Who Is Jesus Really—and Why Does It Matter for Our Family? (The Deity of Christ)

Yes—Jesus is fully God, not just a good teacher, and that changes everything about how we parent, how we rest, and how we lead our home.

A Message from FA Memphis

Hey there, family! We are so glad you’ve carved out a few minutes of your busy Friday to lean into the heart of God with us.

Today, we’re talking about something big, really big. We’re looking at the fact that Jesus isn’t just a character in a dusty book or a “good teacher” from history. He is the King of Kings, the Creator of the stars, and truly, fully God.

At First Assembly Memphis, we believe that when we see Jesus for who He truly is, the divine Son of God, it changes how we wake up, how we parent, and how we love. Let’s dive into this beautiful mystery together!

Scripture

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Hebrews 1:3

Reflection: The King Who Holds the Stars and Our Hands

Have you ever stood outside on a clear night and tried to count the stars? It feels impossible, doesn’t it? There is a vastness to the universe that makes us feel tiny. Now, imagine the One who spoke every single one of those stars into existence. Imagine the One who keeps the planets spinning and the tides moving.

That “Someone” is Jesus.

As parents, we often focus on “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” and He certainly is the Good Shepherd. But the Assemblies of God Fundamental Truths remind us of something even more staggering: The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. This means Jesus wasn’t just a very holy man; He is God in the flesh. He didn’t start existing when He was born in a manger; He has always been.

Visual: A soft watercolor painting of a starry night sky merging into the warm glow of a nursery lamp, symbolizing the Infinite God entering our small world.

Think about the “exact representation” mentioned in Hebrews. If you want to know what God’s heart looks like, you look at Jesus. When He healed the sick, that was God’s compassion. When He calmed the storm, that was God’s power. When He died on the Cross and rose again, that was God’s unstoppable love winning the ultimate victory for us.

For us as parents (shout out to the 28-to-45 crew juggling carpools and coffee!), this truth is our anchor. If Jesus is God, then He is powerful enough to handle our biggest fears. If He is God, He is wise enough to guide our parenting. And if He is God, He is worthy of the very center of our hearts. He isn’t just a guest in our home; He’s the King of it.

Joint Bible Study: The Mystery of the Maker

For the Parents: Take a moment to read Matthew 1:23 together. The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” This is the core of our faith. We don’t worship a God who stays far away. We worship a God who moved into the neighborhood.

For the Kids: Ask your little ones: “If you could make anything in the whole world, what would it be?” (Maybe a mountain of chocolate or a pet dinosaur?)

Explain that Jesus actually did make everything—mountains, dinosaurs, and even their tiny fingernails! But the most amazing part is that the King of the Universe chose to become a little baby so He could grow up and show us how much He loves us. He is the King of our hearts because He is the strongest, kindest King ever.

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Kids Story: Leo and the Great Star-Maker

Once upon a time, in a house with a very creaky porch, lived a boy named Leo. Leo loved things that were big. He loved big trucks, big oak trees, and especially the big, wide sky.

One night, Leo sat on the porch with his Grandpa. “Grandpa,” Leo whispered, “is God bigger than the sky?”

Grandpa smiled, his eyes crinkling like old paper. “Oh, much bigger, Leo. He made the sky.”

“Then why do we talk to Jesus like He’s right here?” Leo asked, patting the empty spot on the bench. “If He’s that big, how can He fit in our house?”

Grandpa pulled a small, silver locket from his pocket. Inside was a tiny picture of Leo’s grandmother. “You see this? This is just a small picture, but it shows me exactly who she is. Jesus is like that, but even better. He is the Big God who made the stars, but He made Himself small, human like us, so we could know Him. He’s the King who wears a crown of stars, but He’s also the Friend who sits on the porch with us.”

Leo looked up at the moon. He didn’t feel small anymore. He felt safe. Because if the King who owned the moon was his Friend, then everything was going to be okay.

Visual: A charcoal and pastel drawing of a young boy and an elderly man sitting on a porch, looking at a magnificent, glowing moon.

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The Chronicles of the Bright Path: Chapter 4 The Secret of the Lantern

The forest was darker than usual. Pips, a small rabbit with a very large courage, clutched his lantern tightly. Beside him, Oliver the Bear rumbled a low worried sound in his chest.

“The Shadow-Mist is thick today,” Oliver whispered. “I can’t see the path.”

Pips held his lantern higher. The light was small, but it didn’t flicker. “Remember what the Ancient Map says, Oliver? ‘The Light isn’t just from the King. The Light is the King.’”

Suddenly, the lantern glow changed. It didn’t just shine yellow; it began to glow with a brilliant, pulsing white light that seemed to eat the shadows. The mist didn’t just move; it melted.

“It’s not just a candle,” Pips realized, his voice full of wonder. “The King put a piece of His own heart inside the lantern. That’s why the shadows are afraid. They aren’t just fighting a flame; they are fighting the Maker of Light Himself.”

Oliver stood taller. They weren’t just two small animals in a dark woods anymore. They were walking with the power of the King. And the path ahead was suddenly as bright as noon.

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Tips for Raising Christian Children: Explaining “Big Truths”

Teaching the deity of Christ to kids doesn’t require a master’s degree in theology. It requires wonder. Here are a few tips:

Use Nature: When you see a sunset or a massive mountain, say, “Wow, Jesus did a great job on that, didn’t He?” It links the Person they hear about in Sunday School to the Creator of the physical world.

Highlight the “I Am” statements: When reading the Bible, point out when Jesus says things like “I am the Light of the world.” Ask your kids, “Who else can say they are the Light?”

Model Worship: Let your kids see you in awe of God. When we treat Jesus as a “buddy” only, we miss the “King” part. Let them see you pray with reverence.

Check Out Our Resources: If you’re looking for more ways to engage your family, browse our blog for more devotionals or grab a spiral notebook to start a family prayer journal!

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Hands-On Faith: The Crown of Hearts Craft

This simple craft helps children visualize Jesus as the King who rules with love.

Materials:

* A paper plate * Crayons or markers (pastel colors work great!) * Safety scissors * Heart stickers or glitter

Spiritual Connection Script: “While we make this crown, let’s remember that Jesus is the King of the whole universe. But He doesn’t want to rule from a far-away palace. He wants to be the King of our hearts! That’s why we’re putting hearts on our crowns today.”

Steps: 1. Fold the paper plate in half. 2. Cut slits from the center fold toward the edge (like slices of a pizza), but stop about two inches from the rim. 3. Unfold the plate and bend the triangles upward to create the points of the crown. 4. Decorate with hearts and bright colors! 5. Wear your crowns while you do the “Action” section below!

Visual: A soft, brightly lit photo of a child’s hand placing a heart sticker onto a decorated paper plate crown.

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Action: A Shout of Praise!

It’s time to get a little loud! In many Pentecostal traditions, we believe in expressing our joy.

Gather the family in a circle. On the count of three, everyone “shout” your favorite thing about Jesus at the top of your lungs! (e.g., “HE IS KING!” “HE LOVES ME!” “HE IS GOD!”)

Now, sing a simple song together. If you don’t know one, try the chorus of “The Lion and the Lamb” or a simple “Hallelujah.”

Prayer

Dear Jesus, we stand in wonder today knowing that You are God. You made the world, You hold the stars, and yet, You know our names. Thank You for being a King who is both powerful and kind. We crown You the King of our hearts today. Rule our home with Your peace and Your love. Amen.

Family Question for the Car Ride

“If Jesus is the King of our hearts, what is one ‘rule’ He might have for our family today? (Hint: Is it a rule about kindness, or maybe about sharing?)”

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