Bible Reading: Luke 19:1–10

A New Beginning

Jesus was traveling through the city of Jericho. Crowds of people gathered wherever he went because they wanted to hear him teach.

A man named Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus too.

Zacchaeus was very short, and the crowd was so big that he could not see over everyone’s heads.

So he had an idea!

He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree.

When Jesus reached the tree, he looked up and smiled.

“Zacchaeus,” Jesus called, “come down! I want to visit your home today.”

Zacchaeus hurried down the tree with a joyful heart.

Some people in the crowd grumbled.

“Why would Jesus spend time with someone like him?”

You see, Zacchaeus was a tax collector. Many people believed he had treated others unfairly.

But Jesus saw more than Zacchaeus’s mistakes.

He saw someone who could change.

After spending time with Jesus, Zacchaeus stood up and said,

“I will give half of what I own to people who are poor. If I have cheated anyone, I will repay them four times as much.”

Jesus smiled and said,

“Today salvation has come to this house.”

Jesus came to help people discover God’s love and begin new lives.

Zacchaeus learned that no one is beyond God’s mercy, and that real change begins with an open heart.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus looks at our hearts, not just our past. With God’s love, people can grow, make things right, and become more loving every day.

Love Like Francis and Clare

If you’ve made a mistake, do your best to make it right. If someone else is trying to change, encourage them instead of reminding them of their past.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for giving us new beginnings. Help us grow in kindness, make things right when we can, and see others with the same loving eyes that Jesus does.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“The Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10

Bible Reading: Matthew 19:13–15; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17

Come to Me

One day, parents brought their children to Jesus. They hoped he would bless them and pray for them.

The children laughed, smiled, and gathered around Jesus.

But some of the disciples thought Jesus was too busy.

They tried to send the children away.

When Jesus saw this, he was not pleased.

He said,

“Let the little children come to me. Do not stop them, because God’s kingdom belongs to people like these.”

Jesus opened his arms wide.

The children came running to him.

He hugged them, placed his hands on their heads, and blessed each one.

Jesus loved the children just as they were. He didn’t ask them to be older, smarter, or more important.

He welcomed them with joy.

Then Jesus reminded the grown-ups that everyone can learn from children.

Children often trust easily, forgive quickly, wonder about the world, and share love freely.

Jesus said that these childlike qualities are beautiful in God’s kingdom.

Every child is precious to God.

Every child belongs.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus welcomes every child with love. No one is too small to matter to God. We are all invited to trust God with open hearts and to welcome others with the same kindness.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Help a younger child today, or if you are a child, show kindness to another child. Include someone in a game, share a toy, or tell someone, “I’m glad you’re here.”

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for loving every child. Help us welcome others with open hearts, trust You with joy, and remember that everyone belongs in Your family.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them.” — Mark 10:14

Bible Reading: Matthew 8:23–27; Mark 4:35–41; Luke 8:22–25

Peace in the Storm

One evening, Jesus and his disciples climbed into a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee.

The water was calm as they began their journey.

Jesus was tired after helping so many people, so he lay down in the boat and fell asleep.

Suddenly, dark clouds filled the sky.

The wind began to blow harder and harder.

Big waves crashed against the boat.

Water splashed inside, and the disciples became frightened.

“We’re going to sink!” they cried.

They woke Jesus and said,

“Teacher, help us!”

Jesus stood up in the rocking boat.

He spoke to the wind and the waves,

“Peace! Be still!”

At once, the wind stopped blowing.

The waves became calm.

The sea grew quiet.

The disciples looked at one another in amazement.

“Who is this?” they wondered. “Even the wind and the sea listen to him!”

Jesus gently reminded them that they did not have to face the storm alone.

Just as Jesus was with his friends in the boat, he is with us when we feel afraid, worried, or overwhelmed.

Even when life feels stormy, God’s love can bring peace to our hearts.

What Can We Learn?

Everyone faces storms in life. We may feel scared sometimes, but Jesus is with us. His love gives us courage, comfort, and peace, even when everything around us feels uncertain.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Bring peace to someone today. Speak gently, help solve a disagreement, or comfort someone who is feeling afraid or sad.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for being with us in every storm. Fill our hearts with Your peace, help us trust You, and make us peacemakers wherever we go.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Peace! Be still!” — Mark 4:39

Bible Reading: Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–14

Sharing What We Have

One day, a huge crowd followed Jesus to a quiet hillside. They wanted to hear him teach and to see him heal those who were sick.

Jesus welcomed everyone with compassion. He spent the day teaching about God’s kingdom and caring for the people.

As evening came, the disciples grew worried.

“Everyone is hungry,” they said. “We should send them away so they can buy food.”

