Research shows that parents are the single most influential factor in a child's faith. 82% of kids whose parents talk about and practice faith at home go on to follow Jesus as adults — compared to 36% whose parents simply bring them to church. Alabaster Kids is one hour a week. You have the rest. We want to help you make the most of it.

Try these over dinner one night, spread across morning breakfasts, or return to them on the go in the car this week.

Weekly Scripture Passage: Mark 5:21–43

This week our kids heard the story of a worried dad named Jairus who begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter, and a woman who'd been sick a long time and quietly reached out to touch Jesus' robe in faith. Right in the middle of it all, the family got the worst possible news, "it's too late, she's already died," but Jesus wasn't shaken.

In this story, we are reminded that Jesus is never too busy for us, and never too late to help. He stopped everything for a woman no one else even noticed, and he wasn't rattled by news that would have shaken anyone else.

• Jairus had to interrupt a huge crowd and beg for help, even though he was an important, respected leader. Has there been a time you needed to ask for help even though it felt hard, embarrassing, or like you should be able to handle it yourself?

• The woman didn't ask out loud, she just quietly reached out and touched Jesus' robe. Is there something you need from Jesus this week that you could bring to him quietly, the way she did?

• Jairus got the worst possible news, "it's too late," but Jesus said, "Don't be afraid, just believe." Is there something in your life right now that feels too late or too far gone? What would it look like to believe instead of be afraid?

• When Jesus healed the little girl, he did it gently and quietly, then made sure she got something to eat. What does that tell us about how Jesus cares about both the big things and the small, ordinary things in our lives?

Pray Together
Jesus, thank you that you're never too busy for us and never too late to help. Thank you for stopping for the woman even while you were rushing to save a dying girl. Help us come to you honestly, without waiting, and help us believe instead of being afraid, even when things look hopeless. Amen.