WELS Family Devotion

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WELS Family Devotions

  1. 2d ago

    Better Than Stinky Fish! – August 17, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260817fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Isaiah 56:1,6-8 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” The Sovereign LORD declares—he who gathers the exiles of Israel: “I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered.” Isaiah 56:6-8 Better Than Stinky Fish! In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. What is the strangest food you’ve ever smelled—or actually tasted? Different countries have different foods that are local favorites. But just because people in one place love a certain food doesn’t mean everyone will love it! Some Scandinavian countries have the tradition of eating fish prepared in a special way. People who grew up eating it may think it is delicious. But people who aren’t used to it may hold their noses and call it “stinky fish.” No thanks! The Old Testament Israelites had some traditions that may have seemed equally strange to people who hadn’t grown up with them. One of God’s Old Testament rules for them was called the Sabbath Day. Every week they had one whole day when they stopped their regular work to rest, worship, and remember what God had done for them. Can you imagine how strange that seemed to people from other countries? They might have said, “You stop working for an entire day? No thanks! I’ve got things to do!” That’s why these words from Isaiah are so surprising. Isaiah talks about “foreigners”—people from other nations—joining the Israelites on their Sabbaths. Even though these foreigners hadn’t grown up following Israel’s customs, they wanted to worship and to be like the Israelites. That’s as strange as people from other countries wanting to eat “stinky fish”! Why did they want to join the Israelites? They wanted to join them because they had come to know that the true God wasn’t only for the Israelites. He was for them too! And he wasn’t just a God that gave people rest one day of the week. He promised eternal rest through the Savior who was coming. That Savior was Jesus. You are proof that God’s promise is still coming true today. Your family and your congregation are probably not made up of people from Israel. This means you are also a group of “foreigners” who have joined to do the same thing they did for so long. When your family stops what you are doing to listen to God’s Word, you are enjoying the rest Jesus gives. All around the world, “foreigners” from all sorts of backgrounds and countries are still joining God’s people to do the same thing. They do this because Jesus is not like “stinky fish”—something only certain people might enjoy. Jesus is for everyone. His love is for everyone. His promise of heaven is for everyone. And that includes you! Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are the Savior of all people. Thank you for gathering me into your family of believers through your Word. Gather even more people around the world into your family. In your name we pray. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children What is the strangest food you have ever smelled or tasted? Did you like it? A “foreigner” is someone from another country or nation. Who were the foreigners in today’s devotion coming to worship with? Questions for Elementary Age Children What are some family traditions you have that might seem unusual to other people? Why might celebrating the Sabbath have seemed strange to someone who wasn’t an Israelite? Questions for Middle School and Above What did the foreigners learn about Israel’s God that made them want to worship him too? Jesus has already done all the work needed to save us. How does knowing that give us “rest”? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

  2. 5d ago

    When You Start to Sink – August 14, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260814fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Matthew 14:22-33 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31 When You Start to Sink In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peter was doing it. He was really doing it. The wind was blowing. The waves were splashing. The boat was bouncing around like a rubber duck in a bathtub. And Peter was walking on top of the water toward Jesus. That isn’t normal! People can walk on sidewalks, grass, and through puddles if they are wearing the right shoes. But people do not walk on top of lakes during storms. Unless Jesus tells them to do it. At first, Peter trusted Jesus’ directions. Jesus said, “Come,” and Peter stepped out of the boat. But then Peter noticed the wind. He saw the waves. He felt the storm. And suddenly, the storm looked bigger than Jesus. And Peter began to sink. That can happen to us, too. God’s Word says Jesus is with us. God’s Word says our sins are forgiven. God’s Word says our Father in heaven hears our prayers. But then we notice the “wind and waves.” Maybe it’s a friendship that suddenly feels shaky. Maybe it’s the dark room at bedtime. Maybe it’s the question you’re nervous to ask. Maybe it’s the “what if?” that keeps splashing around in your mind. And suddenly, the storm of life feels bigger than our Savior. What you do in that moment of fear and panic is important. You can try with all your might to stay on top of the water or do your best to swim. But those won’t cut it. You’re still going to find yourself sinking deeper and deeper until . . . gone. Lost under the waves of sin, shame, fear, and guilt. But look what Jesus did. Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Not after a moment; immediately. Jesus did not stand there and shout, “Peter, try harder.” He did not say, “Peter, swim back by yourself.” Jesus reached for him. Jesus caught him. Jesus saved him. That is what Jesus does for doubting, sinking sinners. He reaches out with his Word. He reaches out with his promises. He reaches out with the forgiveness he won by his cross and empty tomb. He reached out to you in the waters of your Baptism, where he washed you clean and saved you from drowning in the depths of your sin. Christians are not different because they never feel afraid. Christians are different because, when fear rises and faith feels weak, they know who to call. “Lord, save me!” And Jesus does. Prayer: Dear Jesus, when fear and doubt make us feel like we are sinking, help us call out to you. Thank you for reaching out to save us with your strong and gracious love. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children Pretend your hand is sinking down into water. Now use your other hand to catch it. Who caught Peter? When can you say Peter’s prayer, “Lord, save me!”? Questions for Elementary Age Children Peter saw the wind and waves and became afraid. What “wind and waves” can make kids feel afraid today? Why is the word “immediately” such a comforting word in this story? Questions for Middle School and Above What is the difference between pretending storms are not real and trusting Jesus in the middle of them? When faith feels weak, why is “Lord, save me!” still a strong prayer? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

