Next Steps For KidsSample

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Watch the video about following Jesus together. Use the following questions and Bible verses to talk it over as a family.

Who is God? God is the creator of everything! He made the whole world, including you and me. He’s perfect, and He always loves us. (Genesis 1:1, Deuteronomy 32:4, Romans 5:8)

Who is Jesus? Jesus is God’s Son. He is 100% human and 100% God at the same time. It’s hard to understand (even for grown-ups!) but we choose to believe it because we trust God. (Matthew 3:16-17, Colossians 2:9)

What is sin? Sin is doing, saying, or even thinking things that are wrong or bad. Sin is disobeying God. We might choose to do things our way instead of God’s way, or we might choose not to do something we know we should. (1 John 3:4, James 4:17)

Do you sin? All people sin, and sin breaks our friendship with God. Talk about sins you or your child may struggle with such as lying, disobeying, being ugly to siblings, etc. (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Isaiah 59:2)

Did Jesus sin? Jesus is the only person who never sinned. He’s perfect. (Hebrews 4:15)

Why did Jesus die on the cross and come back to life? God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to take the punishment for everyone’s sins. Jesus died once—for all of us—and came back to life to show His power over sin and death. Now, when we choose to make Jesus our leader and ask Him to forgive our sins, He will because He already took the punishment for every single wrong thing we’ve ever done or will do. Then we’re all clean, and we can be best friends with God forever and ever! (Luke 19:10, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 6:9-10, Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16-17)

If your conversation shows your child doesn’t understand what following Jesus means, keep the conversation going in your daily life. Show Jesus is the center of your family by praying, reading the Bible together, attending church weekly, and serving with your local church.

If your conversation shows your child does understand what following Jesus means, ask:
• Do you believe Jesus is God’s Son and Jesus died so we can be forgiven?
• Are you ready to ask Jesus to be the leader of your life?

If your child’s answer to both questions is yes, help your child pray to accept Jesus as their leader. An example prayer is below.

Dear God, I admit I’ve done wrong, and I ask You to forgive me. I believe You sent Jesus to take the punishment for my sin and I’m forgiven because Jesus makes me right with You. I choose to spend my whole life depending on Your power to help me say, “No!” to sin. Help me to love You, love others, and share that You are my leader and number one friend. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Celebrate! Your child chose Jesus as their leader and best friend! Attend church weekly, read the Bible together, serve others, and start talking about baptism to help them grow in friendship with Christ.