But Jesus replied,

“You give them something to eat.”

The disciples looked around.

“We only have five loaves of bread and two fish!”

That wasn’t nearly enough for thousands of people.

Then a young boy offered his small lunch to Jesus.

Jesus thanked God for the food. He broke the bread and shared it with the disciples, who passed it through the crowd.

Everyone received food.

Everyone ate until they were full.

When the meal was over, the disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers!

The little boy’s small gift became part of a great miracle.

Jesus showed that when we trust God and generously share what we have, wonderful things can happen.

What Can We Learn?

No gift is too small when it is offered with love. God can use our kindness, generosity, and willingness to share to bless many people.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Share something with someone today. It could be food, a toy, a book, your time, or simply a kind word that brings hope.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for providing what we need. Help us be generous with what we have and trust that You can use even our smallest gifts to bless others.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“They all ate and were filled.” — Luke 9:17

Bible Reading: Luke 15:11–32

A Father’s Open Arms

One day, Jesus told a story about a father and his two sons.

The younger son said, “Father, I want my share of the family money now.”

The father sadly agreed, and the son traveled to a distant country.

At first, the son spent all his money on whatever he wanted. But soon, he had nothing left.

Then a famine came, and he became very hungry. He found work feeding pigs, but he was still hungry and lonely.

Finally, he thought,

“I will go home. I will tell my father I am sorry.”

So he began the long walk home.

While he was still far away, his father saw him coming.

The father did not wait for his son to reach the house.

He ran to him!

He hugged him tightly and welcomed him home with joy.

“My child has come home!” the father said.

The father gave him clean clothes, a ring, and sandals. Then he prepared a wonderful celebration.

The older brother became upset.

“I have worked hard all this time,” he said. “Why are we having a party for him?”

The father gently replied,

“My child, I love you too. Everything I have is yours. But today we celebrate because your brother was lost, and now he is found.”

Jesus told this story to help us understand God’s heart.

God is always ready to forgive. No matter how far we wander, God’s arms are open, welcoming us home with love and joy.

What Can We Learn?

God’s love is full of forgiveness and welcome. When we make mistakes and turn back to God, we are met with mercy, not rejection. We can also learn to forgive others with joyful hearts.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Welcome someone today. Include a new friend, forgive someone who has apologized, or remind someone that they belong.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for always welcoming us with love. Help us forgive others, celebrate new beginnings, and keep our hearts open to everyone.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“This brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” — Luke 15:32

Bible Reading: Luke 15:1–7; Matthew 18:12–14

The Shepherd Who Never Gives Up

One day, Jesus told a story about a shepherd who had one hundred sheep.

The shepherd loved every one of them.

Each morning he counted them.

One… two… three…

Until he reached one hundred.

But one day, something was wrong.

Ninety-nine…

The shepherd counted again.

Still only ninety-nine.

One little sheep was missing.

The shepherd did not say, “I still have ninety-nine. That’s enough.”

Instead, he left the ninety-nine sheep in a safe place and went looking for the one that was lost.

He searched over hills, through valleys, and around rocks.

At last, he heard a tiny “Baa!”

There was the little sheep!

The shepherd smiled with joy. He gently lifted the sheep onto his shoulders and carried it safely home.

Then he called his friends and neighbors.

“Come celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!”

Jesus explained that God is like that loving shepherd.

Whenever someone feels lost, lonely, afraid, or forgotten, God never stops looking for them.

Every single person is precious to God.

No one is too small, too far away, or too forgotten to be loved.

What Can We Learn?

God knows each of us by name and never gives up on us. Just as the shepherd searched for the lost sheep, God lovingly seeks everyone and welcomes them home with joy.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Notice someone who may feel lonely today. Invite them to join you, offer a kind smile, or let them know they belong.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for loving each one of us so deeply. Help us remember that no one is forgotten in Your eyes. Teach us to welcome others with the same joyful love You show us.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” — Luke 15:6

Bible Reading: Luke 10:25–37

A Neighbor Who Chose Kindness

One day, someone asked Jesus,

“Who is my neighbor?”

Instead of giving a simple answer, Jesus told a story.

A man was traveling down a road when robbers attacked him. They took everything he had and left him hurt beside the road.

Soon, a priest came by.

He saw the injured man but walked past him.

Later, another religious helper came along.

He also saw the man but kept walking.

Then a Samaritan came down the road.

In those days, many people looked down on Samaritans and thought they could never be friends.

But when the Samaritan saw the injured man, his heart was filled with compassion.

He gently cleaned the man’s wounds and wrapped them with bandages.

Then he carefully lifted the man onto his own donkey and took him to a safe inn.