  3. Aug 12

    It Still Holds – August 12, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260812fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Romans 8:28-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 It Still Holds In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. There’s an episode of the show Bluey called “Cubby”, where Bluey and Bingo make a pillow fort for the ages. Have you ever built a pillow fort before? A really good one needs something to hold it together. You can use couch cushions or chairs. You can use clothespins, binder clips, or even some tape to try to hold the blankets up. But then someone crawls inside and the whole thing moves, shifts, and then . . . falls apart. Not everything holds. You’ll notice that in today’s Bible reading, Paul talks about some very tough things: trouble, danger, hunger, pain, and even death. Things that are waaaaay too heavy for the pillow forts of our lives. And when those things happen, people might wonder, “Does God still love me? Did his promises fall apart, too?” But the answer in Romans is clear: it still holds. God’s love still holds when life is scary. God’s love still holds when our prayers aren’t answered the way we wanted them to be. God’s love still holds when people are mean to us, when we get sick, or when we feel worried. How can Paul be so sure? Because of Jesus! “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also . . . graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). God already gave his only Son for you. God showed his love for us like this: while we were still stuck in sin, Jesus died for us. He carried your sins to the cross and rose again so you could know for sure that God’s love still holds. So, when you wonder, “Is God still for me?” just look at Jesus. In him, God’s answer is yes. That doesn’t mean everything will be easy; Paul never says that. You will still have very hard days. But the point is that those hard days cannot pull you away from Jesus. Sad days can’t take Jesus away from you. Scary days cannot remove you from his love. Because that love is not like tape on a pillow fort. It won’t slip, snap, or give up. In Jesus, God’s promise still holds. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for holding us in your love when life is hard or scary. Help us trust that nothing can separate us from you. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children Build a tiny “fort” with your hands. What would happen if it fell? Say this together: “Jesus’ love still holds!” Now write it down and put it somewhere the whole family can see it. Questions for Elementary Age Children Name one thing that does not always hold together very well. What hard things does Paul say cannot separate us from God’s love? Questions for Middle School and Above Why is it important that Paul does not pretend Christians will avoid trouble? When someone wonders, “Is God still for me?” how does Jesus answer that question? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

