus in Simon’s presence. Though not always expected, anointing oil was used on the head of a guest in the home, giving honor to the guest; acknowledgment and statement of the value of the guest in the eyes of the host - Jesus was denied this. Jesus shows no sign of offense at this, but begins to engage Simon and the meal. All the while, having heard that Jesus was near, a women known by her sin comes to the dinner, as well. We do not know why or how she was welcomed into the house, but the scriptures place her not only at the dinner party, but right behind the Lord. There must have been something in the testimony of Jesus’ ministry that gave this woman enough courage to present herself - a woman discarded by others, due to sin, drawing close to the very presence of Holiness. The hope of an encounter with Jesus gave her access to the gift of forgiveness he extends to all. All of this troubled Simon, wondering if this Man was truly holy, how could he tolerate sin incarnate so close to his person? Jesus welcomed this moment to teach Simon the very heart of God and the purpose of His own coming. The gift of God goes beyond sheer proximity to His goodness - it releases God’s goodness to us, cleansing us of all our guilt, shame, and brokenness - damage caused by sin. We experience His goodness and it changes us completely. The gift of God revealed in the Son is forgiveness for ALL. No matter the condition, Jesus is the remedy, freely giving to all who brave getting near him. Core Truths from the Topic and Summary Scripture Summary Scripture: Ephesians 1:5-7- “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28) “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22) “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:11-12) Jesus turned to the woman and smiled, ‘Your sins are forgiven’, He said. ‘You trusted me. And God has rescued you!’”(Jesus Storybook Bible) “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Learn the Tool: The Gospel and the Gift Extra Resources to help you Prepare https://bibleproject.com/podcast/matthew-p26-forgiveness/ Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Gospel- The gospel means ‘good news’- the good news of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. It is the message that Jesus is Lord and the Kingdom of God is now accessible on earth as it is in heaven through him unto a whole new creation. The gospel is the power of God for the salvation and transformation of all who put their trust in Jesus. Brief Commentary for Revelation 21:1-7- New Heavens and New Earth The story of human history the Bible tells begins in a garden where God and humanity dwelt together in harmony and heaven and earth overlapped. The enemies' deception and Adam and Eve’s decision to go their own way introduced sin and death into God’s good creation. That moment theologians call ‘the fall’ brought immeasurable pain, suffering and damage into the world. The Father sent his own Son Jesus to live, die and rise from the dead to defeat sin and death. Jesus promised that one day he would return to restore all things. God revealed how the story would end and Jesus’ words would be fulfilled to John the apostle recorded for us in the book of Revelation. He wrote down the vision he received from Jesus to encourage the seven churches in Asia minor and believers down through the ages. At the end of Revelation the Spirit shows us a glorious ending and new beginning to the human story. We get a glimpse into God’s eternal purpose completed, a whole new heaven and earth free from every effect of sin and death, a garden city where God and man will dwell together as one forever. “John did not write this book as a secret code for you to decipher the timetable of Jesus's return, or figure out exactly what happens to you after you die. It's a symbolic vision that brought hope and challenge to the seven 1st Century churches, and every generation of Christians. It reveals history’s pattern and God's promise that every human kingdom eventually becomes Babylon and must be resisted in the power of the slain Lamb. But there's a promise that Jesus who loved and died for this world, will not let Babylon and all the evil of this world go unchecked. One day, Jesus will return to remove evil from His good world and make all things new, including his people! And that is a promise that should motivate faithfulness in every generation of God's people until the King returns.” (The Bible Project Team) Core Truths from the Topic and Summary Scripture Summary Scripture: Acts 3:21- “That he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all things.” Jesus is seated in heaven until the Father makes every enemy of the Kingdom his footstool. (Ps. 110:1) The gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all nations and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14) Jesus will physically and visibly return in a resurrection body with the angels. ( Jesus together with the Father and Spirit will bring an end to evil and make all things new, particularly a new heavens and a new earth. (Revelation 22:1-22:5) Learn the Tool: The Gospel and the Gift Extra Resources to help you Prepare https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/day-of-the-lord/ https://bibleproject.com/blog/new-heaven-new-earth/ Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process.

