NEW TESTAMENT 2019
Come, Follow Me
with
Harden Not Your Hearts
Scripture:
Hebrews 3:8
8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Song:
He Sent His Son Children’s Songbook Page 34
Lesson:
In Hebrews, we are reminded of the greatness of Jesus Christ and of His atonement for us. Jesus suffered all things, and because He did, He knows how to help us. He only asks that in return we offer Him our hearts. That means that we show our love for Him by keeping His commandments.
We are also told in Hebrews 3:8 not to “harden” our hearts. Something that is hard doesn’t let things in. You might describe it as stiff or not bendable. Jesus wants us to let Him into our hearts and let our will bend to His, so he can help us to become better people. Having a soft heart means we are teachable and loving. We have faith in Jesus Christ and try to become like Him. Having a hard heart means we are stubborn and unwilling to change. Do we sometimes have hardened hearts? How can we make them soft again?
Quote:
“We speak of people with faint hearts, wise hearts, pure hearts, willing hearts, deceitful hearts, conniving hearts, courageous hearts, cold hearts, hearts of stone, or selfish hearts. The measure of our hearts is the measure of our total performance. As used by the Lord, the “heart” of a person describes his effort to better self, or others, or the conditions he confronts.” Marvin J. Ashton
Q&A:
What does it mean to harden your heart? (Discuss ideas)
When they were in the wilderness, the Israelites hardened their hearts against God at times. What happened to them? (See Hebrews 3:10-11)
How can we develop soft & contrite hearts? (Discuss ideas).
Activity idea:
Captain, Captain
In Hebrews 2:10 Jesus is described as "the captain of [our] salvation". Talk about what this might mean - how is Jesus like our captain? After discussing, play a fun family game of "Captain, Captain" (Similar to "Simon Says").
Treat idea:
Soft Heart Cream Puffs
These soft, fluffy, raspberry filled cream puffs are shaped like hearts to remind us to soften our hearts so we can receive God's blessings.
These lessons are perfect for Family Home Evening at the beginning of the week, or to recap the following Sunday. Or use portions of the lesson throughout the week to enhance your family scripture study.
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