  4. Aug 10

    You’re Not Alone – August 10, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260810fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: 1 Kings 19:9-18 And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:12-13 You’re Not Alone In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amelia sat on the back porch with her backpack still on. When her dad asked what was wrong, she said, with tears in her eyes, “Nobody wanted to play with me today!” Now, that wasn’t completely true. Her best friend Ruth was home, sick. Her teacher complimented her on her last writing assignment. Her big brother even saved her a seat on the bus. And now her dad was sitting next to her, asking what was wrong. But Amelia still felt alone. Sometimes our feelings point to something real. Amelia really did feel like she had a hard day. But other times, our feelings don’t tell the whole story. Even though Amelia felt alone, she needed someone to remind her, “You’re not as alone as you feel.” Elijah had spoken God’s Word, just like he was supposed to. But many people didn’t listen. The wicked queen, Jezebel, wanted to kill him. So, Elijah ran away. He was tired, scared, and felt like he was the only one who loved the Lord. But that’s why God asked him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” So . . . Elijah told him how he felt! The people have turned away, torn down God’s altars, and killed God’s prophets. “I am the only one left!” cried Elijah. But that wasn’t true. God told Elijah to stand on the mountain. A powerful wind came. It was strong enough to tear rocks apart! But the Lord was not in the wind. Then the ground shook in an earthquake. But the Lord wasn’t in that, either. Then came a fire. But you guessed it, the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire came a gentle whisper. That is where God came to Elijah with his quiet Word and his promise: “You’re not alone, Elijah.” Elijah felt alone, but God showed him the truth. “You’re not alone.” God says the same to you in his Word. You may feel unseen, but God sees you. You may feel forgotten, but God remembers you. You may feel alone, but God is with you. Jesus proves it. He came to be with sinners, die for sinners, and rise for sinners. He’s the one who promised he would be with you always, until the very end. Listen to God’s gentle whisper in his Word. You are not alone. Your Savior is with you. Prayer: Dear Lord, when we feel afraid or alone, help us listen to your Word and trust your promises. Thank you for staying with us and sending Jesus to keep all your promises. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children Use your loudest whisper to say, “God is with me.” Point to someone in the room. How does that person remind you that God gives you people who care about you? Questions for Elementary Age Children Elijah thought he was the only one left who loved the Lord. What did God tell him that he did not know? Draw two pictures: one of Elijah feeling alone, and one of Elijah hearing God’s promise. What changed? Questions for Middle School and Above Why might God’s “gentle whisper” be a better answer to doubt than wind, earthquake, or fire? When someone feels alone in their faith, what promises from God’s Word would be helpful to hear? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

  5. Aug 7

    When Your Lunch Is Too Little – August 7, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260807fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Matthew 14:13-21 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:20-21 When Your Lunch Is Too Little In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Five loaves of bread and two fish. That might be enough for one small lunch. Maybe. But it was definitely not enough for a crowd of thousands of people. Not even close! The disciples knew that. They looked around at the hillsides packed with people who had followed Jesus. Some of them had been sick—and Jesus had miraculously healed them. Now the people were tired and hungry. The sun was starting to set. So, the disciples did the math: one tiny, packed lunch divided by thousands of people equals . . . uh-oh. Big trouble! You can understand why the disciples told Jesus to “send the crowds away.” It made sense. Let the people go buy their own food. But Jesus had a different plan. He said, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Just imagine the disciples looking at each other! “We should feed them? With what?” They had only five loaves and two fish, and that would never feed a crowd like this. It probably wouldn’t even feed your whole classroom at school. But watch closely what Jesus does next. He says, “Bring them here to me.” Five loaves and two fish looked far too small—but they were being placed into the hands of Jesus. That is the best place for small things, weak things, hard things, and impossible things. Bring them to Jesus. Jesus took the bread and fish. He gave thanks. Then he gave the food to the disciples, and the disciples gave it to the people. And everyone ate. Not just a little taste; not just one tiny bite. They all ate and were satisfied. They began with one small meal and ended with twelve baskets of leftovers! Perhaps each disciple carried away a basket—a powerful reminder of what Jesus can do. Jesus gave more than enough. That’s what Jesus did for the hungry crowd. He saw hungry people and gave them bread. He saw sick people and healed them. Most importantly, he saw sinful people and came to save them. Jesus sees what you need, too. Sometimes you need food, help, courage, patience, or rest. But most of all, you need him. So, Jesus gave himself for you. He gives forgiveness that does not run out. He gives love that does not end. He gives life that lasts forever. Five loaves and two fish looked hopelessly small—until placed in Jesus’ hands. When what you have looks too small, bring it to Jesus. In his hands, there is always more than enough. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for seeing what we need and caring for us with compassion. Help us bring our worries and needs to you, trusting that your love is always more than enough. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children Hold up five fingers for the loaves. Now hold up two fingers for the fish. Was that a lot of food for thousands of people? Show with your face how the disciples might have looked when they saw twelve baskets of leftovers. Questions for Elementary Age Children What do the twelve baskets of leftovers teach us about Jesus’ power? Jesus said, “Bring them here to me.” What is one worry or need your family can bring to Jesus in prayer? Questions for Middle School and Above The disciples’ first idea was to send the hungry people away. Why do people sometimes try to solve problems without bringing them to Jesus first? Jesus gave the crowd more than enough food. How does that miracle help you trust him when your own strength, patience, faith, or resources feel too small? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

