Guardians of Ancora Family Bible PlanSample

JESUS AND THE ROMAN OFFICER

In this Bible story, Jesus arrives in Capernaum again, where the Roman army has a base from which their soldiers keep order in the country. Usually Romans and the local Jewish people do not mix and certainly are not friends, but in Capernaum things are a bit different.

Such was his understanding of Jesus’ authority, the army officer didn’t expect Jesus to visit his house. He knew that Jesus’ word would be enough to heal the man. And it was, of course. The servant was healed immediately and completely. Jesus never does anything by halves!

If you had heard the story before, have you discovered anything new about it?

If the story was new to you, what is the one big thought you are thinking about it now?

TALKABOUT

Can you find the ‘God moments’ in the story – the moments when you can see God in action? Perhaps when the friends go to find Jesus? When Jesus talks about the Roman having great faith? When the servant is well again? Who would you most like to be in the story?

Jesus was surprised – and happy – when the Roman officer showed how much faith he had. What surprises you – and what makes you happy – about this Bible story? What surprises you – and what makes you happy – about Jesus?

TALK WITH GOD TOGETHER

The Roman officer sent two messages to Jesus. What messages do you want to send to Jesus today? Write or draw your messages on paper; then fold into paper darts and ‘send’ them through the air! (Carefully!)

PLAYING GUARDIANS OF ANCORA

Switch on your game device, go to the Spire and select the Bible Quest: ‘Jesus and the Roman Officer’ (tap the ‘game-controller’ icon). If you have several devices, play the game at the same time. Or watch each other play, in turn.

When you take this Quest, there’s a lot of building work going on, so you need to scale scaffolding and slide down guide ropes to get into the Roman fort. Look out for the Roman officer who is in charge. He has an ill servant – and he’s also got Jewish friends who are offering to help him! Fabula knows that’s unusual. Quick – see what happens... Jesus might do something amazing!

What is your favourite part of the story? Why do you like that part so much?