​Read all or parts of Revelation 21-22 from your Bible, or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: 

     Jesus is coming back! And when He does everything will be made new. The most exciting difference between the new heaven and earth from the old heaven and earth will be that God will live with His people! The Bible also tells us that God will take away all the terrible things that sin has caused like death, pain, sadness, and tears. The new heaven and earth will be filled with joy as we worship Jesus. 

     When God showed John the holy city, He noticed there was no temple. In the holy city, God will be with His people and there will no longer be a need for a temple. His people will be able to worship Him face to face. The Bible tells us that only those who have trusted Jesus as Savior, whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, will be able to enter the city. This city is for God’s children to be with Him and worship Him forever. God has given us opportunities now to recognize we are sinners and need Jesus to save us from sin. Anyone can trust in Jesus, be forgiven, and have the hope of life with Him forever.

     As we wait for Jesus’ return, we can look forward to the day when Jesus returns and takes away all the hurt and pain we see in the world today. Praise the Lord for the hope we have in Him both now and for the future!

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1:   Whose names are written in the book of life?

ANSWER:  Discuss how only those who have trusted in Jesus as their Lord and Savior have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life. Tell kids that if anyone’s name is not written in the book of life, he will not be able to enter the new heavens and earth. Remind kids that today Jesus stands at the door and knocks, inviting everyone to trust in Him and be forgiven of sin.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2:   Why should we look forward to Jesus coming back? How will the lives of Christ-followers be different when He returns? 

ANSWER: Answers will vary. Remind kids that John ends the book of Revelation with a prayer for Jesus to come quickly. Discuss how believers desire for Jesus to come back because the greatest longing of our heart is to live with Him. Remind kids that we have so much to look forward to when Jesus returns including worshiping Him face to face and having no more sin. (Optional: Read Ps. 16:11.) 

MORNINGS:

Dear Heavenly Father,

     Thank You, Lord, for Your promise that Jesus will return one day and make all things new. Help us look forward to that day with hope and share the good news with others so they can look forward to that day, too. In Jesus’ name, amen.

EVENINGS: 

Dear Heavenly Father, 

     Thank You, Lord, for Your love and care for us. Thank You for sending Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin. Help us confidently and courageously trust You, knowing You are in control and care for us. Amen.