  6. Aug 5

    Picked on Purpose – August 5, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260805fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Ephesians 1:3-10 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:4-5a Picked on Purpose In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let’s all admit it feels good to be picked for something. Maybe you get picked to be the line leader at school, or you get picked to help make cookies. Maybe your coach picks you to take the first kick in soccer. Or maybe someone picks you to choose the movie for family movie night, which is a very big responsibility. Use that power wisely! But not being picked can really hurt. When everyone else gets chosen first, and you’re the only one left, it can make you feel small, forgotten, or not important. But did you catch something in today’s Scripture? Something amazing? God picked you. The thing is, God didn’t pick you the way people sometimes pick teams at recess. He wasn’t looking for the fastest runner, the strongest kid, or the person who knew all the rules perfectly. God did not choose you because you were better than someone else. God picked you in Jesus. And he picked you on purpose. Paul, who wrote the book of Ephesians, says God chose his people “before the creation of the world.” That means before there were mountains to climb, oceans to swim in, puppies to cuddle, pizza to eat, stars to gaze at, or even one bug crawling on the ground, God already knew you. God already loved you. God already had a plan to bring you into his family through Jesus. Why would God do that? The answer is “grace.” Grace means that God loved you in Jesus, not because you earned it or deserved it. Not because you won a contest or passed a test. You didn’t impress God be being better than everyone else. God’s grace, shown through Jesus’ perfect life, innocent death, and victorious resurrection, is the reason he chose you. Because of Jesus, you are redeemed, forgiven, and richly blessed as a member of God’s family. Sometimes people wonder, “Does God really care about me?” Ephesians gives us the answer: YES—absolutely! God’s love for you didn’t just start yesterday; it didn’t start when you were born. It didn’t even start when the world began. God chose you in Christ before the world began. So, when you feel like the last person waiting to be picked, remember this: You are not forgotten; you are not an accident. You are not someone God barely noticed. In Jesus, you are picked on purpose—for his purpose—and you will always belong to him. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for choosing us in Jesus and making us your children. When we feel forgotten or unimportant, help us remember your love that began before the world was made. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children Act it out: Show what your face might look like when someone picks you for something special. Finish this sentence together: “In Jesus, God ________ me!” Questions for Elementary Age Children Name one time when being picked for something made you feel happy. Why did it feel good? What does the word “grace” mean? And how does remembering that help when you feel left out or forgotten? Questions for Middle School and Above How is being chosen by God different from being chosen for a team, award, or position? How does knowing you were chosen in Christ “before the creation of the world” help answer the fear that God might forget you? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

  7. Aug 3

    God’s Delivery Service – August 3, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260803fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: 1 Kings 17:1-6 You will drink from the brook, and I have directed the ravens to supply you with food there.” So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 1 Kings 17:4-6 God’s Delivery Service In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Birds are pretty good at finding food. They peck in the grass. They look for crumbs. They raid your beach picnic (we’re looking at you, seagulls!). They search in trees and bushes. But in today’s Bible reading, you probably noticed that the birds weren’t finding food for themselves. They were working for God’s delivery service! God used ravens to deliver food to Elijah. Sounds pretty strange, right? Elijah was a prophet who spoke God’s Word during the reign of a wicked king named Ahab. Ahab didn’t love the one true God and led many people away from the Lord. So, God sent Elijah with a message to show Ahab how serious his sin was: there would be no rain for a long time. No rain meant dry ground; dry ground meant no crops; no crops meant people wouldn’t have enough food. Many people and animals could starve to death! But God didn’t forget about Elijah. He told his prophet to go to a special place near a brook, where clean, cool water would flow for Elijah to drink. God would even send ravens to bring food for Elijah! So, Elijah went, and God kept his promise. Every morning and evening, ravens came with bread and meat. Day after day, Elijah had what he needed. God’s care looked strange . . . it came through birds! But it was still God’s care. God still provides for us today. And he provides for us in ways you have come to expect: grocery stores, parents, friends, a teacher, a neighbor . . . so many different ways. But, at other times, God provides for us in ways we never saw coming. This is what makes God’s people different, though, just like Elijah was different from Ahab. Christians don’t always know how God will provide or when he will provide. But we do know this: God will provide! God cared for Elijah near the brook. God cares for you, too. And if you ever need proof of that, remember that God provided his own Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice needed to pay for our sins. Through Jesus, God gives you what you need. Through Jesus, God gives forgiveness, life, and a home with him forever. The God who sent birds with bread has not forgotten what his children need. And he knows why you need it. And he promises that he will always provide. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving us what we need each day. Help us trust your care, even when we do not yet see how you will provide. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children What kind of birds brought Elijah food? Pretend you are a raven delivering Elijah’s meal. What food are you carrying? Questions for Elementary Age Children What did God show Elijah by giving him food each morning and evening? List as many people, places and things God uses to give you what you need as you can in 30 seconds. Ready. Set. Go! Questions for Middle School and Above Why can it be hard to trust God when he provides only one day at a time? What’s the difference between trusting God to provide what we need and expecting him to give us everything we want? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