Remember Breath Prayer (From Jesus Storybook Bible “Going Home”) Breathe In: God loves His children Breathe Out: Yes, He really does Song: Remember the Liturgy Do you remember what we learned? Jesus died the death we should have died for sin Jesus took our punishment so that we could be close to God again Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids, only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) Leader: Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” We believe this is true because of the Gospel. What is the Gospel? All respond God always Loved us and gave us His Son Jesus He lived the life we couldn’t live He died the death we should have died for sin Reflect Explore and Rehearse Key Concepts “I’m really here,” Jesus said. And he really was. Jesus had come back with a brand new body. Jesus had a real body, but this body was better. It had come through death and couldn’t get sick or be killed again. Not only were sad things coming untrue. They were becoming new again. Jesus said, “I am the savior of the world.” Jesus said, “There is a place for you, I’ll get it ready.” I don’t know the way there! Yes, you do. I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. Read: "Going Home" (Jesus Storybook Bible) Discover through curious questions: Who can retell the story we just heard? What did Jesus do when he came back? How did his friends feel? Where did he go and where is He now? What do you think about the “place” God is preparing for you? Where is it? How do you get there? What is it like? Respond Experience (Ages 4+): Option 1 Creative: Act it out Roles Narrator - Someone who introduces the scene and reads pieces of the story Disciples - Friends and followers of Jesus Jesus - of course! Angels - announcing that He will come again Prepare You probably only have 20-25 min, so don’t over complicate this. If you have fabric for dress up clothes you could prepare a few pieces for people. Bed sheets can be draped over shoulders for robes for angels 🙂 Breaking the story into 3 acts, encourage the kids to role play what they remember. Play and Improvise Act 1: Scared and sad Disciples are in a room grieving Jesus’ death. They are remembering their friend, sad that He died and scared. Key lines: Jesus’ friends were afraid so they were hiding in an upstairs room with the door bolted shut. But that didn’t stop Jesus… Act 2: Walking through walls Enter Jesus who joins the disciples, eats, sits and stays a while. The disciples act amazed and are overjoyed! Key Lines Jesus - “Peace be with you.” Narrator - “They were startled and frightened thinking they saw a ghost.” Jesus - “Look at my hands and my feet. Touch me and see.” Jesus - “Do you have anything here to eat?” Narrator - “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scripture.” Act 3: Going Home Jesus stayed with the disciples for 40 days, healing people and preaching the Kingdom of God. Then He is taken up into the cloud. The disciples are amazed. Angels come and tell the disciples that He ascended to heaven and will come again. Key lines Jesus - “I am going to send you what the Father has promised.” Narrator - “While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.Then they worshiped him.” Angels - “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here staring. The same Jesus who was taken from you will return again someday!” Encounter: Turn on a worship song and prepare a peaceful space. Have the kids close their eyes and envision what it would have been like to be in the room with their friends, sad and scared that Jesus had died and been buried, when suddenly he walks into the room. How would you have felt? What would you do? Draw your response Invite the kids to talk to God about how they would feel. Talk to one another about your pictures. Go around the room and let everyone share. Close Rehearse the Gospel in as much as we’ve learned God always loved us and gave us His Son Jesus. He lived the life we couldn’t live. He died the death we should have died for sin. God raised and seated Him as Lord.

Simple Reminders The primary idea you need to keep revisiting during this Following Jesus Pathway is that we are following and being formed by Jesus. This pathway can be learned simply or in great depth. We trust that you as a leader know your people and the dynamics of your group well enough to adapt and impart this topic with grace and wisdom. This guide is designed to help you and others follow and be formed by Jesus. Remember to keep it Jesus-Centered. We pray that you will be Spirit-Led and Spirit- Empowered as you lead and learn together. Anyone new in your home church? Brief Commentary and Context (Answer this question here: What did this mean in the original context and how is it set in the larger story of the Bible?) The Gospel- The gospel means ‘good news’- the good news of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done. It is the message that Jesus is Lord and the Kingdom of God is now accessible on earth as it is in heaven through him unto a whole new creation. The gospel is the power of God for the salvation and transformation of all who put their trust in Jesus. Brief Commentary for Luke 24:36-53 Resurrection and Ascension Crucified at the hands of Roman soldiers, the Son of God breathed his last after surrendering his spirit into the hands of the Father. Jesus’ body was taken from the cross and laid in a tomb on Friday afternoon. He lay lifeless through that night and the long slow hours of Saturday. His disciples and family were shattered and shocked, their hopes seemed to be crushed. In the early hours of Sunday morning, on the third day, the greatest miracle in history quietly transpired in that dark grave. Jesus of Nazareth opened his eyes as God’s power filled and transformed his body raising him from death to life. Sin had been atoned for and death defeated once and for all! Over the next forty days Jesus appeared to his fearful and bewildered friends in a renewed resurrection body imparting hope, peace, faith and healing love into the depths of their hearts. In Luke 24:36-53 we are given a unique window into one of these magnificent encounters. Jesus found the fearful disciples hiding in a room and came with the proclamation of “peace”. We are given a profound glimpse into the physical nature