Phil Vischer, Founder of Jellyfish Labs and co-creator of the acclaimed VeggieTales, opens the Bible to a tiny book all the way at the back. With the help of some animated friends, Phil walks through the entire book of 1 John to answer the question, “What is a Christian?”
This pioneering series packs tons of good theology into short sessions that toddlers to adults will enjoy. Learn not only what the Bible says, but also why and what it means for us today.
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Use these questions to talk to your child about the message of 1 John. Then consider taking the so-what challenge to incorporate this session’s message into your own life alongside your child’s.
Read Again
1 John 2:7–14
“Whoever loves his brother (or sister) lives in the light, and there is nothing in him that will cause him to do wrong.” (1 John 2:10, ICB)
- John says he is writing a new command that is also a very old command. What is it? (Love. Love God, and love your neighbors.)
- Why were the Israelites given so many rules about what to eat and what to wear? (So they would know they were different than their neighbors—that they were “set apart” for God.)
- What does the world “holy” mean? (Set apart for God.)
- Who called Himself “the Light of the World”? (Jesus.)
- Aren’t you glad you don’t have to follow 900 different rules?
- But sometimes, isn’t it easier to follow a rule like “don’t use bad words” than to actually be kind to someone you really don’t like? Do you see why sometimes people actually prefer the old kind of rules to the new rule about love?
So What?
For toddlers: When your child obeys a rule, stop and thank him or her and say: “You showed me love by obeying.” Celebrate with your child his or her love.
For grade schoolers: Help your child pick something to do for a family member or friend that will show love, but isn’t “required” by rules. (Volunteer to help with clean up after dinner, share a snack with a sibling, say three kind things to a friend.)
For you: Do you have “personal time” carved out of your schedule? If so, spend some of it in one-on-one time with your child. If not, chose an activity to do with your child that might not be your favorite, but you know your child wants to do.