Riverside Kids exists to establish a firm foundation in God’s word and to train disciples who will make disciples. Our volunteers will do this by teaching the entire Word of God. We believe it is important to teach God’s Word to children in an exciting yet practical way.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27 | The First Judges
BIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 3
MEMORY VERSE: If my people pray and turn from their evil ways, then I will forgive their sin. 2
Chronicles 7:14
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to
Jesus.
CHRIST CONNECTION: God brought consequences to His people for their sins, but He also raised up judges to save them from their enemies. We also have consequences for our sins, but God sent Jesus to save us from our sins once and for all.
This week’s story ushers in a new chapter for God’s people: the era of the judges. These short-term rescuers pointed to the need for an eternal Rescuer and Saviour with the power to redeem and
transform the hearts of God’s people once and for all. In this chapter, we are introduced to three judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Through their leadership, God continued to prove Himself faithful by intervening and delivering His people, always
preserving and setting them apart from the world. These earthly judges, however, could never save the people from their sins or produce new hearts with the desire to obey God. The peace these
judges provided could not offer lasting change. Help your children see that only Jesus has the power to give us new hearts and transform us into His image. While judges provided temporary peace, Jesus has established an eternal peace for those who place their faith in His finished work on the cross. Even the mightiest earthly hero pales in comparison to the Prince of Peace who was resurrected to bring us new life! Pray that awe would
mark children’s hearts as they reflect on God’s provision to secure everlasting peace and salvation.