of Jesus’ tangible resurrected body as he eats with them and welcomes them to touch his scars. Jesus opens their minds to the ancient prophecies found in Scripture that promised both his death and resurrection. He instructs them to wait for the Holy Spirit and commissions them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. As they watch, he is taken up to heaven right before their eyes. A throne was waiting for the humble King where he would be seated as Lord to reign at the right hand of the Father until the end of the age. Jesus continues to build his church. He is present through the Holy Spirit and waits patiently to return to “make all things new.” Core Truths from the Topic and Summary Scripture Summary Scripture: Ephesians 1:19b-22- “That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Cor. 15:20) “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt. 28:18) God will “bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (Eph. 1:10) “Jesus is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34) “Jesus is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” (Col. 1:18) “God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” (Eph. 1:22) “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool.” (Ps 110:1) “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:6) Learn the Tool: The Gospel and the Gift Anyone new in your home church? Things to Consider: Is the new individual, or family organically connecting with anyone in your home church? Suggest a coffee hang to begin a deeper connection, or consider having the individual/family over for an easy dinner to get to know them better. Is the new individual, or family interested in receiving communication via text, or email? If so, have them email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name and phone number. Do they plan to attend All Navah Gatherings? If yes and it is a new family, they can email admin@navahchurchkc.com with their name, their children(s) name, DOB and grade to make for a smooth kids ministry check-in process. Extra Resources to help you Prepare The Resurrection: Luke 24 video from the Bible Project https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/gospel-luke-5/

Remember Breath Prayer (1 Peter 2:23) Breathe in: Jesus, I believe Breath out: Your cross has healed me Song: Remember each other: Care Have the kids break up into pairs and share something they’re grateful for. Invite them to pray together giving thanks to the Father for His good gifts in their lives This exercise is meant to build relationships between peers and help kids grow comfortable in prayer. You may want to model it first with a child in the class who is comfortable role playing. Practice the Following Jesus Liturgy (With our youngest kids only focus on the portion that we’re currently learning) For young children rehearse the first 3 points of the Gospel God has always loved us and given us His Son Jesus He lived a life we couldn’t live Died the death we should have died for sin Remember what we learned and put into practice last week? Gospel: 2. He lived the life we couldn’t live Do you remember what Jesus did in the desert? Did he listen to the lies of the enemy? And now that Jesus lives in us, do we have to listen to the lies we hear and negative thoughts we have? No! Jesus has given us His Spirit and He helps us make life-giving decisions. Reflect Explore Key Concepts “God was going to pour into Jesus’ hearts all the sadness and brokenness in people’s hearts. He was going to pour into Jesus’ body all the sickness in people’s bodies.” When Jesus died He paid the price for our sin. Our punishment was swallowed up. He took our punishment so we could be free to come to Father God without fear or worry. We’re not in trouble with God! He has forgiven us through Jesus! All of our mistakes and bad decisions are swallowed up in Jesus’s love when he died for us on the cross. Read: “A Dark Night in the Garden” (Jesus Storybook Bible) Discover through curious questions: Why did Jesus die on the cross? What does the cross mean to you? Respond Experience: Jesus took our punishment “He died the death we should have died for sin.” Prep: You will need a sticky note for every individual. You will also need a large cross. The cross could be made from something you have a home. Or it could also be as simple as a poster or a printable coloring page (found here Jesus on the Cross coloring page | Free Printable Coloring Pages). Prepare the kids for the activity by sharing about a mistake you made, a time you were not perfect. Talk to the children about how you felt when you made that poor decision and how it affected the people around you (ex. You were acting selfishly demanding your own way and it ruined someone else’s day). Help them recognize the consequence of a sinful choice and model taking responsibility for it. Ask the group if they can relate. Have they ever made a choice that wasn’t loving? Refused to do something they knew they should? Broken something by accident, said something they regret, hurt someone they loved? Write down a couple of those things on the stick note. Encounter: When all the kids have their “confessions” on their notes, pause to ask how it feels to remember these things. Heavy. Sad. Uncomfortable. It can be hard to acknowledge that we’re not perfect and we’ve done things that we’re not proud of. Pray together, “Father, you know me and you see me. You hear all of my words and know every choice I’ve made. Please forgive me for the times I’ve chosen to do my own thing instead of listening to you and acting in love towards myself, you, and those around me.” Have the kids get up and place their sticky note on the cross. Explain that when Jesus died he took all of our sin, our wrong choices and bad attitudes upon himself. When he died he too our punishment so that we wouldn’t have to die for sin. Now, if we believe that He is God’s son, we are free from punishment and able to be near to God all the time any time! Pray a prayer of rejoicing! Throw a party. Put on some dance music and celebrate that Jesus has removed our sin from us on the cross. When we repent He forgives us and we don’t carry it any longer. Listen For Preteens and Teens: Sacrifice and Atonement - Why Jesus had to Die 30 min kids video: “It is Finished” (2-6yrs)