  8. Jul 31

    Something Better Than Buried Treasure – July 31, 2026

    https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260731fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion Read: Matthew 13:44-52 [Jesus said] “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matthew 13:44-46 Something Better Than Buried Treasure In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Imagine trying to count the value of everything you own: your clothes, toys, books, games, bike, electronics, and everything in your room. The total might surprise you! If you guessed that everything you own is worth $5,000, the real number might be closer to $15,000. Now imagine someone asking you to trade all of it—every last thing—for one treasure. What treasure could possibly be worth that much? In two short parables Jesus told of people who sold everything they had to obtain one thing. One man discovered treasure hidden in a field. Another man found an incredibly valuable pearl. Both of them gladly sold everything they owned to make that treasure theirs. Jesus was teaching us about a treasure even greater than a chest of gold or a priceless pearl: the kingdom of heaven. Nothing we own can compare with belonging to God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is King Jesus ruling in our hearts. Jesus may not promise us expensive clothes, a fancy house, or thousands of online followers. He promises something infinitely better—eternal things. He forgives every sin. He will raise the dead on the Last Day. He has opened heaven for all who believe in him. Be honest: would you sometimes rather have Jesus give you a new phone, a giant flatscreen, or a bigger house instead of invisible gifts like forgiveness and heaven? Our sinful hearts are easily excited by shiny new things. But how long do those things stay new? Today’s newest phone will eventually stop working. The biggest screen will be replaced by an even bigger one. Toys break. Clothes wear out. Games become boring. But the kingdom of heaven will never grow outdated, never wear out, and never be surpassed. A man named James Howells accidentally threw away a computer hard drive containing $800 million worth of bitcoin. He tried to buy the landfill for $73 million to search for it. His request was denied. Imagine knowing that your treasure was buried somewhere underneath a mountain of garbage! He was willing to spend a fortune trying to recover it, but he could not get it back. Thankfully, the treasure Jesus gives can never be buried in a landfill, lost underneath the bed, stolen by a thief, or accidentally thrown away. We did not have to sell everything to purchase it. We couldn’t purchase it—even if we owned all the money in the world. Jesus gave up everything to make that treasure yours. He left heaven, carried your sins, and won for you a place in God’s kingdom forever. Jesus doesn’t want your stuff; he only wants your heart so he can teach it to say, “Jesus, you are my treasure.” Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us treasure your kingdom above all things. Forgive us when we love our possessions more than we love you. Keep our hearts fixed on your forgiveness, your promises, and the eternal life you have won for us. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children What is a treasure? (hint: a favorite thing that you own) What is the greatest treasure that God has given to you? Questions for Elementary Age Children What did the two men in Jesus’ parables find? What were they willing to give up to have it? What kind of treasure would be so valuable that you would gladly give up all your toys, games, and electronics to have it? Questions for Middle School and Above How can you tell when something you own has become too important to your heart? Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What might the way you spend your time, attention, and money reveal about your treasure? Download Family Devotions     Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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WELS Family Devotions

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    WELS
  • Creator
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  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
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