Rest and respect

01 · GATHER ROUND

Start with a question.

“What’s your favorite way to rest when you’re really, really tired?”

Naps, blanket burritos, and doing absolutely nothing are all excellent answers.

03 · OPEN THE BIBLE

Running on one percent.

What happens to a tablet that never gets charged? The battery icon turns red. The screen dims. Then—blink—it shuts off right in the middle of your show. Even the best device needs to be plugged in.

God made people to need rest, too. And he did something kind: he built rest right into the week. The fourth commandment tells God’s people to keep one day set apart—a Sabbath day—to stop their work and spend time worshiping him. Sabbath comes from a Hebrew word that means “stop.” It’s a day to stop working, rest, and remember that the world doesn’t depend on us. It depends on God.

For many Christians, Sunday is a special day to rest and worship together, because it’s the day Jesus rose from the dead. Gathering with God’s people, singing, praying, sharing a slow meal, and enjoying God’s world are all ways to plug back in to the one who made us.

The fifth commandment is about family: honor your father and mother. Our Bible verse puts these two commandments side by side. To honor someone means to treat them as important—to listen, to show respect, and to obey them as God wants. Honoring your parents is one way you honor God.

Honor doesn’t mean parents are perfect. Moms and dads mess up, too, and they need God’s forgiveness just like you. But God gives parents and caregivers the job of loving and guiding you, and he asks you to respect them as they do it. If a grown-up ever asks you to do something harmful or wrong, that’s different—tell another trusted adult right away.

Jesus kept both of these commandments perfectly. He worshiped his Father, and as a boy he obeyed Mary and Joseph. Even on the cross, he made sure his mother would be cared for. When we fall short, he forgives us and teaches us to rest in God and love our families well.

04 · WONDER TOGETHER

Let’s talk about it.

1. Why do you think God made rest a commandment instead of just a good idea?
2. What are some ways you could honor your parents or caregivers that they might not expect?
3. What helps you worship God on your family’s day of rest?

Try answering one yourself first. “I don’t know yet” is a fine place to start a conversation.

06 · TALK TO GOD

Let’s pray.

Father God, thank you for giving us rest and inviting us to worship you. Help us stop and remember that you hold the whole world. Thank you for the parents and caregivers you have given us. Help us honor them with our words and our actions. When we fall short, thank you that Jesus forgives us and helps us try again. Amen.

Then invite everyone to add one thing they want to tell God.

07 · MAKE IT STICK

A little truth to learn by heart.

Sing it! Put this week’s answer to a tune everyone knows—“Twinkle, Twinkle,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” or a melody you make up. It doesn’t have to fit perfectly. Sing it at bath time or in the car until someone hums it without being asked.