TLC Lesson 15 - The Living Christ Shows How God Cares for Us

Introduction

Does the Almighty God in heaven care about you and me? These pictures tell stories from His Holy Book. They teach us how God cares for His people. From the 'Living Christ' pictures, choose the numbers 18, 21, 51, 53, 86, 87, 108, 118, and 119, in this order.

Picture 18. The Marriage Feast at Cana

John 2:1-11

God is Great! Yes, that is very true. But sometimes we think He is so great that He is not interested in the things that concern us every day. Jesus came to earth to show us that God loves us. Look at this picture. Jesus is seen at a wedding feast in a village called Cana. However, there was not enough wine for everyone at the feast. What a dishonour for the bridegroom and his family! Jesus' mother told Him what had happened. She knew that He had power from God. So Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the water pots with water." When they were filled, Jesus said to them, "Now draw some water out and take it to the man in charge of the feast." The water had changed into the very best wine. This was the first great miracle of Jesus. It showed that He cared about the things that are concerns to ordinary people.

Picture 21. Jesus and the Official

John 4:46-54

One day a government official came to Jesus in Cana. His son was at home in another village. His son was sick and about to die. The official heard about Jesus and how He had turned the water into wine for the wedding. Maybe Jesus would care about his son too. He asked Jesus to come to his village and to heal his son. However, Jesus said, "Go home; your son will live." The man believed Jesus. He went home and found that his son was alive and well. Jesus cared about that man and his son. He cares about our families and those we love too.

Picture 51. Jesus Feeds Five Thousand People

Luke 9:10-17

Jesus cared when people were hungry. One day a huge crowd followed Him into the wilderness to hear His teaching. They listened all day long and they became hungry. Finally Jesus' disciples came and said, "Send the people away so that they can find food because this is a lonely place." But Jesus said, "You give them something to eat." The disciples had only five loaves of bread and two small fish but there were more than five thousand people in that place. Then Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." He took the five loaves and the two fish. He blessed them and shared them among all those people. After everyone had eaten there were still twelve baskets of broken pieces left over! Jesus had power from God to provide for all those people. Can we trust Him to provide for our needs as well?

Picture 53. The Bread of Life

John 6:22-40

After that, the people wanted Jesus to provide bread for them every day! They wanted Him to be their king! But Jesus said to them, "I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry. If you eat this bread (meaning himself) you will have eternal life." Jesus showed the people their real need. Food is important for our bodies but there is something more important. It is food for our spirits. Jesus is that spiritual bread which gives us spiritual life. All those who come to Him and follow His ways will find everlasting life. He is truly concerned for all who want to know spiritual truth.

Picture 86. A Blind Beggar Healed at Jericho

Luke 18:35-43

Jesus cares for the poor and the needy. One day as Jesus walked along the road, a blind beggar cried out to Him, "Take pity on me!" The people told the man to be quiet. They did not care about the blind beggar. But he cried out again, "Take pity on me." So Jesus stopped and said to him, "What do you want?" The blind man said, "I want to see again." Then Jesus said, "Then see! Your faith has saved you!" At once he could see and he followed Jesus, giving thanks to God.

Picture 87. Jesus and Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1-10

Jesus cares for rich people too. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector who was very rich. He had cheated many people. But Zacchaeus had a problem. He was a very short man. He wanted to see Jesus as He passed by but he could not see Him because the crowd blocked his view. So he climbed up into a tree. Then Jesus saw him and He said, "Hurry down Zacchaeus, I must stay in your house today." Zacchaeus came down. He welcomed Jesus with great joy. He promised to stop cheating and stealing and to start obeying God. Then Jesus said, "Salvation has come to this house today." For Jesus came to seek and to save all people. He cares about all people who are separated from God by their sins, both the rich or the poor.

Picture 108. The Crucifixion

Mark 15:25-39

When Jesus lived on earth the religious leaders did not care about ordinary people as Jesus cared. They determined to destroy Him. So they accused Him of breaking their laws and the Roman government condemned Him to die. Jesus had never sinned but they put him to death by crucifying Him as you see in this picture. However, this was the will of God. All people have sinned against God. We deserve to die as punishment for our sins. However, God loves each one of us. He wants to forgive our sins and save us from death. But the holy scripture says, "Without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness." Jesus shed His blood and died on that cross as a sacrifice for us. He paid the punishment for our sins so that we can be forgiven.

Picture 118. Jesus Ascends into Heaven

Acts 1:6-12

On the third day after His death, Jesus rose from the grave. He rose from the dead by the power of God! Jesus lived on earth again for 40 days. Many people saw Him. One day He took His disciples to a mountain near the city of Jerusalem. He told them to go into all the world and tell others the good news that God loves them. He wants all people to know that God can forgive their sins and save them from death. Jesus said, "All authority and power has been given to Me. I will be with you to the end of the age." Then He rose up into heaven just like you see in this picture.

Picture 119. Jesus at God's Right Hand in Heaven

Mark 16:19; Hebrews 7:25

Jesus still cares for us today. He is now in Heaven, sitting at the right hand of God. From there He sees each one of us. He knows what we need. As we pray, Jesus speaks to God on our behalf. God can supply all that we need in this life. He sends sunshine and rain. He supplies food and health. He only withholds these things if He knows it is for our good. One day Jesus will return to earth. Then He will judge all people. Those who do not follow Jesus' way of forgiveness will receive eternal punishment. But those who believe in Him and honour Him, will receive eternal life. They will know His love and care forever.