Before leaving, the Samaritan gave the innkeeper money and said,

“Please take care of him. If it costs more, I’ll pay you when I return.”

When Jesus finished the story, he asked,

“Which person was a true neighbor?”

The answer was clear.

The one who showed mercy.

Jesus smiled and said,

“Go and do the same.”

What Can We Learn?

A neighbor is anyone who needs our kindness. God’s love is not limited by where someone comes from, what they look like, or what they believe. We show God’s love by helping people with compassion.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Look for someone who needs encouragement today. Hold a door open, help someone carry something, share with a friend, or simply ask, “How can I help?”

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for teaching us to love our neighbors. Fill our hearts with compassion so we can notice those who need help and care for them with kindness.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Go and do likewise.” — Luke 10:37

Bible Reading: Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11

“Come, Follow Me”

As Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. They were fishermen, busy casting their nets into the water.

Jesus smiled and said,

“Come, follow me, and I will teach you to help gather people into God’s family.”

Peter and Andrew trusted Jesus. They left their nets and followed him.

A little farther down the shore, Jesus met two more brothers, James and John. They were repairing their fishing nets with their father.

Jesus called them too.

Without hesitation, they joined him.

As time went on, Jesus invited more friends to follow him. Some were fishermen. One, named Matthew, collected taxes. Others came from different towns and different walks of life.

Jesus did not choose the richest, the strongest, or the most famous people.

He chose ordinary people with willing hearts.

Together they traveled from village to village. They learned from Jesus, helped people in need, shared meals, prayed together, and discovered what God’s kingdom of love looked like.

Jesus welcomed everyone who wanted to learn—children and grown-ups, rich and poor, those who felt important and those who felt forgotten.

He showed that there is always room for another friend in God’s family.

What Can We Learn?

Jesus invites ordinary people to do extraordinary things through love. We don’t have to be perfect to follow Jesus—we simply need open hearts that are ready to love and serve others.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Invite someone to join you today. Include someone in a game, sit with someone who is alone, or welcome a new person with a smile.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for inviting us to follow Jesus. Help us welcome others with kindness, make new friends, and share Your love wherever we go.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“Come, follow me.” — Matthew 4:19

Bible Reading: Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22

God’s Beloved Son

When Jesus became an adult, he traveled to the Jordan River. There he met John the Baptist, who was inviting people to turn toward God and begin a new way of living.

People came from many places to be baptized in the river as a sign of their desire to follow God.

When Jesus asked John to baptize him, John was surprised.

“I should be the one asking You,” John said.

But Jesus answered, “This is the right thing to do.”

So John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.

As Jesus came up out of the water, something wonderful happened.

The heavens seemed to open.

The Holy Spirit came down like a dove and rested upon Jesus.

Then a voice from heaven said,

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Everyone there saw that Jesus had been sent by God to bring good news, healing, hope, and peace to the world.

From that day forward, Jesus began his public ministry. He would teach people about God’s love, welcome those who were left out, heal those who were hurting, and invite everyone into God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ baptism reminds us that we, too, are deeply loved by God.

What Can We Learn?

Before Jesus performed miracles or preached sermons, God called him beloved. God’s love is a gift, not something we earn. We are invited to live as God’s beloved children every day.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Tell someone today, “You are loved.” Encourage a friend, thank a family member, or remind someone that they matter.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for loving us as Your children. Help us remember that we are beloved and teach us to share that same love with everyone we meet.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” — Mark 1:11

Bible Reading: Luke 2:41–52

Growing in Wisdom

Every year, Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they all made the journey together.

After the festival ended, everyone began traveling home. Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was with friends or relatives.

But when they looked for him, they could not find him anywhere.

They hurried back to Jerusalem and searched for three days.

At last, they found Jesus in the Temple.

He was sitting with the teachers, listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and sharing wise answers. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding.

Mary said, “Child, why have you treated us this way? We have been so worried!”

Jesus answered gently, “Didn’t you know I would be in my Father’s house?”

Mary and Joseph did not fully understand what he meant, but they loved him deeply.

Jesus returned home with them to Nazareth. He obeyed his parents, learned from them, and continued to grow.

The Bible tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom, in strength, and in favor with God and with other people.

Even Jesus spent time learning, listening, asking questions, and growing. Every day was another opportunity to become wiser and more loving.

What Can We Learn?

Learning is a lifelong adventure. God invites us to ask good questions, listen carefully, and grow in wisdom, kindness, and love.

Love Like Francis and Clare

Ask a thoughtful question today. Learn something new, read a Bible story, or listen carefully when someone shares their experience.

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank You for helping us grow each day. Give us curious minds, loving hearts, and the wisdom to follow Jesus wherever He leads us.

Amen.

Remember This Verse

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.” — Luke 2:52