PARENT GUIDE: JESUS REDEEMS
We realize that you, as parents, are the primary faith influencers in a young persons life. The best disciple
making takes place when students parents take the lead. Thats why weve created this helpful guide for you to
use at home with your child. It is designed to give you some basic information about what is being taught at
church through The Black Letters of Jesus curriculum, along with some helpful tools, suggestions, and questions
to help you reinforce this learning at home.
WHAT ARE THE BLACK LETTERS OF JESUS?
A lot of studies focus on Jesus wordsthe red letters of Scripture. But what would it look like if we focused
on his actionsthe black letters? The Black Letters of Jesus is a yearlong curriculum based on the things Jesus
did while he was here on earth. Some themes may be familiar and some will allow students to see Jesus in a
new way. These are lessons drawn from the life of the one who became flesh and lived among his creation.
*Each lesson has a The Black Letters of Jesus statement that describes the main action were studying.
OVERVIEW OF JESUS REDEEMS (4 Lessons)
Jesus came to rescue and reconcile. This redemption is the central message of history and the focal point of the
Bible. To understand the entirety of the gospel, students must understand that their sin puts them in peril and
they need rescue. They also need to understand that Jesus is the only One with the power and purity to forgive
sin. Any hope we have of being reconciled to Creator God comes through Jesus, our Rescuer and Redeemer.
MAIN TOPICS AND SCRIPTURE COVERED
FOR YOU TO KNOW: FOR YOU TO ASK:
1: What Rescuers Know (Matthew 1:18-25) What do we need to be
Lesson one uses Matthew 1:18-25 to talk about Jesus coming rescued from?
on a rescue mission for us. Rescuers have a broader
perspective and are willing to enter danger to save people. How can you tell?
The Black Letters of Jesus:
Jesus is the only one who can rescue us.
2: Headliner (John 3:1-21) What hope does the
Lesson two gets to the heart of the gospel in John 3:1-21. message of the gospel
Everything else in history climaxes with the message of the provide to you?
gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus.
The Black Letters of Jesus:
Jesus invites Nicodemus to be part of the greatest story ever told.
Parent Guide JESUS REDEEMS
3: Faith on the Line (Mark 2:1-11) Which of your friends love
Lesson three focuses on the spiritual and physical you enough to carry you to
redemption Jesus offers by looking at the story of a paralytic Jesus?
whose friends lowered him through the roof to see Jesus.
Students will examine how their faith plays a role in Jesus How do you know?
rescue mission, and what it means to be advocates of
redemption to a broken world.
The Black Letters of Jesus:
Jesus is on a mission to redeem the world, and he wants us to join
him.
4: Do You See What I See? (Luke 23:26-43) Which of your friends needs
Lesson four caps off this lesson set by looking at a doctors to hear the gospel?
telling of the Crucifixion. From extending mercy to those who
crucified him, to offering hope to the thief hanging next to How can we pray specifically
him, Jesus is still on the look-out for those who need his for them?
loving care, even moments before his death.
What can we do to help you
The Black Letters of Jesus: share with them?
Jesus never loses sight of the lost and the least.
ACTIVITIES YOU CAN DO TOGETHER
LIFE MAPS
Create life maps together. A life map is a visual representation (often a timeline) of the twists and turns of your
life. Its like an artistic autobiography.
What to do:
1. Think back over your entire life. What were some of the most meaningful moments? They could be
happy or sad. Be sure to include both, because life isnt always one or the other. Make a list of those
pivotal moments.
2. Find or create an image or symbol to represent each of those moments.
3. Place those images on the timeline of your life. Positive/happy events above the line and sad/negative
events below it.
4. Reflect on how God worked through each event for His purpose. Consider journaling those thoughts as
an addendum to the timeline.
5. Share the timeline with other family members and get their perspective on Gods hand in each
milestone.
6. Discuss the climax of your life thus far. Was it the gospel? Why or why not?
7. Keep the timeline in a family photo album for future reference.
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Parent Guide JESUS REDEEMS
MEMORY VERSES
Each lesson has a corresponding verse to memorize or meditate on.
For God so loved the world, that he
Do you not say, There are yet gave his only Son, that whoever
four months, then comes the believes in him should not perish
harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up but have eternal life. For God did
your eyes, not send his Son into the world to
and see that the fields are condemn the world, but in order
white for harvest. that the world might be saved
through him.
John 4:35 (ESV)
John 3:16-17 (ESV)
JESUS REDEEMS 1: JESUS REDEEMS 2:
What Rescuers Know Headliner
And let us not grow weary of doing Truly, I say to you, as you did it to
good, for in due season we will one of the least of these my
reap, if we do not give up. brothers, you did it to me.
Galatians 6:9 (ESV) Matthew 25:40b (ESV)
JESUS REDEEMS 3: JESUS REDEEMS 4:
Faith on the Line Do You See What I See?
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