Character Connections

Traveling brings new situations and unexpected experiences. The road trip in this week's story brought a life-changing surprise! 

Your driver's license, passport or name badge proves who you are. Jesus showed that he is the Righteous One by giving up his life for us all.

Sharing food together is one of the ways that we connect with those we care about. The day before Jesus died he gathered together his closest friends for one last dinner together. The way he said good-bye was a surprise to them all.

Parades are full of shouting and excitement. When Jesus came to Jerusalem crowds of people paraded after him cheering and praising God. They wanted him to be their king, but he is so much more!

When we compare ourselves to others the danger goes one of two ways: we can feel worthless or we can have an inflated ego. The truth is neither of those!  "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

Does it take more courage to climb a tree or to get down from one? When Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down from the sycamore tree, Zacchaeus responded with repentance and rejoicing! His faith influenced an entire community.

Jesus told his followers a story about a rich man who wouldn't share food with his starving neighbor. The parable cautions against the destruction that sin brings. Like a road sign, the warning is there to help us!

When Jesus told a story he used specific plots, characters, and details for a reason. The story of the prodigal son is layered with meaning, some of them may surprise you!

When Jesus went to eat at Martha's house she was too busy serving to spend time with him. She wanted her sister to do the same, but Jesus wouldn't let her stop Mary from sitting and listening. What a relief that we can rest in his presence too!

Jesus went back to his hometown and taught the people about God's love for outcasts. It wasn't a popular message. God reaches out to those who don't belong and brings them into his family!

Family fights can lead to deep hurt and broken relationships. Jesus brings healing and enables us to forgive our enemies…and our brothers.

Every temptation is different, but each is rooted in the devil's lies. When Satan tried to convince Jesus to take the easy way out, Jesus countered the lies with the truth of God's Word. Jesus won the victory in our place!

When the time was right John the Baptist called God's people to get ready for the coming Messiah. He urged them to turn away from the dirt of sin and be washed in the waters of baptism. Through Jesus we can be cleaned too!

When Mary and Joseph looked for Jesus they found him reading Scripture in his Father's house. When we look for Jesus we can find him there too!

It's hard to wait for something that's important to you. Simeon and Anna had waited their whole lives to see how God would save his people. When they finally met the baby Jesus, they saw God's promise come true!

Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the shepherds were real people with real lives that continued after Christmas night. The birth of Jesus of Nazareth might not have seemed like an important event to others at the time, but Luke 2 records that the angels in heaven celebrated!

Ruth and Naomi lived through difficult circumstances. God stepped in and provided for them. Not only did he restore their life, he worked through them to restore us all in Jesus!

Samson lived a life of selfishness that caused him hurt and pain. In the end he called out to God for help, and God heard his prayer. We learn from Samson how not to live, but also how God forgives!

Despite the fear of the people around her, Deborah moved ahead with courage. She trusted that God would keep his word - he always does!

Gideon's tiny army won a battle against iron strength without even raising a sword. When God sends you to do his will, he empowers you to do it!

Have you ever been stuck in a situation that seemed hopeless? When the children of Israel fought a walled city with only trumpets, it was clear who did the real work. God provides for his people in ways we'd never expect!  

When God asked his people to step into the flooding Jordan River, his presence went first and kept them safe. We can trust that God will provide for us as we follow him as well!

Taking on a new role can be a complicated task. When Joshua was appointed the new leader of the children of Israel, God calmed his fears and promised to be with him. God continues to guide us through new situations today!

When the Israelites turned against God in the wilderness, He didn't turn away from them. He offered healing and forgiveness – he does the same for you!

God demonstrates his love by giving us teachers and leaders. When Korah rejected Moses as his leader, he was actually rejecting God's authority. This story warns us against disobeying God's laws, but also shows us our need for a savior.