Summer Upside Down (vol. 2) – Watch Yourself and Stay Awake

By Zack Owens | June 30, 2020 |

Summer installment of our kids’ Upside Down series – “Jesus Stories: The Gospel of Luke.”

Scroll down to find Scriptures, Discussion Questions, and Prayer Guide.

“And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.” (Luke 21:29–38 ESV)

WHAT (what did we learn from God’s Word?)

What did Jesus say was a clue that summer is coming? (The Fig Tree will bloom)
What did Jesus say was a clue that the Kingdom of God is close? (The sad, bad, and scary things we talked about last week: sickness, fighting, etc)
What two things does Jesus remind His followers to do when the world is crazy? (Watch yourself & Stay awake)

SO WHAT? (Why does it matter?)

Jerusalem would fall down, heaven and earth will pass away, but one thing will never pass away – God’s Word. Why is this Good News?
What does it mean to watch ourselves? (Not be so worried about other people/things happening in our world that we lose sight of our own hearts. Sometimes we can be far from God and start hating others without even realizing it.)
What kinds of things make our “heart heavy”? (Worry and things that make us “escape” and forget about what’s going on in our hearts and around us)
What does it mean to stay awake? (Look for Jesus. Not just awake, but praying for strength to make it through this crazy world.)

NOW WHAT? (What difference does it make in my life?)

What do you think it will feel like to stand strong with Jesus and see what God grew in this world? Are you ready?
Who will stand with Jesus? (The people who He rescued from sin and death: everyone who calls on His name for salvation)

PRAYER TIME (“TAG Time”)

TELL: Tell God how you feel, tell Him the things you are thankful for, tell Him how much you need Him (confess your sins)
ASK: Ask God for what you need, ask Him to help you and others
GIVE: Give God glory, honor, and praise!

Redeemer Church Jackson