Opening Prayer

Dear Jesus, you are alive and you are with us right now, even though we can’t see you. Open our hearts to hear your Word today. Amen.

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4

Since God has raised you up with Christ, look for the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at God’s right hand. Think about the things above, not the things here on earth. For you have died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ — who is your life — appears, then you will appear with him in glory.

What This Means

Have you ever had a secret that made you smile — like a birthday present hidden in the closet that someone doesn’t know about yet? You know it’s there. You know it’s real. But nobody else can see it.

Paul says something like that is happening with you right now. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead on Easter, something happened to you too. In your baptism, God connected you to Jesus. You died with him. And you were raised with him. Your real life — the truest, most important thing about you — is tucked away safe with Jesus, hidden inside God himself.

That means nobody can take it from you. Not a bad day at school. Not a mean word from a friend. Not even being scared at night. Your real life is locked up with Jesus, and Jesus is with God. To get to you, anything bad would have to get through God first, and then through Jesus. That’s like the safest safe in the universe.

But here’s the thing — it’s hidden. You can’t always see it. Some days you feel ordinary. Some days you feel small. That’s okay. A seed buried in the dirt doesn’t look like much either. But inside that seed is a whole flower waiting to burst out.

One day, Jesus will come back, and everything hidden will be uncovered. Everyone will see what God has been doing all along. And you — yes, you — will shine with Jesus in glory.

Let’s Talk About It

Eberley: Why do you think God keeps our real life “hidden” instead of making it obvious to everyone? What does that teach us about how God works — and how is that different from what the world values?

Eberley: Paul says “seek the things above.” Does that mean we should ignore our regular life? What do you think it actually means?

Sonja: If your real life is hidden like a present in a closet, how does that make you feel? Safe? Excited? Why?

Sonja: What are some things that might make you forget that your real life is with Jesus? What helps you remember?

Dahlia & Freddy: Where is Jesus right now? (With God!) And where is your life hidden? (With Jesus!)

Remember This

Your real life is hidden safe with Jesus, and nobody can take it away.

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, that you are alive and that our lives are safe with you. When we feel small or ordinary, help us remember that you are holding onto us and that one day we will shine with you. Amen.

Memory Verse

“Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:3